Re: [CR]BSA Headset Bearing Question?

(Example: Framebuilders:Alberto Masi)

From: "ternst" <ternst1@cox.net>
To: "scott davis" <francopedia@yahoo.com>, <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
References: <20050204155617.72908.qmail@web30203.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [CR]BSA Headset Bearing Question?
Date: Fri, 4 Feb 2005 21:29:17 -0800
reply-type=original

Scott - All: Hugh has the correct info. The number of 30 comes to mind for the races. My old BSA's and other English "floating cup" headsets were / are 1 / 8" also. 5/32" may be correct, So sight unseen we cannot be sure, but the oulde English ones were 1/8".

Keep in mind you put the loose bearings in until you have just enough space left that one more doesn't fit. This gives the bearings enough room to separate and not rub on each other to bind or gall. Even one less wouldn't be a problem on the total circle.

The tight and loose could be another problem. The fork has to be in square with steerer tube and fork crown fixed race. The head tube also has to be machined correctly so that the frame race cups are parallel enough so that the float is able to compensate and the head set roll evenly smooth in adjustment. Keep in mind the older stuff was tough and lasted a long time but it was not always the most precise as compared to today's machining and as a result one has to know / feel how much imperfection is acceptable as in keeping with original tolerance expectations.

The old time bike mechanics always used to say," everything needs just a little play.", or "Alles muss ein bischen wackeln."

The prewar high collar, slotted fork head sets were a precursor to today's threadless headsets imho.

Ted Ernst
Palos Verdes Estates, CA


----- Original Message -----
From: scott davis
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Sent: Friday, February 04, 2005 7:56 AM
Subject: [CR]BSA Headset Bearing Question?



> Anyone out there in classic land know bearing size and number for BSA
> headsets from the 1940s or 50s? This headset is similar to the Bianchi
> integrated style.
>
> I tried 24 bearings top and 24 bottom in 5/32." But, I can't get it
> adjusted properly. It is either too tight or fork rocks back/forth
>
> If these are the correct bearings, I'd appreciate any suggestions for my
> problem.
>
> By the way, it's on a late '40s or early 50's Swiss Sport bike.
>
> Scott Davis in Tropical St. Paul, MN
>
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