Cycling UK Forum

I need to fit a new headset to my titanium framed Raleigh (the TEC components one fitted is missing the compression ring sadly unless someone has one in a parts bin!)

I've got 2, the first is a lightweight FRM A-set with roller bearings, the latter is a Ritchey WCS with sealed bearings. The FRM is 91g the ritchey 114g FWIW.

The bike is going to be used infrequently for anything from a quick 10 mile blast to possibly doing a century on it & really only in good weather. I'm 15stone(95kg). I'd heard that roller bearings were really only for lighter riders but the bike is only 7.5kg anyways.
which should I go for & why?
Thanks

I've been riding on roller (needle) bearing headsets - Stronglight A9 being a favourite (old fashioned 1" type) for a decade or two on tourers/commuters/racing trike/tandem with no problems at all - unlike the days I used to use those awful caged ball sets (before I knew better). I am also a little heavier than you are. I wouldn't worry about using them at all

thanks, I've only ever used the sealed variants since coming back into cycling a few year back. I like the look of the FRM but the ritchey is a bit more solid, the FRM was also the only headset that had the correct sized Carbon bung for my race forks & did cost a pretty penny but hopefully it will all be worth it!