Odd Semi-Integrated Tapered MTB Headset??

[LouisS]

Any help or advise??

 

I have a Ghost AMR5900 and would like to upgrade its headset (currently has a Ritchey Comp - balls in cage) to a headset using cartridge bearings. I read all the posts on the hub and am trying to stay to the standard by installing a headset using the 36/45 degree cartridge bearings.

 

There are a number of tapered heasets (1 1/8 and 1 1/2) on the market (Giant, FSA, etc) which uses the 36/45 degree bearing ranging from R350 to R600, no problem! The cups of these heasets fits into a steering tube with 44mm ID top and 56mm ID bottom.

 

My problem - the Ghost steering tube bottom ID is 55mm (apparently this is a new std with some Scott bikes being the same). At this stage I could only find the Ritchey Pro Pressfit and HOPE heaset which will fit and cost R1000 +. The Ritchey also uses the 45/45 degree bearing which costs a fortune when one needs to replace it.

 

One of our LBS had a look and left the current Ritchey Comp bottom cup in (using the caged balls) and just installed a 36/45 cartridge bearing. Feels fine, but haven't put some km's on it to see if it will last. Shouldn't the cartridge bearing seat 100% onto a corresponding cup???

 

Any help or advise please - don't want to spend R1000++ on a headset. Would then rather just stay with the caged balls!!