[CR]Omas headset

(Example: Racing:Roger de Vlaeminck)

Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2003 19:32:15 +0900
From: "Dennis Young" <mail@woodworkingboy.com>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>, <gsc2@po.cwru.edu>
In-Reply-To: <CATFOODx1ITXmm2QirY000014be@catfood.nt.phred.org>
Subject: [CR]Omas headset

A fact about the Omas bmx head set that I learned:

They made a very light gold anodized one, a real delicate beauty. Thinking it was a road one, I purchased it at ebay for my track bike. The press in races were too large for the headtube, but a little lathe work and the problem is solved. It may not be track stacking height, but the gold matches the rims I have on there. Very fashionable, and less demand for these bmx ones as well. The bearings are held in a plastic ring. I remember they are quite small diameter.

Dennis Young Hotaka, Japan


> I suggest that you put the OMAS headset back on the bike and use it. OMAS
> is an Italian company that made very fine components and upgrades (often
> titanium pieces) for Campagnolo components. You can read more about them on
> the CR site, http://www.classicrendezvous.com/Italy/OMAS.htm A Bikecology
> catalog that I have from 1981 describes the OMAS headset as 'definitely
> equal to Campy Super Record'. The OMAS unit used 1/8" balls while the Super
> Record used 5/32" for their Pista headset and 3/16 for their Strada headset
> (the idea being that more, smaller balls is better, at least for bearings.)
>
> As to worth, OMAS headsets turn up on eBay from time to time (in a variety
> of colors). They sell for a third to half of what Campy components go for.
> They were generally cheaper when new, too - at least in terms of price.
>
> Gary Chottiner, Northeast Ohio