Originally Posted by
Chi_Z
Because those older Roubaix uses proprietary 1 3/8 inch bottom bearings that are very hard to source. You cannot just get the same diameter, you also have to get the angle right. Nowadays I stay clear of any frame with proprietary seatpost or headsets. Good luck finding parts on those future-shock 1.0 headsets when they are on future-shock 5.0 few years down the road.
This is exactly what I am afraid of. The bike is just a year old and the shop not having the part (I am told that it is a proprietary part) is not a good sign for the long term durability. I may have to buy a couple of the cartridge bearings when it becomes available and save it for future replacements. I am not mechanically inclined so that might be my only option. Thanks for your help.
I will keep the option of cleaning and reusing these parts based on the very good suggestions from others who responded.