Fork fitting.

Kitz

Hi all, few questions about fitting forks. Considering doing the job myself due to the fact that the ones I want are a lot cheaper online and I'm not sure how I feel about taking internet parts to be fitted by my LBS.

So:
Will any frame take a tapered or a straight 1 1/8 steerer? Is it the headset that takes either the straight or tapered option?
Headsets- will I need a new one? I'd probably like to upgrade it at the same time. How much of a pita are they to remove/replace/re-fit? What do I need in terms of measurements for a tapered fork?
Tools- anything special I need?
Steerer tube cutting- I guess this is the part I'd be most worried about. Getting it straight, getting it exactly the right length. Any tips?

Cheers!

rockmonkeysc

What frame have you got? You need the right steerer to suit your frame and headset.

Kitz

2015 Saracen Kili flyer 121

Kitz

RockmonkeySC wrote:

What frame have you got? You need the right steerer to suit your frame and headset.

Says this in the description:

CNC Taper 1 1/8" to 1.5" headtube

Tapered steerer it is then!

The Rookie

As its currently a tapered steerer you can use a plain steerer fork with a crown race adaptor like the hope (or cheaper alternative) to use your current headset. Apart from weight there is no 'upgrade' from a headset that works to another that works, headsets can last a long time (my commuter uses an OE Carrera headset that is now 10 years old).

Your new forks need a steerer that is at least long enough, cutting isn't too hard I use an old 28.6mm seatpost clamp and then a sacrificial headset spacers to cut alongside (it gets marked up by the blade), or get a plumbers pipe cutter.

You don't need any other special tools, fitting the star fangled nut needs a little care, just use a long M6 bolt and keep it straight as you tap the nut in.