lopek77

It's time for bearings replacement, and it confuse me a bit. The bike is Specialized Crosstrail 2010. I can get Cane Creek 40 complete headset, but I would rather just replace aging bearings. Cups and cones look good.
According to Specialized website, I have 1-1/8" threadless, sealed loose ball bearings. I know mine is Cane Creek headset with caged bearings.
My vintage bikes have truly loose ball bearings in the headset...so not sure why Specialized is calling it loose, if it's a caged bearing.
I wonder if someone can point me to the right website or the way I can order the right one.
Here is the info from Cane Creek

I never replaced bearings, so all the sizing, naming is new to me, and a bit confusing as you can see already. I will appreciate any tips and suggestions.

SlowJoeCrow

If you can find the Cane Creek model number and know your steerer tube diameter you can easily work out the replacement bearing. Most standard external bearing cup 1 1/8" Cane Creek headsets like the S series use the 40 series drop in bearings. You can get them from Universal Cycles -- Cane Creek Headset Bearings which conveniently lists the inside and outside diameters and thickness so you can check against your bearings.
If you have an integrated headset then all bets are off and you need to do some more measuring and research.

shelbyfv

Caged balls can be replaced by loose balls. However, I would take the opportunity to upgrade to the 40. It's a nice headset and the cartridge bearings are so much easier to deal with. Also, this is something you might want to take to the LBS. I've not found the Cane Creek headsets to be discounted much online and there are now lots of headset specs. Might be easier to let the shop be responsible for figuring out the configuration your bike needs.

Hinge

I agree on both counts. You can get rid of the cage and then add an extra ball or two, which will actually be an improvement. However, why not just upgrade to a cartridge bearing headset as shelbyfv said? Cartridge bearing headsets have to be the second best thing on earth next to sliced bread.

hueyhoolihan

considering the price of caged bearings, it might be a good opportunity to patronize your LBS. if you take the bike in they will probably take the time to find out what you need and just charge for the caged bearings. they may have to order them. nice thing is that if things don't work out, you can take it back, and they will most likely make it right.

Andrew R Stewart 

The caged balls can be removed from the cage and new can be installed into the cage. At pennies for each ball this is a very inexpensive option. Just measure the OEM balls and buy the same size and count (actually get some extras for the floor). But remember that the balls often don't wear like the cone and cup's surfaces do. So new balls on the old rolling tracks might not do as much improvement as one thinks. It (the improvement) all depends on the OEM balls' condition. The rustier or more worn they are the greater the improvement, but the tracks will still be worn... Andy.

lopek77

Thanks guys for all the suggestions. Will check the condition of cones and cups little closer tomorrow. If they are in the same condition as they were just 2k miles ago, I will go with caged bearings. Otherwise, I will go with new, complete, 21st century Cane Creek 40 headset lol