Over the years I've used Stronglight V-groove headsets on a bunch of bikes, and don't remember any issues with less than perfect facing. I don't remember any of them going on a new frame (I don't do new bikes), and I certainly did not face them. I've liked the doubled contact area of the V groove design (balls ride in V grooves on both faces of the bearing).
I don't remember the Stronglight nomenclature, but I also like the headset that uses cylindrical bearings that ride on sheet metal "cones". Tres elegant.
Gee, maybe I need to look at the stock of French headsets, and see what can be surplused to keep these bikes in service.
harvey sachs mcLean va +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Steve Kurt wrote: <snip> The mention of the Stronglight V-groove headset prompts me to ask a question that has been unasked for a few decades... how hard was it to adjust one of those??
Were they extremely dependent on a well-faced headtube? Seems like they would be.
I think a Stronglight A-9 would be the perfect replacement. Vintage styling but with robust bearings. Great stuff. :-)
regards,
Steve Kurt
Peoria, IL USA