Anyone tried Solid lube bearings in a headset?

[MarkB]

I have an internally routed angle adjust headset on my Cube AMS Hybrid and unfortunately can't change it for a more sensible headset like an Easybikeparts one

Has anyone used solid lube bearings in a headset?

They would seem to be a good long lasting alternative to the original bearings. The additional friction from the solid lube shouldn't be an issue and they seem ideal for headsets and frame pivots.

 

[VWsurfbum]

I have an internally routed angle adjust headset on my Cube AMS Hybrid and unfortunately can't change it for a more sensible headset like an Easybikeparts one

Has anyone used solid lube bearings in a headset?

They would seem to be a good long lasting alternative to the original bearings. The additional friction from the solid lube shouldn't be an issue and they seem ideal for headsets and frame pivots.

Never seen them? Do you mean like a bushing rather than a bearing?

 

[RustyMTB]

They're normal sealed cartridge bearings but packed with semi solid lube designed to resist water & dirt more than your average bearing. Never used them but I think it couldn't hurt. Any noticeable resistance in the bars would be something you get used to quickly. Also, internally routed headset bikes without the option to switch to frame ports suck.

 

[MarkB]

Never seen them? Do you mean like a bushing rather than a bearing?

I think they were originally designed for food production machinery. They use a lube injected polymer instead of a cage in the bearing

https://www.airevelobearings.com/product/mh-p16-slt-bo-slt-headset-bearing-40-x-52-x-7-45-45/

 

[Ndanger]

Speaking of Cube headsets, is there a better option to replace the fiber plastic headset cups

 

[MarkB]

Speaking of Cube headsets, is there a better option to replace the fiber plastic headset cups

Unfortunately I don't think there is as the frame has been specifically designed to take the Acros angle adjust bearing cups. This is why I was investigating longer lasting and better sealed bearings so that I only have to disassemble and bleed my brake once.

 

[RustyMTB]

Unfortunately I don't think there is as the frame has been specifically designed to take the Acros angle adjust bearing cups. This is why I was investigating longer lasting and better sealed bearings so that I only have to disassemble and bleed my brake once.

If you're careful, you could in all likelihood get away with just doing a lever bleed. On mine I have just repaired a leaking lever & by keeping the brake line elevated, that was all I needed. Not ideal but not the end of the world either.

 

[MarkB]

If you're careful, you could in all likelihood get away with just doing a lever bleed. On mine I have just repaired a leaking lever & by keeping the brake line elevated, that was all I needed. Not ideal but not the end of the world either.

I've got a new 4pot xt caliper for the rear (only 2pot xt fitted as standard) and the hose needs shortening too so I was looking to time the bearing replacement with that as well

 

[RustyMTB]

Yeah makes sense but the odds are you won't really burn through headset bearings to the extent it becomes a problem anyway.

Even with headset cabling it ought to be possible to access the bearings without removing lines so you can clean out dirt which is going to be half the battle.