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something for an xc bike - light, black, cheap...
thoughts?
Whatever FSA with cartridge bearings you like the look of. Or Cane Creek S3 but my old Orbit was definately better sealed than those, bearings lasted about twice as long.
Orbit
cane creek s3 £17 crc
superstar
I've got a tapered fella and its really nice piece of kit
+1 for a Cane Creek S3. Light, cheap, durable.
Race face deus off eBay. £27 bargain.
Orbit XL II - cartridge bearings, mine are still smooth after two years.
Cane Creek S3
Orbit XL II - cartridge bearings, mine are still smooth after two years.
+1
+1 for Cane Creek. Current one is near enough 2yrs old and still smooth
Oh. NOT cheap Ritchie, just discovered the one in my rigid's seized up after I think 6 months and about as many rides, bike's been rained on once and washed once.
both my bikes have fsa orbit uf's. one is 11 years old and the other 3. just pull apart and grease once a year and they keeeeeeeeeep going.
Orbit XL 2. I used to go through headsets like nothing else. Not had any trouble since I put one of these in 3 years ago.
Cane Creek S3.
The bearings last for ages and you can replace them with the stainless versions from the S8 at a later date if you're feeling a bit flush.
Orbit XL-2 or MX. Keep the bearings rammed with grease and they will do a few years.
I've never seen a cheap Cane Creek that hasn't rusted or any RaceFace that will not loosen.
I've used both Cane Creeks and FSAs for years and they're unbeatable for the money. On-One always have good deals on the FSAs. Alternatively, got a Nukeproof one on the Blur at the moment and in comparison feels rubbish. Almost feels as if I've put it together wrong (I've not). Big gaps between the crown race and the bottom cup, feels notchy after 6 months use. Will be replacing it with an FSA Orbit when it dies...
Orbit MX , I've had one for ages and it still runs fine. It has extra seals on the bearings unlike the XL2 I used to have
I've had an Orbit MX and a Cane Creek S3. In my experience the S3 was better sealed and lasted longer. The MX is still going, but requires opening and cleaning occasionally, whereas the S3, which gets used more often, hasn't been touched in about 3yrs and is still silky smooth.
Orbit xl 2 off of eBay £17
Buy two and you have spare bearings for when the lower one is knackered. Should keep you going for a few years..