657 headset?

[theycallmethefatman]

Hi,
I just purchased a 657 in reasonably good shape save for the upper cap for the headset. Basically, it is not there; the previous owner covered up the bearing with electrical tape wrapped around. The headset is otherwise functional, but obviously it needs replacing. I am guessing it is 1.125"? I read somewhere once where Proflex had a problem with headsets breaking - any suggestions on a decent replacement?
Thank you for your help and I am so glad I found this site!
John

[Colin]

Welcome to the PRO~FLEX Addicts Group!

Yep, inch and an eighth for the Headset.
https://www.bicyclebluebook.com/searchlistingdetail.aspx?id=60951

No preference from me, it's a low wear long term item, so I just go for something low profile and uncomplicated.

Some early x56 (your style of bike) had Head TUBE fractures, basically (IMHO) from using it as a DH bike rather than the XC bike it is......
But, almost certainly, your late model 657 has additional gusset welding on the down tube to head tube union, so should be fine!
http://idriders.com/proflex/resources/97_spc657.pdf

Once again, welcome to the group, have a good dig around on here for more info, but feel free to ask questions!

Col.

[kiwi]

A 657 is actually a 756.The 756 had a 1and 1/8 head tube but the steerer was only a 1inch so there was a 1 to 1and 1/8 adapter.The 657 probably had a full 1 and 1/8 set up though cos it had a later girvin fork

[fyrstormer]

The 657 is almost a 756. There are a couple small differences, such as a pass-thru in the seat tube for a cantilever brake cable holder, and the tubing bends are in slightly different places. Nothing significant, but I'm pedantic so deal with it.

My 756 came with a 1" headset -- no adapter. I swapped it for a 1 1/8" headset when I upgraded to a sliding fork; there were no compatibility problems.