MacGyvered headset seal - whaddaya think?

[Spaghetti Legs]

I’m starting to get a new build together on a new to me Ritchey Breakaway. The Superlogic headset is missing the upper seal, orange one on the lower cup is shown. I rooted around the shop and found an o-ring (actually the doodad from a Garmin handlebar mount) that will fill the gap. Headset rotates freely before and a little stiff feeling after o-ring in. I don’t think it will be noticeable while riding and will loosen up with time.

Anyone foresee any problems with this? I’m not too concerned about actual sealing properties as this will be a low mileage travel bike. Mostly just the gap bothers me.

[CAAD]

Both my Extralight headsets use rubber o-rings for seals just like that. That's what they ship with. No issues for going on 2 years.

[cinema]

in my opinion if you can get the bearings to preload and there isnt immediate flex or play due to the softness of the rubber i think it will be ok. in terms of how well it will seal, i have used non manufacturer spec o rings in parts bin to seal outputs on transmission parts where fluid is 200+ degrees so you should be golden. i think because it seems partially exposed it will be a frequent wear item though which should be inspected maybe temporary until you get the right part. it looks slightly thick to mt eye but could be perspective

ritchey might just send you the part try calling

[bicycletricycle]

probably just fine. put a little oil on it every once and while.

[Spaghetti Legs]

Originally Posted by cinema

in my opinion if you can get the bearings to preload and there isnt immediate flex or play due to the softness of the rubber i think it will be ok. in terms of how well it will seal, i have used non manufacturer spec o rings in parts bin to seal outputs on transmission parts where fluid is 200+ degrees so you should be golden. i think because it seems partially exposed it will be a frequent wear item though which should be inspected maybe temporary until you get the right part. it looks slightly thick to mt eye but could be perspective

ritchey might just send you the part try calling

Yeah it does seem a little thick; probably why it feels like the rotation is affected some. Good idea about calling, I’ll try that. Couldn’t find the seals for sale anywhere.

Originally Posted by bicycletricycle

probably just fine. put a little oil on it every once and while.

Yeah that’s next step - a few drops of Phil’s Tenacious.

Thanks all.

[David Tollefson]

On my race back back in the day (back when we raced in all weather and low maintenance ruled the day) I used a section of inner tube over the lower headset. Sealed EVERYTHING out. For years.

[FlashUNC]

I'd just shoot Ritchey an email, they may just send you the seals.

[George_H]

Who is MacGyver?


One of the students said that the other day.

[Pastashop]

Good fix, I think, although the bottom bearing usually sees a lot more spray and dust.

When building up a bike for a friend, I used self-fusing tape to wrap the bottom bearing/race assembly –*the attached photo quality isn't too good, but hopefully shows enough of it. As a bonus, it introduces just enough friction between the "cone" of the crown race and the bottom "cup" in the headtube, quieting down the steering on this low-trail frame (kind of like a Viscoset on the cheap).

[phoenix]

Originally Posted by bicycletricycle

put a little oil on it every once and while.

Agreed. Keep that o-ring hydrated and you should be good.

[ultraman6970]

If the crown race is kind'a lose the fix is super easy. Just put some white out or just a light coat of paint, then some grease on top and put the race back in, you shim it with paint pretty much.

As for the bottom cup you can do the same.