93 Kona Impact Headset Question

[destroy_all_monsters]

I am new to all this so bear with me.

I am rebuilding a 93 Kona Cinder Cone which has the original (I think) 1 1/8" Impact Headset. The lower race cage is goosed (see pics) but everything else looks ok.

I was hoping to buy a new cage bearing but wondered

A) what size are they are, I am thinking 1/4 from previous posts about 94 headsets
B) who are reputable suppliers of such cage bearings
C) I have read that you can simply use the same size bearings but without a cage (albeit with one or two extra bearings chucked in for fun). Is this really true or really unwise?

Any advice would be seriously gratefully received as I have a knack of bodging headsets (just today collected a road bike from LBS having sheared off an adjusting bolt from an other headset and can't break two in two days!)

 

[destroy_all_monsters]

Hmmm, just found a pic of a 94 cindercone and the headsets are definitely different (silver instead of 93 black)

 

[fagin]

Using loose bearings is better IMHO. The only reason manufacturers use caged bearings is ease of manufacture.

 

[tatra]

Re:

Greetings, 1/4" bearings I believe, use plenty of grease, fill the race with bearings touching until you can't insert any more, then remove that one, and you're good to go. Regards

 

[destroy_all_monsters]

Thank you. That's great news as loose bearings are much easier to source. I'll get to it. Hopefully I can keep the bike out of the LBS (pleasant though they are) for now!

 

[BikerB]

Good question ,i wanted to know the same ..
Wheres a good supplier of bearings ??
Sorry to Butt in..

 

[hamster]

Personally I always go to my local bearing factor on a trading estate. Usually you can get higher quality Grade 25 bearing balls at a fraction of the cost of a bike shop. Personally I avoid ebay as too many simply sell cheap Chinese tat with balls that are barely round and which tend to shatter.

If you need to go online try Simplybearings

 

[BikerB]

would you go stainless ? or just chrome ?

 

[hamster]

Just normal chromed, if water gets in it will have dirt with it anyway. I use moly grease for CV joints and boat prop shafts as it is more water resistant

 

[destroy_all_monsters]

Re:

Thank you peoples. The original headset now in perfect working order thanks to a new set of 1/4 bearings and some top advice.

Off for a pedal round Leigh woods once the good lady returns home tonight. I will keep you posted (once I get home or from my hhospital bed depending on how it goes).

Cheerio!