I've had the exact same experience with CC40 headsets. I've used CC 110 headsets in the past and never had a problem - always smooth and clean. On later bikes I went with a 40 since they were cheaper. The lower bearing did not last long. I then replaced the 40 crown race with the 110 crown race and all has been good. My last bike came with OEM 40 headset and the lower bearing died an early death again. Swapped out the crown race with a 110 and installed a 70 bearing. My new bike also has an OEM 40 headset and I swapped out the 40 crown race immediately! I'm sold on the better crown race.
Awesome feedback, thanks!! It's always nice to see that others have had the same experience, and hopefully this video will help a few riders out there that are also tired of having their lower bearing die way too soon.
The warranty on the 110 is for a lifetime, whereas the 70 is only 2 years. I have a 110 on my Lynskey I had put on before I bought the bike in 2013, it has never had any issues. So I was thinking of changing out the cheap headset on my Masi Giramondo with the 70, but I might just say forget it and have the 110 put on due to the lifetime warranty. Headsets are not made like they were in the late '70s to the '80s, I have a bike with over 150,000 miles on it, and the Suntour Superbe headset has never failed; even my Campy GS headset on my 77 Raleigh never has failed either; but today's stuff isn't built like that anymore which is why some of you have had problems with the 40.
Hi Rekmeyata! That is such a great point! The lifetime warranty is definitely something to consider... as long as your budget is somewhat close of course. Thanks for the great addition to the video!
So I ended up ordering a Hellbender 70 headset to replace my Forty. The red bearings are obviously better but apart from the different crown race, the zero stack upper assembly (ZS44/28.6) has a lip that meshes with the seal of the dust cover to keep out the water, mud and dirt. The blue seal of the Forty dust cover is visible when the headset is installed. Not a big deal because your bike is blue/turquoise colored, but on my bike, the blue doesn't match the rest of the color scheme. Awesomely enough, the blue seal of the Hellbender dust cover is concealed. And yes, I prefer not having the lizard/salamander logo.
Hey Ray! So it sounds like it was a win all the way around! 🙃 The Hellbender bearings sure feel nice in the hand and so far for me they are butter on the bike. Do you ride in the wet a lot? If yes, I would love to hear what you find when it comes time to service your 70. I can only speak to dust, dirt and grit and so far the double lip crown race is killing it!
@@ThunderStruckMTB I live in the PNW and yes I ride in the rain a lot. On my Forty headset, within a year, the star nut and preload bolt rusted big time. The water from wet rides and bike washing must have seeped into the head tube. After installing the Hellbender 70, I hosed the bike down heavily. Not to my surprise, the improved seal prevented water from entering the head tube. So I'm very confident with this headset. I understand the Forty's are typically the workhorse used on majority of OEM builds, but seriously, the 70s should be the real standard.
@@GokkunGuru Awesome info! I completely agree that the 70 should be the standard on any mid level bike on up. If it can survive for you then it should last damn near forever for me.
Nailed the issue I have with 40. I service it myself a lot snd drives me nuts. I have hellbender bearings waiting for the next time I service it (thinking bearings were the issue). I’ll look into getting the crown race (thanks for the tip of being able to get it separately).
Hey there Paul! I'm glad I was able to help and the 110/70 crown race will definitely help that lower bearing live way longer. Like you, I'm hoping the Hellbender bearings last a long time. Thanks for the support!
Thanks for the comparison. I’ve only used and know about the 40 only. Where I ride, the 40 suffices. Very nice to hear about the differences between the 40 and the 70. You’re absolutely right about how the 40 bearings kinda feel like shit out the box.
Hey there The One!! I'm always so disappointed with how the 40 series bearings feel out of the package. The black and blue or silver and green are both the same, although they do feel fine once installed. Thanks for watching!
Hey Ray! Man, sorry I just saw this comment. No, there were no differences in terms of stack height and both are 6mm if my memory is correct. Again, sorry for the late reply my friend!
Hey Hariz! I use Bel-Ray waterproof grease from my moto days. It's really thick and clings well and is my preferred grease for headsets and bottom bracket/crank spindle . I have also used Park PPL-1 with good results.... If nothing changes, it looks like I'm going to be able to ship your wheels on Friday and will of course let you know either way, as well as your tracking number.
Sup Pizza! I have never used a hope headset before and the only thing I know is their crown race is split for easy install/removal. I have used hope pedals and hubs and they were bomb proof.
