FSA supplies the original-equipment headset bearings for Cervelo's integrated headset systems, and this HS-082 is the upper bearing for the current-generation frames that use a 1-1/4" upper stack height. The 45°x45° contact angle matches the headset cups pressed into the frame, which means installing a bearing with different angles will create point loading instead of proper surface contact and accelerate wear. If you're servicing a Soloist, R5 Disc, Caledonia-5, Aspero-5, or R5CX from the 2022-2023 model years forward, this is the correct upper bearing.

The sealed cartridge design keeps contamination out of the ball path, but road grit and water eventually work past the seals after enough wet rides and pressure washing. When the bearing starts feeling rough during a headset inspection—that gritty texture when you rotate the race by hand—it's time for replacement rather than attempting to repack with fresh grease. The cartridge seals aren't designed for disassembly, and forcing them open usually damages the seal lip.

Installation requires pressing the new bearing into the upper headset cup until it seats against the internal shoulder. The bearing's outer race diameter of 46.8mm and 7mm stack height are specific to Cervelo's FSA-spec headset cups, so generic 1-1/4" bearings from other manufacturers may not seat correctly or maintain proper preload. When reassembling, apply fresh grease to the bearing surfaces and set headset preload before torquing the stem bolts—the compression cap should eliminate play without binding the steering.... Read More