David- Because the plastic retainer contains space. More then a metal retainer ring, more then free balls. So there's more room for grease and or rolling elements.
I always have thought that a problem with the Strongelight roller headsets was the need to clean them out all the time so you could add more grease. They used a thick plastic roller carrier ring.
<classicrendezvous@bikelist.org> Sent: Thursday, April 08, 2010 11:59 PM Subject: Re: [CR] OMAS Head Set Question
Why not just press new 1/8" balls into the existing nylon retainers? David Benson Auckland, NZ http://retroride.blogspot.com
To: Classic Rendezvous <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org> Sent: Fri, 9 April, 2010 3:38:50 PM Subject: [CR] OMAS Head Set Question
Ahoy ! Uh..., duh... I have an OMAS h.s., alloy, the ball bearing of which are caged within plastic retainers (25 balls/retainer). I am assuming that basic, loose 1/8 in. balls can be used, adding one ball in place of the retainer (26 loose instead of 25 retained). Do I assume correctly? Having said that, I ask if anyone makes 1/8 balls retainer? Is this the SR road size or the Pista size? Also, I am supposing this OMAS h.s. is pretty darn good. Thanks. Richard Cielec Chicago, Illinois; U.S.A.
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Andrew R Stewart
Rochester, NY