Headset bearings question

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All uphill

Still rolling along
Location
Somerset
I bought my Spa Aubisque new in 2021, and have ridden it about 10k km since, I estimate.

Last week I was in the Netherlands touring with a bag bar weighing about 3kg loaded.
I had a puncture and afterwards the bike displayed the typical symptoms of brinnelling, with a distinct notch in the straight ahead position. I'm not aware of any sudden impact from a pothole or similar.

My question is whether a heavy bar bag is likely to cause this?

I couldn't find any cause for the puncture, and, in the rain, I just put the tube in a bin and replaced it, so I don't know if it was a snake bite.
 

Oldhippy

Cynical idealist
Photo Winner
I would certainly say it's a possibility, especially if it has been on the bike a while. I'd think it would add wear and tear quicker than one without.
 
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