All CRs:
Regarding headset drift, etc. :
Steve Maasland's suggestion of mechanical mis-match refreshingly reminds me that one should never underestimate the necessity of knowing and doing the basics well.
However, I consider it unlikely that there was any big problem with my Pinarello frameset that would contribute to headset adjustment instability.
I think that Brandon's suggestion that a less than optimum headset tightening (contributed to by sloppy wrenches) is the likely cause for my first (Edco) headset loosening and denting way back in 1979.
Steve's inquiry on the relative strength of bearings (inserted) requires an
explanation:
> Lastly, your comment about stronger bearings puzzles me. If the ball
> bearings were stronger, would that not lead to more denting of the races?
As
> the ball bearings do not get dented or deformed, what makes them weaker?
The Chris King headset uses a sealed bearing cartridge. The overall bearing assembly is stronger than a traditional cup-and-cone headset and consequently carries a 10 year warranty.
Now, in this discussion sequence, if my previous experiences showed that having oil instead of grease (on the threads) provided additional stability to my headset adjustment (probably done with less than optimum tightening) why hasn't anyone considered or investigated the benefit of using oil instead of grease on the BB tapers? With a slight amount of lubrication, not only would you gain the previously suggested advantage of better tightening torque and eliminating/preventing creaks and galvanic corrosion.
Lastly, why grease on freewheel threads yet none the BB axle? I think that preventing galvanic corrosion would be of prime importance, yet the FW takes grease, and the BB axle doesn't? Something here is inconsistent!
Andrew Gillis (Long Beach, CA)