Switching road forks

Ollieda

Hi,

I'm switching my standard forks for some carbon fiber ones. Whilst taking my forks off I realised they are completly different to my new ones. The new ones are the normal style with a smooth steerer and enough room to fix a stem on the top and a part to screw the top cap into. My old ones however are threaded on the outside of the steerer and are almost bolted onto the bike with ball bearing rings (like those inside the bottom bracket) to allow then to move around. The headset the seems to hold itself in place inside the steerer. It is very weird, an example can be seen here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/55377738@N00/3138611064/
Sorry it's not clear but if nessicary I can get my camera out and start taking some more indepth photos of the forks and fixings actually taken off the frame,

Anyone know what parts would I need to fit my new forks onto my frame. its a new frame as well so it doesn't have any bits with it.

bill57

I'm a bit confused. Have you bought a new frame which is fitted with forks, but you want to change those forks to a carbon fibre pair? That's what it sounds like.
The difference is that the old forks are threaded, the new ones threadless, so the threaded headset will need to be removed and replaced with an A-Headset. Hopefully the steerer tubes of old and new forks are the same diameter?
I think the photos would be a good idea.

bornagainbiker

Sounds like you HAVE a 1inch threaded headset/fork on the bike but you may well have bought a 11/8 threadless fork.

If you've managed to get a 1 inch threadless fork then you will need to get a new top and bottom cup pressed into the frame to allow fitment of the threadless fork. You'll also have to invest in a new stem.

Ollieda

Sorry, i wasn't fully clear at first.

I've brought a new frame that takes 1 1/8 forks and I am moving all my bits over to the new frame. At the same time I've also brought new 1 1/8 threadless forks. I know now that I need a new stem for sure, but its the other bits I don't really know about, all the attachemnts and bearings for the old frame and threadless forks can't be used but what is it in particular that I need to get to fit the new forks onto the new frame. The frame currently has nothing attached to it.

bill57

OK I think I'm with you now. You thought you could move the old headset to the new frame, but it's the wrong type. You need a 1 1/8th inch A-Headset, that's all. Unless you've got the right tools I'd advise buying one from your LBS and getting them to fit it, and possibly cut the steerer tube as well.

Ollieda

pics to follow when I find my camera - computer cable

luke2792

If I were you I'd just take it down to your local bike shop
Changing forks requires cutting down the steerer tube and in your case changing the headset which can be a tricky job requiring specialist equipment

This sheldon brown page nicely explains the difference between threadless and threaded headsets
http://sheldonbrown.com/gloss_ha-i.html#headset

luke2792

This Park Tools site also helps explain the difference with a few more in depth pics
http://parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=68

Ollieda

Thanks.

I'm going to have to wait for my student loan in January then off down the LSM, so close to finally having my new bike finished!!!