hcgaloi

Hello,
I bought a used Masciarelli Pitbull (2013 ?) road bike frameset, and the headset bearings needed to be replaced. The headset is FSA, and the bearing part numbers are MH-P08(o41.8x6.5x45), top, and MH-P16(o52x7x45). Instead, of replacing the bearings, I would like to have an option of buying complete headset kit from other manufactures. I did some search for headset deals, but unable to know which ones would fit my frame. I'm overwhelmed and confused on different types, styles, sizes, etc.

Please, let me know what information to search for a compatible headset.

Thanks for your help

HillRider

Your confusion and lack of knowledge makes you a perfect candidate for a visit to your local bike shop. There is too much missing information to have us give you much help.

Edit: I looked up that bike on Google and it seems to be a quite high-line Italian carbon frame. The headset is an "integrated" one and you should be able to order new bearing cartridges through you bike shop.

alcjphil

So, you bought a 2013 frameset and the headset bearings need to be replaced. You know which bearings you need in order to repair the original headset which lasted for 5 years under who knows what conditions. Are you hoping to have better longevity from some other headset? In your place I would simply replace the bearings. I have FSA headsets on several bikes that have lasted much more than 5 years. Another brand of headset may not use better bearings than your original setup

hcgaloi

For an update, I went to two LBSes. First bike shop head mechanic recommended bearings replacement. He compared 3-4 bearings in stock with the originals i brought in. He sold me a couple and said these would fit.. I tried the bearings at home and they didn't fit snugly in the head tube but had a little play or wobbly.

I then took the frame to another shop. A mechanic there didn't look at the bearings but checked the head tube and fork. He then went and got a Crane Creek headset for me. I regretted that I didn't tried it in the shop, but took it home and found out the bearing didn't sit flush to the head tube. Both bearings protruded about 2-3mm (eyeballing). To be honest, I have not had any luck with four or five shops that I have tried in the last couple of years.

Thanks so much for helping...

easyupbug 

Sorry, I can not help but can commiserate, and point out that many here have obviously excellent helpful LBS in their area and some of us do not, most being very much brand specific for parts and service. I am a C&V guy and don't bother anymore with shops here but wait until I visit the kids in Portland OR to track down parts or seek info.

DrIsotope

From good 'ol eBay:
US Stock Angular Contact Bearing ACB845 1-1/8" MH-P08 30.15 x 41 x 6.5mm 45°/45°
US Stock Angular Contact Bearing ACB4052 1-1/2" MH-P16 40 x 52 x 7mm 45°/45°

About 20 bucks for the pair. Just reuse the existing expander and leave the crown race on the fork. Unless corrosion has been an issue, they should be fine. Angular contact bearings last quite a long time.

I figure the LBS's got it wrong because the most common 41.8 OD bearing is 8mm tall, and the 52 OD is 10mm tall. My son's bike calls for a really tall lower headset bearing. I just used a typical 8mm bearing and machined a taller crown race.

veganbikes

The best thing to do is to get out the calipers and give everything a measure. Most likely the shop didn't do that because it may have looked like a more standard-ish bearing when in fact it was something a bit more exotic (IE: maybe a bit taller or wider or something). I would say get your measurements together and go to Cane Creek's Headset fit finder. That is what I use though typically I am able to find most of my bikes on there but when I can't good ole calipers (I like digital, myself) will do the job quite well. I like Cane Creek's 110 series but the 40 series is just fine and their new Hellbender 70 is the same quality 110 bearing with cheaper Asian cups and such.

I have done bearing measurements before going bearing to bearing and checking any numbers on both but I always like to double check with the calipers just so I don't send the customer off with the wrong bearing. It can happen sometimes, we are only human after all.

hcgaloi

Last update...
I went to another bike shop, but it didn't have the needed parts. So, I contacted FSA customer support, their response was amazingly quick. I have ordered the given part numbers.

Thanks everyone for your help