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So the headset in my new Capra died after 4 months and maybe 2 wet muddy rides. I was looking at the hope pick n mix for £67 but is it any better than the new ish superstar uk made headsets for £35?
Why on earth yt fit a headset where you can’t replace the bearings is beyond me.
Cheers
Why on earth yt fit a headset where you can’t replace the bearings is beyond me.
Are you sure that this is the case? That seems really odd! A quick Google (and it was quick) suggests that the Capra models use Acros headsets and there do seem to be spares available - https://shop.acros.de/ersatzteile/?p=3 ; however my experience of bearing and spare crown race prices (born out here) is that it's usually cheaper to buy a completely new headset.
Which Capra? At least the 2016 CF has an integrated headset (link), the bearings sit directly on the frame. You don't necessarily need to use Acros bearings, as long as the replacements have the same dimensions and angles.
Hasn't your Capra got drop in bearings then, like my Jeffsy?
I managed to get the bottom one out with a hammer and screw driver but the race is not going anywhere on the top on and there’s no lip to get under. I was convinced it should come out but after a bit of research on the YT pinkbike thread last night people were confirming it can’t be replaced.
Which Capra? At least the 2016 CF has an integrated headset (link), the bearings sit directly on the frame. You don’t necessarily need to use Acros bearings, as long as the replacements have the same dimensions and angles.
2018 29 AL with a ACROS AZX-203 headset
I had to use Acros bearings when I changed them on the jeffsy as the acros bearings don't have the bearing angles marked on them and there are a few different choices available via third parties. YT couldn't help either.
A pain as Acros is expensive and can be hard to get hold of.
I had to use Acros bearings when I changed them on the jeffsy as the acros bearings don’t have the bearing angles marked on them and there are a few different choices available via third parties. YT couldn’t help either.
A pain as Acros is expensive and can be hard to get hold of.
The codes on the seals didnt didn’t even bring anything up on their website.
Oh, just fitted an external SS headset lift cup on a Bizango to fit a tapered headset.
Bike not finished yet so no real feedback but seems well made. Bearing was quite dry as usual so filled it up with marine grease.
It's an old thread but does seem to confirm that some Acros bearings aren't replaceable (which seems bizarre) https://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/acros-headset-bearing-replacements/
You might be in a position for a warranty replacement though.
they seem good bearings, i had to modify mine as for some reason my carbon fork fouls on the taper as the ID of the bearing race is larger than the ID of the bearing, which is a stupid design, nothing a file can't sort
So superstar or hope to replace them then?
Or are any others worth a look? Cane creek, fsa etc
Took a punt on a Superstar headset beginning of year (£26) when I built up my Yeti and thought the unit seemed just as good as the Hopes I have - nice quality. Bearings have not see a full winter yet but are still smooth as I speak (I did pre-pack with extra grease prior to fitting).
I’ve got Hope, CC (Forty) and Superstar (ancient zero stack unit I’ve had fitted for five years) headsets amongst others. All have seen at least one winter, the SS is the oldest and was the cheapest by a long way.
Objectively, they’re all performing equally.
Subjectively, the Hope loses due to having been hit hard with the Ugly stick that Hope seem to mistake for ‘design’.
Other opinions clearly available but personally, if there’s a Superstar option available at half the price of the Hope I wouldn’t waste time overthinking and just order the Superstar one...