Help me find the right headset bearings

[Welsh wheels]

The headset bearings on my genesis delta 10 need replacing as they are very worn. I have been searching for a week and can't for the life of me understand what I need to get. Online bike shop websites, that sell this model, suggest that the headset on the bike is an FSA Orbit C-40. I understand that both bottom and top bearings are needed and that these are different sizes. However, I am struggling to find any bearings for sale. I have only found the rings that the bearings sit in, as these are named as bearings and come up in the search. https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/HSFSOC40THLBE/fsa-orbit-c-40-no42-acb-tapered-headset-lower-bearing However, I am reliably informed that these DO NOT contain any bearings. Quite confused so any help would be appreciated and links to what I need to buy would even more welcome! Thanks in advance.

 

[vickster]

Have you contacted Genesis (Madison)? Or your local Genesis dealer?

 

[Tenacious Sloth]

The headset bearings on my genesis delta 10 need replacing as they are very worn. I have been searching for a week and can't for the life of me understand what I need to get. Online bike shop websites, that sell this model, suggest that the headset on the bike is an FSA Orbit C-40. I understand that both bottom and top bearings are needed and that these are different sizes. However, I am struggling to find any bearings for sale. I have only found the rings that the bearings sit in, as these are named as bearings and come up in the search. https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/HSFSOC40THLBE/fsa-orbit-c-40-no42-acb-tapered-headset-lower-bearing However, I am reliably informed that these DO NOT contain any bearings. Quite confused so any help would be appreciated and links to what I need to buy would even more welcome! Thanks in advance.

I’m puzzled that somone has advised you that the item you linked to does not contain bearings - as it is most definitely a bearing. Provided that it is the same size as your lower (unfortunately I can’t help you with this), then all you need to do is find the correct upper replacement bearing and you’re good to go. All the other bits from your existing headset can be reused, just ensure that you make a careful note of the order and orientation in which they came off.

I agree with you though - identifying the correct replacement headset bearings for some bikes can be a bit of a nightmare.

In theory (although I’ve sometimes found it not to be the case), the correct dimensions should be etched on the casings of your existing bearings (as seen on your linked-to item). It depends on whether you're prepared to have your bike off the road for a couple of days while you wait for the replacements.

 

[Welsh wheels]

I’m puzzled that somone has advised you that the item you linked to does not contain bearings - as it is most definitely a bearing. Provided that it is the same size as your lower (unfortunately I can’t help you with this), then all you need to do is find the correct upper replacement bearing and you’re good to go. All the other bits from your existing headset can be reused, just ensure that you make a careful note of the order and orientation in which they came off.

I agree with you though - identifying the correct replacement headset bearings for some bikes can be a bit of a nightmare.

In theory (although I’ve sometimes found it not to be the case), the correct dimensions should be etched on the casings of your existing bearings (as seen on your linked-to item). It depends on whether you're prepared to have your bike off the road for a couple of days while you wait for the replacements.

Thanks for the reply. So the item I linked to would contain bearings to put in the 'ring' shown in the picture, even if the bearings aren't shown in the picture?

 

[tincaman]

Assuming that your model is from 2016 then the Orbit C40 is correct. Chances are that all you need is the lower bearing as this is the one that gets all the spray from the road. The link you provided is correct for the bearing on it own. As that one is out of stock then a Google search for the MR127 brings up lots of suppliers. e.g
https://www.tredz.co.uk/bike-headset-spares?q=FSA+Headset+Bearing+ACB+TH-073E
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/fsa-bearing-th-073e-acb-1-5/rp-prod134153
https://www.kineticbikebearings.com/th073.html
or the cheapest:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/High-Qua...ontact-Hope-FSA-Cane-Creek-45-36/253610866834, and select TH-073

 

[tincaman]

The headset bearings on my genesis delta 10 need replacing as they are very worn. I have been searching for a week and can't for the life of me understand what I need to get. Online bike shop websites, that sell this model, suggest that the headset on the bike is an FSA Orbit C-40. I understand that both bottom and top bearings are needed and that these are different sizes. However, I am struggling to find any bearings for sale. I have only found the rings that the bearings sit in, as these are named as bearings and come up in the search. https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/HSFSOC40THLBE/fsa-orbit-c-40-no42-acb-tapered-headset-lower-bearing However, I am reliably informed that these DO NOT contain any bearings. Quite confused so any help would be appreciated and links to what I need to buy would even more welcome! Thanks in advance.

Just to be clear, the C40 headset complete contains bearings, crown race, compression ring, dust seal. The bearings are the only things that wear. The bearings sit inside cups that are built into your frame, hence the term "integrated headset"

This will help

 

[Tenacious Sloth]

Thanks for the reply. So the item I linked to would contain bearings to put in the 'ring' shown in the picture, even if the bearings aren't shown in the picture?

Yeah. What you’re looking at is a kind of sealed unit that already contains greased bearings.

 

[iluvmybike]

Your LBS should have a boxful of typical headset bearings so take them along and ask

 

[rogerzilla]

The great thing about standards is that there are so many to choose from!

 

[Welsh wheels]

Yeah. What you’re looking at is a kind of sealed unit that already contains greased bearings.

Ah right ok thanks thats helpful

 

[Rusty Nails]

The great thing about standards is that there are so many to choose from!

I love working on old bikes where, other than a few exceptions, most components were cross compatible, so it was easy to change and service gears, brakes headsets and BBs. In many cases all that was needed was new ball-bearings.

 

[Globalti]

Are you sure the bearings are worn and not just a bit rusty and cruddy? It's usually only the bottom bearing that gets rusty though both will be rusty if you've been washing the bike upside-down. You can refurbish a cruddy bearing if it's not too bad, here's how:

View: https://youtu.be/buy80Fj-Afg