Threaded Headset question

twm.bwen

Hi there, tried to find the answer using search but to no avail. so....

I'm building a bike whose steerer is threaded. I'm not opposed to threaded headsets (at least they are easier to maintain at home) but am not keen on the expanding 'riser' & stem combo you see on older bikes. so....
Is is possible (assuming I can find the right stem) just to clamp the stem around the to of the fork steerer?

In fact while we're at it is it possible to fit a threadless headset to the existing threaded fork?

Thanks
Tom

redvee

Threaded forks stop 1/2" above the top of the head tube of the frame, threadless forks are longer for the stem to clampon so there is a difference in length and I believe there is a difference on wall thickness of the two types of forks with threadless being thicker.. Basically in answer to your questions, no.

twm.bwen

That's the kind of answer I like.Short and concise. Thanks! I shall come here again.

brian t

Here is another answer.

I have been riding a 1" threaded steel fork, held in place perfectly securely by a (sleeved) Cinelli Ram bar/stem combination. No trouble whatsoever for 2 years. Of course the extra length of stem is needed, but the clamping is no problem.

synchronicity

The thing is, the root of the threads on the steer tube which are located just above the top tube/ upper race & below the stem clamp will effectively act as stress concentrators... I wouldn't do it.

DavidBelcher

synchronicity wrote:

The thing is, the root of the threads on the steer tube which are located just above the top tube/ upper race & below the stem clamp will effectively act as stress concentrators... I wouldn't do it.

Seconded. I have actually had a threaded fork column snap in half on me because the thread were presumably cut a bit too deep and acted as a stress riser. Fortunately the shaft/expander of the quill stem kept the 2 bits together sufficiently well to enable me to ride home!

David

cyclingvet

Have I completely misunderstood the question, or is it simply a case of buying a quill adaptor so that can use the ahead stems.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... delID=6254

This would be the simplest thing to do and is what I have on an old 1980's Peugeot that I now use as my winter bike.

Monty Dog

Yup - keep your existing forks and headset, fit an ahead-quill converter and you're free to use any ahead stem. Clamping a threaded fork steerer with an ahead stem is a distinct no-no unless you fancy extensive dental reconstruction.

twm.bwen

Brilliant siggestion! The ideal solution, thanks!