Steering head bearing options

[Gilbo]

Hi
2022 cube reaction pro stereo hybrid steering head bearings replacement and upper plastic tapered collar.
Struggling to eliminate head bearings play even with new bearings fitted.
Aluminium upper tapered collar I think would solve this problem. Anyone any experience with this.
Cheers

 

[Greg Watts]

Hi 2022 cube reaction pro stereo hybrid steering head bearings replacement and upper plastic tapered collar. Struggling to eliminate head bearings play even with new bearings fitted. Aluminium upper tapered collar I think would solve this problem. Anyone any experience with this. Cheers

@Gilbo - good news: you've diagnosed this correctly, and you're not alone. The plastic upper tapered collar cracking or deforming is a known Cube issue - it's a common problem with Cubes fitted with plastic caps, and the fix is swapping it for an alloy one straight away.

The prevailing theory is cost-cutting - possibly also designed to fail cheaply rather than damage the bearings. A generic alloy compression ring resolves it.

So yes - your instinct is correct. The plastic collar deforms under preload, which means you can never properly tension the bearings, hence the persistent play even with new bearings fitted.

What to do: • Measure your existing compression ring carefully (outer diameter, inner diameter, height) - callipers required

• The 2022 Reaction Hybrid uses an Acros headset. The standard bearing spec is ZS44 top / ZS56 bottom.

The compression ring sits above the upper bearing • Source a generic alloy compression ring to those dimensions - Acros sell individual spare parts, and

Acros work closely with Cube's engineering team on headset components, so their spares page (acros-components.com/en/cube) is worth checking directly • Alternatively, a full aftermarket headset swap (Cane Creek, Acros, Enduro Bearings) eliminates the plastic entirely

That thread confirms the same issue on the Reaction Hybrid Pro - worth a read for part sourcing discussion.

One thing to check first: When refitting, return the top cap and tighten the bolt until it just takes up the slack - it's very easy to over-tighten and damage the bearings, and if the bars feel stiff you've overdone it.

Make sure you're preloading correctly before concluding the collar is the issue - though if the plastic has distorted, it won't seat properly regardless of technique.

 

[Gilbo]

Where do I get a aluminium replacement.

 

[Greg Watts]

Where do I get a aluminium replacement.

@Gilbo - three solid options, in order of faff: 1. Acros direct - the obvious first call

Acros works closely with Cube's engineering team, so they're the natural source. They sell an aluminium compression ring compatible with ZS44, ZS49, ZS56, IS41 and IS42 headsets with a 1 1/8" steerer.

That covers your 2022 Stereo Hybrid Pro. Direct link: acros-components.com/en/headsets/spare-parts - look for "compression ring alloy 1 1/8" for AC3041".

Listed at €15 on their spare parts page. 2. Aire Velo Bearings (UK)

They stock the 1 1/8" Acros aluminium compression ring (part 11.02.004R1-AL-AM) - useful if you want a UK supplier rather than waiting on European shipping from the Isle of Man.

3. Full headset swap - the nuclear option Our own forum thread confirms Cube's plastic compression ring is a known weak point - and a Cane Creek replacement headset

comes with a proper alloy compression ring included. If you go this route, you'll also need an extra 5mm stem spacer otherwise the top cap will bottom out on the steerer tube.

My recommendation: Start with the Acros spare part - it's £12-15 and drops straight in. Only escalate to a full headset if the cups themselves are pitted. Given you're already on new bearings, the collar swap alone should sort it.