PTW

I thought I would have a go at finding out why my handlebars are getting increasingly reluctant to turn, and discovered this:



Obviously I am now in the market for a new headset but the question is (and this is probably to the mountain bikers out there) if that kind of corrosion can happen to a (presumably not exactly dirt cheap) headset in only 4 winters, what headset will survive?

The WTB Momentum, for example, seems to be designed for use with a grease gun, and will therefore last (it is claimed) indefinitely.

Any other ideas out there? I talked to Jeff and he said leaving any bike out in the rain, even on just a few occasions, is bad for any headset.

Bill, 4 years from one headset isn't that bad. They are not really going to break the bank. see http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Cane_Creek_S3_Aheadset/5360017632/

It's not the bank I'm worried about It's the hours spent keeping the bike in a semblance of working order. In the last month it's had a new bottom-bracket, both gear cables replaced, and it needs a new chain (as ever) and the front changer is completely broken, as is the speedo. And that's without being picky.

I shouldn't need to have to do any of that. It should just work, year after year. Certainly our car hardly needs any work to keep it going, and it has 140K on the clock.

You should'na said that Bill, you'll be shelling out on the car next!. It ranks along side the ageless line, "dew! I ain't had a puncture for ages".

Actually, now you mention it, I haven't had a puncture all winter...

Incidentally I have now ordered some bits. I chose something called a Token Heavy Duty Extreme Conditions Headset (£27). Let's see how it goes.

If you're not worried about the bank then should've gone Chris King for the headset.