Finding the right parts - S-Works Tarmac SL6

[jrynb]

Hi, I recently bought a Tarmac SL6 disc frameset and am looking to source parts for it, but I'm having trouble finding the exact parts for the headset bearings. Does anyone know what specific bearings it might have? I believe it's a 2018/2019 model if that helps. Thanks!

[catchourbreath]

S092500002

HDS BRG 1-1/8 IN UPPER INTEGRATED HEADSET BEARING ONLY, CAMPY STYLE, 41.8 X 30.5 X 8MM THICK ACB 45X45

S180600002 BRG MY18 TARMAC HEADSET LOWER BEARING 1.5

Usually Specialized uses bearings of a slightly different thickness than the norm, don't recall offhand if this iscthe case here too.

[.RJ]

Originally Posted by jrynb

Hi, I recently bought a Tarmac SL6 disc frameset and am looking to source parts for it, but I'm having trouble finding the exact parts for the headset bearings. Does anyone know what specific bearings it might have? I believe it's a 2018/2019 model if that helps. Thanks!

Specialized lower bearings are proprietary, they arent available from any of the other suppliers like cane creek.

https://www.performancebike.com/spec...500003/p749875

I am fairly certain I have one in my bin, either new or used.

[.RJ]

And for anyone looking to rehash the discussion of the availability of specialized lower headset bearings, please go find them and bring them into this thread before claiming they exist because I would LOVE another source for this things as they arent the most durable.

[Tandem Rider]

Originally Posted by .RJ

And for anyone looking to rehash the discussion of the availability of specialized lower headset bearings, please go find them and bring them into this thread before claiming they exist because I would LOVE another source for this things as they arent the most durable.

https://www.motion.com/products/sku/...ct-substitutes

This is the same dimensions as listed by Spesialized. I found it incredulous that they would manufacture their own bearings given the tooling cost to make a bearing vs buy an off the shelf industrial bearing. I'm sure that 3 minutes of searching with the correct dimensions would net you the upper bearing as well.

[catchourbreath]

I believe Enduro makes a replacement lower
https://cycling.endurobearings.com/c...b-4545-150-bo#

Above @tandemrider that bearing isn't a 45 degree taper

[RacerJRP]

Picked up some SL6 headset bearing from Performance not long ago.

[.RJ]

Originally Posted by Tandem Rider

I'm sure that 3 minutes of searching with the correct dimensions would net you the upper bearing as well.

There isnt a 45 degree taper on that bearing.

I dont know what the barrier is for getting cane creek, king, etc to make their own bearings its not like there arent a million of these things out there and they arent made well - they will often come out of the headset in several pieces when I remove the fork to clean & regrese.

I've owned my current Crux since 2016 and I've been through more lower headset bearings than BB30 bearings.

[Pelican]

Originally Posted by .RJ

I've owned my current Crux since 2016 and I've been through more lower headset bearings than BB30 bearings.

Wow. I should stock up on lhb's for these (new to me) Crux and Allez DSW.

[.RJ]

Originally Posted by Pelican

Wow. I should stock up on lhb's for these (new to me) Crux and Allez DSW.

They likely share the same bearing.

So just keep one spare and you'll be good.

[Philster]

If you’re feeling flush, here’s the one for the SL6:

https://ceramicspeed.com/products/oh...enduro-epic-sj

The SL7, SL8 and Allez Sprint share another model. The Crux and Aethos share another.

Seriously, these are higher quality and self lubricating. They’re also guaranteed for what it’s worth. If you’re going through a lot of them, it might be worth springing.

[jrynb]

Thanks for all the help! I had an idea of the right direction to go, but I've never built a frame up before and am super unfamiliar with the specs and dimensions for bearings. As much of a pain as it is, I may have to go for the lower-quality Specialized bearings. The Ceramicspeed ones are enticing for the build quality alone, but I can't justify a $300 addition to my budget just for bearings. That being said, what are people's thoughts on these (either the stainless steel or hybrid ceramic)?

https://www.airevelobearings.com/pro...ybrid-ceramic/

I had wanted to avoid shipping from the UK to save some delivery time and shipping costs, but it may be worth it for a more reliable bearing. Thanks again!

[catchourbreath]

The Enduro bearing I linked to should be good enough quality, relatively cheap and ships from usa.

[.RJ]

Originally Posted by catchourbreath

The Enduro bearing I linked to should be good enough quality, relatively cheap and ships from usa.

Those must be relatively new - I'll have to go measure my spares and see if they're the same size as I'd love to not have to buy the whole bearing kit from Specialized.

Seriously, thanks for sharing this.

[catchourbreath]

From the measures I found I think they're correct, 7mm height, 45 degree and right od/id. Maybe I missed something in there