Wheel bearings and crown races...

[Neil]

Noticed a surprising scarcity of wheel bearings on the normal EBS sites - am I missing something or searching retardedly?

Seems some on ebay - in the past always bought them from LBSs - just thought I'd see more on the usual suspects' websites.

Also - crown races? I've got a frame with a Tioga Alchemy headset in - bearings and grease look sweet, so don't feel inclined to change it (as it would have been the stock headset - but could do with a compatible crown race so I can fit some forks to it. Would most crown races you can buy suit - or do I need to try and match something specific to it?

 

[David B]

Noticed a surprising scarcity of wheel bearings on the normal EBS sites - am I missing something or searching retardedly?

Wheel bearings....cup 'n' cone or cartridge? If you can't find the latter on a bike-specific website they can be bought through electronics firm RS (I think the 6001Z type is the one that fits Mavic 501s and Sachs-Maillard)

Weldtite used to make generic spindle/cup/cone sets, quality probably so-so however but would do to keep you moving if nothing better's out there.

For ball bearings, contact these guys to see if they can do small-quantity private sales;

http://www.atlasball.co.uk/

I used to work in a lab that analysed their products and the quality of Atlas bearings is second to none.

David

 

[Neil]

Noticed a surprising scarcity of wheel bearings on the normal EBS sites - am I missing something or searching retardedly?

Wheel bearings....cup 'n' cone or cartridge? If you can't find the latter on a bike-specific website they can be bought through electronics firm RS (I think the 6001Z type is the one that fits Mavic 501s and Sachs-Maillard)

Weldtite used to make generic spindle/cup/cone sets, quality probably so-so however but would do to keep you moving if nothing better's out there.

For ball bearings, contact these guys to see if they can do small-quantity private sales;

http://www.atlasball.co.uk/

I used to work in a lab that analysed their products and the quality of Atlas bearings is second to none.

David

Cup and cone - so normally loose.

Hubs I've got that need servicing are all Deore DX from around 91.

Oddly enough, another hobby I have (inline skating) they can obsess about bearings, too (608Z?) but they're all the cartridge / enclosed types - and most never service them, they just tend to buy new sets.

 

[bm0p700f]

For hub cone Wheel Manufacturing make these. I stock these in the workshop and they do a full range so one will be compatible.

There is a WMF poster with all the cones and hangers so you match them up.

I get my loose ball and all my cartridge bearings from my local bearings factor Hayley bearing in Bury St. Edmunds. this way I can specify the grade e.t.c. Cheaper also than Shimano's pot of loose balls. I will go to distributors for bearings propriorotry to a brand. But most cartrige frame and wheel bearings and standard sizes that can ordered more cheaply through a bearing factor.

Crown race do differ in profile a bit and generally crown races are not availble as spare parts, so a worn cup means a whole new headset.

 

[Neil]

For hub cone Wheel Manufacturing make these. I stock these in the workshop and they do a full range so one will be compatible.

There is a WMF poster with all the cones and hangers so you match them up.

I get my loose ball and all my cartridge bearings from my local bearings factor Hayley bearing in Bury St. Edmunds. this way I can specify the grade e.t.c. Cheaper also than Shimano's pot of loose balls. I will go to distributors for bearings propriorotry to a brand. But most cartrige frame and wheel bearings and standard sizes that can ordered more cheaply through a bearing factor.

Think I was just a bit surprised, really - years back, I just went to an LBS and bought all the loose bearings I needed - just thought I'd find that just as easy online with the major EBSs, thinking that they happily sell practically all other maintenance items.

Crown race do differ in profile a bit and generally crown races are not availble as spare parts, so a worn cup means a whole new headset.

It's not worn - just missing - bought a frame a while back, and they left the original headset in (sans crown race) - which was good, because it still looks perfect, and the grease looks fresh. I was lucky enough to be able to find the exact stock (rigid) fork (albeit in the alternate colour), also on ebay - problem being no crown race on it.

So choices are either replace headset - which would be a shame, as it's perfect - stock and in great condition - or find a compatible crown race somewhere.

 

[greenstiles]

crown races can differ a lot ! most are specific to the headset it came from. Almost impossible to get a replacement unless say someone like Hope is feeling generous if you have a Hope headset. Diameters, angles and width and depth of contact areas.

 

[bm0p700f]

My bit is your alot, I think I was understating. New headset I am afraid.

I have plenty of loose balls in my shop if the OP is still looking for any. Any size.