Headset troubles

[The expat cyclist]

What a mission getting a headset for my wifes MTB, a merida xc500D!

I need help:

Headtube outside diameter - 50mm

Headtube inside diameter - 44mm

Standard FOX fork - 1-1/8 inch???

 

Al I need is something that takes sealed bearings!!! LBS's look at me as if I am asking for something out of this world!

 

I used the cane creek website headset finder. They call it a zero stack. Fine, bit what bearings go in the headset??? That they don't show!

 

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaargh!

[The_Break]

That is a big bearing???

 

Are you on something?

Edited January 6, 2011 by The_Break

[Bspoke]

This sounds as though Merida are taking a leaf out of Cannondale technology,

I think the Dale headshok uses that size , not sure exaclly will need to go to the workshop and check.

If that is the case you will be able to buy from the Dale agents ,but be prepared for a big bill for 2 sealed bearing

They also do a reducer kit which will allow you to install your 1 1/8 fork into the head tube . I see Dales are now offered with nornal forks on the cheaper range ,so the shops should be able to supply those inserts

Alternatively find a friendly machine shop whom will machine reducers to fit directly into your frame ,from where you can install a standard (cheaper ) conventional head set to match your fork .

If you are in CT contact Wesley at Tungsten Engineering , he will help ,hes been doing these things from the early days of MTB for quite complex installations of triple crown forks.

Good luck

[The_Break]

This sounds as though Merida are taking a leaf out of Cannondale technology,

I think the Dale headshok uses that size , not sure exaclly will need to go to the workshop and check.

If that is the case you will be able to buy from the Dale agents ,but be prepared for a big bill for 2 sealed bearing

They also do a reducer kit which will allow you to install your 1 1/8 fork into the head tube . I see Dales are now offered with nornal forks on the cheaper range ,so the shops should be able to supply those inserts

Alternatively find a friendly machine shop whom will machine reducers to fit directly into your frame ,from where you can install a standard (cheaper ) conventional head set to match your fork .

If you are in CT contact Wesley at Tungsten Engineering , he will help ,hes been doing these things from the early days of MTB for quite complex installations of triple crown forks.

Good luck

 

Why not just get the fork that was designed with the bike. Whilst reducers are an "option", if you do not know the exact tolerance required you are looking to possibly have a bit of pay in your headset with obvious effects. I think a reducer is a bad idea as in order to seat the bearing you will need to have a reducer with the exact tolerances required. I have built fork prototypes before by taking simple measurements with a vernier and it is not as simple as it seems. I would check the bearing FIT and then ensure the machinist is capable at running at these tolerances. It is not as easy as it sounds.