On Sun, 2008-12-07 at 08:13 -0800, Eiron wrote: > On Dec 7, 8:38 am, Steve Palincsar <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > ... > > Rene Herse > > Bicycles has them in stock right now, $48 plus $10 shipping (I don't > > think it'll fit in a flat priority ship USPS envelope, but if it does, > > $6 shipping). > > > > ... And they have a Miche needle bearing headset for $48. > > Yeah, I know time's running out on the A9s. I didn't know RHBikes > carried the A9 (it looks like black only). Mike must be handling all > the parts 'cuz Mark only recommended Campy when I mentioned I needed a > headset. The Miche looks like the same internals as the A9, but I'm > not keen on big top nut thingy. I've had zero problems with my > Stronglight Delta over the past 14 yrs, & I got that headset used. Do > you think the lack of bearing seals on the A9 will require a lot of > cleaning? I'm planning on installing fenders as part of the build.
By all accounts, that makes a huge difference. I've never heard that the A9 requires a lot of cleaning, but my personal experience with it is limited to the 2,000-odd miles I've got on the Velo Orange. Here's what bikepro.com had to say about the A9: > Recognized as being among the first to make needle bearing headsets, > this is one of the finest and lightest versions we have seen. It > starts very similarly to other needle bearing units. There are six > aluminum pieces. Five of them are cast and cleaned up by interior > machine polishing. These are the cone race elements, the bearing cup > elements and the head lock nut. The head key washer is stamped from > sheet aluminum. There are four beveled steel races, one for each of > the cup and crown elements. The needle bearing retainer has twenty > bearings in it. Although this headset has no rubber seals or skirt > gaskets, with the tolerances that the parts are machined to, it > probably doesn't need it. With the parts just resting on one another, > and with no grease, the pieces move very freely. Available in English > thread in Silver or Black. The A- 9 weighs 79.5 grams. > and here's what Chris at Velo Orange said about them back in 2006: > The roller bearing Stronglight A9 headset is one of those special > components that defy time. Its roller bearings last for ages, it is > very light (82 grams), it does not develop index steering, it has > classic good looks, and it is reasonably priced. In fact, it makes you > wonder why anyone else bothers to make headsets. High praise indeed, even if it all might be marketing. I see Ben's Cycle as the A9 in silver as well as in black for $50. http://www.benscycle.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=3315¤cy=USD --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Bicycle Lifestyle" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/bicyclelifestyle?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
