Best replacment for Specialized ‘drop in’ headset bearings ?

Headset seems to creak on my 2019 Stumpjumper comp EVO (alloy) no matter what amount of greasing and re-fitting etc. but bearings on their own feel smooth. Uses ‘drop in’ ‘Campy’ style bearings.
So far can only find replacement form either Specialized which is a complete headset or ebay/Edge/Kinetic etc. for bearings only.

Is there something better out there ? Has anyone experience of these in Specialized bikes, as they seem to have been using the same set up for several years previous and in the likes of the Enduro etc.

Dont’ know how many styles of drop in headsets there are, but I want for a Cane Creek 40 last time for mine. Seems to have a pretty decent performance/durability for the price. I’d be amazed if they didn’t make something for Spec. frames.

This was a few years ago but I tried several other brands in an enduro frame, none except specializeds own would allow the top cap to sit flush without a gap. Try Bikescene in Guisborough, knew exactly what I was after without having to explain the problem I’d had, and were happy supplying upper bearing only

Ours are all carbon frames now but we use this guy from ebay for all our Specialized bearings. Have used him for a long time and they have been as good if not better than the factory stuff.
We always have a few as spares.
The last lot we fitted was at the beginning of the race season, checked them when she got back from North Star and they are fine, just need to get round to fitting one in the bottom bracket as it fells a bit rough from all the dust.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Specialized-Fit-Headset-Bearings-1-1-8-Integrated-Bearing-Kit/301864245330?hash=item464882d852:g:oggAAOSwal5YDigw

Do Wych Bearings do anything suitable? admittedly you need to know the specs/dimensions of what you have as they don’t tend to list by particular headsets etc.. but I got headset bearings for a couple of my bikes from them now and they’ve been great.

Wych Bearings

Enduro and Stumpy both use the same headset setup.

Bottom bearing is a standard 1.5 bearing, I used Hope ones which are way better sealed.

Top headset I’ve used a Hope No8 top headset (IS42) with a works components top cap. Could of used the Hope top cap if I had the right headset spacer.

Katy Curd is using the Hope No8 on her Stumpy.

ive just got a new set for my stumpy (3rd) in under a year.

Im worried about compatable campy bearings as many list them but they all seem to have a different height than the official fsa specialized ones.

I would like some stainless ones. The last time i removed these (after packing with xhp222) the bottom one had brown water running out of it!

Im thinking that just going for a bi annual change is the best way. btw the last one seemed ok in the hand. Seized solid on the bench a day later!

id like some of those new skf ones.

Looks like hes out of stock on the top and bottom ones as a pair.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Specialized-Fit-Headset-Bearings-1-1-8-1-5-Integrated-Tapered-Bearing-Kit-/301804085047?hash=item4644ecdf37

Might be worth dropping him a message

Thanks all & thank you Tracey – might try the Blue Seal ones, do you know if the upper bearings have the lip on the inner race ? I think mine needs that type.

I normally buy pivot bearings from Wych but the Enduro brand headset bearings nomenclature is slightly confusing.

Also tried the Hope offerings but the Hope type J for the lower doesn’t fit with the Hope crown race – the rubber seal is clear of the frame so doesn’t seal! And the No.8 top didn’t fit either, wrong bearing at 6.5mm high (confirmed by Hope as they had the stock mixed up) sent me the correct bearing 8mm high one but then the supplied top cap didn’t fit either so sent it back.

Tracey, the link on your first post is for Spesh enduro, right?

Plot twist. If your bearings feel fine could you have a creaky CSU on your forks? I know I flipping do 🤨

I hope not Survivor BUT will double check that as a lower service is due.

Will also double check the top cap torques (Pikes – 28Nm feels so tight though! 🙁 )

Pretty sure the Spec part number is S142500001 and should cost about £50
from a concept store.

Or as others have stated wynch bearings are brilliant the bottom is 52 x6.5 x 45 degree and should cost a tenner.

My second link is to the Enduro and Stumpjumper ones

The top bearing in mine is angled on the inside next to the steerer so that the other bit clamps it down. A bit like a smaller upside down crown race if that makes any sense. The plastic bit that covers and fits between that and the spacers also has a small metal washer on it.

All my spares are packed in the van ready for the next trip but can have a look on Friday if you want

Looked in the box, these are what Ive got jotted down if they are any good to anyone

top bearing is MH-P08F (41.8x8x45)
bottom bearing is MH-P16 (52x7x45)