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So with STW's help I managed to identify what headset I have: it's FSA ZS-3.
I would get a Cane Creek ZS44 (top and bottom) as a replacement. But here I've got a question: is it possible to keep the existing cups in a frame, if both headsets use the same type of bearings (30.2 x 41 x 6.5H with 45° contact) and replace just the crown race and a top cap?
If it's possible I can plan the weekend riding, if not - it's all up to the LBS! 😆
When you change a taper wheel bearing in a car you ALWAYS replace the races at the same time! Simple answer - you 'could'. Is it a good idea seeing that the old bearings would have worn the cups? No 🙂
I generally just replace the bearings
Absolutely fine just replacing bearings.
oink1 seems to be thinking about headests with loose/caged bearings that run in the cup. Modern headsets with cartridge bearings dont wear the cups but you may find that the crown race and top cap don't quite fit right as sometimes they are designed to fit closely with the cups to get a good seal so you might end up with a bigger than ideal gap or worse get some rubbing.
Assemble it and see. If you get a gap then just pack with grease to stop water getting in and then get the LBS to sort it when you get back. If it rubs then it's off to the LBS or learn to knock out and refit cups yourself. It's not that hard, just a bit scary the first time!
Keep the cups if it's ACB bearings. Number of times I see people wanting to replace the whole headset and go through the madness of removal and pressing new one in, when they can just replace the bearings.
Cage bearings, yes, different case. Replace whole headset, with cartridge bearing headset. Cage are a grindfest the instant a drop of water gets near them and they do wear the cups.
Sorry, my bad 😳 Wasn't thinking about cartridge bearings! *winds neck in*
If the ZS means zero stack (which I guess it does), the cups aren't really pressed in, its semi integrated, the cups aren't a tight fit and can be pressed in by hand or with a little tap from a rubber mallet.
Not the same as fitting a normal headset.
yeah, they are the easiest of cups to change. You do have a better chance of the crown race and upper cover fitting a zero stack but still 50:50 at best as some do have labyrinth setups to try and keep out dirt and water and some have wiper seals.
Bit of wooden/plastic dowel* (wear safety specs) and a rubber mallet should see the old ones out and a rubber mallet to to fit the new ones. LBS should have it done in minutes but it depends if they are fully booked and don't slot people in.
*or if you dont care about the cups just a metal extension bar out of a socket set.