Fitting a threadless headset ...

[Rhythm Thief]

... to threaded forks. Yes, I know that sounds daft, but my new Raleigh Twenty project has a lot of spare fork coming out of the top of the headtube, with only the top inch or so of it threaded (ie, not enough for a threaded headset to be fitted without me either getting a longer thread cut into it or using lots of spacers). I've had a think about it and I can't see why I shouldn't just use a 1" threadless headset. Anyone know any different? I'll try and provide pictures tomorrow, if I get around to it.

 

[mickle]

Cheaper to fit spacers than a new headset shirley? But yes, no reason why not.

 

[Rhythm Thief]

Cheaper to fit spacers than a new headset shirley? But yes, no reason why not.

I would just put the old headset back on, but it's a cheapie steel thing with (shudder) a plastic bush instead of proper bearings at the top end. So I've got to buy a new headset anyway.

 

[Landslide]

Possible concerns would be that the combination of the threaded section, along with the internal diameter necessary to fit a quill stem, may mean that the threaded steerer may not be a strong as a threadless steerer. Probably a case of suck it and see...
Also, the threads might grip the clamping faces of the stem, making bearing adjustment more difficult. Using an inch-and-an-eighth stem with an appropriate shim would probably ease this problem, as the threads could grip the shim, whilst the stem could slide over the shim.
I await your progress reports with interest!

 

[mickle]

Aint nothing wrong with plastic bushes, we have some on our pedal-powered Scalextrics along with some plastic trees.

 

[Rhythm Thief]

Aint nothing wrong with plastic bushes, we have some on our pedal-powered Scalextrics along with some plastic trees.

I used to use bits of old bath sponge dipped in green paint on my Hornby trainset when I was little.

 

[Rhythm Thief]

I've decided, incidentally, to get the thread extended on the steerer tube and fit a threaded headset. There's not enough stem length to give me a dignified riding position otherwise. Besides, I've got a headset and a stem knocking about somewhere, and my LBS can cut a thread for me.

 

[rich p]

I've decided, incidentally, to get the thread extended on the steerer tube and fit a threaded headset. There's not enough stem length to give me a dignified riding position otherwise. Besides, I've got a headset and a stem knocking about somewhere, and my LBS can cut a thread for me.

Nicely put, RT

 

[Rhythm Thief]

I'm too old and slow to be riding around with my arse in the air.