How to tell what headset bearings you have?

[Minty]

Hello my lovelies,

My Carrera Virago T.T (road bike) is getting a little loose on the headstock and am wanting to replace it. I cannot find any spec listings for my bike now (think it is a 2008 model).

The last time I did one was on my Raleigh Lizard. How the feck do I decide which size and type mine is (after seeing the plethora of varying types available online)?

Mucho thanks.
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[chris-red]

I think all you have to do is measure the width of the top fork tube (what the stem bolts onto).

Most of them are 1 1/8" I believe.
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[stinkwheel]

You have a threadless headset. Almost certainly 1 1/8" but measure it quickly just to check.

I just fitted an FSA Orbit one to Mrs stinkwheels MTB. Sealed tapered roller bearings. Shouldn't ever need another set.

Also read this: https://sheldonbrown.com/headsets.html
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[Minty]

[stinkwheel]

If you had sealed ones, they wouldn't need re-packing, what with them being sealed and all.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Minty]

Ok, I guess I need a look-see and find out just what I have.

I'll report back...........
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My fingers smell of your mum.

[Minty]

Work was quiet so I popped to the bike shed, undone the 2 pinch bolts and went to undo the main one........oh, it's loose already? ? ?

Tighten it all back up and it feels lovely now.

I bring much dishonour to the cycling family.
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My fingers smell of your mum.

[D O G]

If you are referring to the 'main one' being the one on the top, so applying tension along the length of the steerer tube, this is not really the way to think about it.

That bolt is to apply pretension to the headset before tightening the pinch bolts on the stem.

Correct way to tighten is to nip up the tensioning bolt so there is no play in the headset, then tighten the pinch bolts on the stem. Not the other way round.

[Minty]

That does make logical sense and is the way I tightened it back up. Felt like a different bike on the way home.

Ta muchly.
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