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Riding a gravel bike on and off road with different wheelsets, obviously at this time of year it gets pretty dirty. I am not using mudguards as I feel they would get clogged up with mud riding off road.The bike is quite new and I don't mind cleaning it afterwards, however , I am starting to think the lower headset bearing is a bit open to all that's thrown at it , I haven't dropped the forks out yet, will do after weekend ride.
Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions on what could be used to protect the bearing?
Can't you just use a shorty MTB one like an enduro guard?
A section of inner tube will seal it up well, but modern headsets are much better sealed than old ones
Better headset with rubber seal on the crown race or just buy the crown race with seal if compatible or old skool neoprene velcro thingy, then take off after ride to clean it.
1. Pop bearing seal and pack with marine grease
2. Anything to keep spray off is a good idea e.g. cut-down Enduro guard
Cynic-al, really like the inner tube idea but does it rub the paint off the frame when the forks twist?
mudguards are the answer
Is it worth being concerned? They're about 7 quid.
I ride all through winter off road (and commute) and I usually get through one bearing about every 9 months.
Claudie it won't move against the frame/cup, just have it extend a few mm below the gap between crown race and cup, it will do its job.
No need for mudguards.
Innertube is a bad idea, any grit gets in it'll stay in and cause damage, hope or superstar lower cup with the extra outer seal.
pop seal out and fill with marine grease.
My new(ish: 2015) bike came with a Cane Creek headset and after a few grotty rides the bearings (or is at a bearing, singular?) seized. So, personally, I think headset bearings are as they ever were. I replaced them with Ritchey bearing(s) from CRC and they've lasted better.
The bottom race on my old Yeti frame, which was in use for about 6 years in all conditions, is still smooth as new. So it all depends on the bearing(s). This one was a Race Face headset.
Bikes are designed for California not Britain.
i think more likely they are built to a cost and weight. Adding extra seals adds little benefit for the seller.
Greeny30 incorrect - I have done this and is works well, grit or water don't get in.
I don't bother these days as sealing is good enough (it was 90s when this was a thing) (and I am mostly road riding with mudguards in the winter).