[CR]Top Headsets of the late 1960's??

(Example: Framebuilders:Tony Beek)

Date: Sat, 13 Dec 2003 18:27:51 -0700
From: "Chuck Schmidt" <chuckschmidt@earthlink.net>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: [CR]Top Headsets of the late 1960's??


Eric Elman wrote:
> Other than a Campagnolo headset, what came on most high end road bicycles
> and/or were considered among the best back in the late 1960's?

Joe Kossak (tech editor of Bike World Magazine in the 70s) wrote in an article about headsets in the Dec. '74 issue:

"Stronglight "Competition" V-4, 6.6 oz., for 5/32" balls. Still the most durable headset available. As noted, this model has "V" shaped bearing cups that retain lubrication and where the balls touch at four points instead of two to reduce wear. Quite difficult to mount, definitely not a job for the average home maintenance."

And also: "...four point contact "V" shaped bearing races. This provides double the load receiving contacts, and better lubrication retention than the standard reversed cup and cone headset designs. However, "V" cups do not accommodate as do standard types to misaligned or miscut seating surfaces, and extreme care must be used in mounting them on a frame."

Chuck Schmidt South Pasadena, Southern California http://www.velo-retro.com ("Joe Kossak ...a tribute" 68 pg. reprint)

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