In a message dated 12/20/03 12:31:33 PM Pacific Standard Time,
sachs@erols.com writes:
> Sam Bartalomeo wrote:
>
> My Titan Arrived from Canada this week. <snip> I installed a Nylfor nylon
> headset that came free of charge from John Barron (my favorite seller)
> anyone
> have any idea what bearings this one used - I want really light weight since
>
> the headset weighs in at 30 grams (did anyone ever make ceramic bearings) <
> snip>.
> +++++++++++====
> The Nylfor that I installed on my wife's bike about 25 years ago came with
> nylon (?) balls, very much the same appearance as the head set races. I'm not
> sure if that's what you wanted to hear, and I'm not sure what the "right"
> grease would be, or where to get more balls. I am sure that we're not using it
> any more, but don't remember why.
>
There was guy in Marin County nicknamed "Lighter-than-air (LTA)" Frank Powell. He was dealing in Alan frames in the early 70s and had a nylon headset in his own bike. He had a serious crash that was supposedly because of a headset failure. Reliable aluminum headsets that won't fracture and spit you off the bike don't weigh much more than the nylon job. There is a lot more weight to be saved in hubs, rims and freewheels than in headsets.
Sam, I have a HiE rear wheel I can make you a deal on with a fairly light sew
up rim on it. Contact me offlist.
Stevan Thomas
Alameda, CA