MTB Headset Question

[TechMech]

I've got a pretty old Giant mtb (cira 8/9 years) which i've completely stripped down. The frame is still straight and undamaged which i'm going to get power coated.

The main problem is sourcing a new or nearly new set of front suspension forks. This is because they all seem to come in non-threaded type, where as the set that came off are threaded.

Can i fit a non-threaded fork where a threaded fork came out of? Obviously i'd have to change the stem, but i'm not sure about the nuts and bearings etc, are they the same? If its possible to do, what parts do i need to do this?

 

[Steve Austin]

Easiest solution is to get a non threaded headset in 1 1/8 and some unthreaded forks and a new stem.
Thats the easiest way

 

[spandex]

Sorry but no

If you wish to have an non threaded fork you will have to change the headset

So you will need

Forks
Headset
and a Star washer to go into the top of the fork.

 

[Tim Bennet.]

The only thing you have to watch is the 'size' of the headset. You probably have the old standard head tube (1 inch diameter) whilst more recent bikes all have 1.125 inches.

So converting to threadless is easy, but finding a set of 1" forks might be the tricky bit and then the only ones on offer might be cheap and nasty. Don't dismiss the fully rigid fork options as these have almost as much give as cheap suspension forks.

 

[Steve Austin]

I would bet money its an 1 1/8 or 1.125 headset

 

[TechMech]

I would bet money its an 1 1/8 or 1.125 headset

From memory i think your right Steve, but i'll double check tomorrow.

Btw, there's two kinda cup things still in the frame, top and bottom of where the steerer tube goes through. I take it these will have been part of the old threaded headset and will need to be removed.

 

[spandex]

Yep they are and do

 

[TechMech]

I would bet money its an 1 1/8 or 1.125 headset

You were right Steve, 1 1/8 it is

After all this though i'm now questioning the frame size, as i think it may be too large for proper mtb'ing.

See my other post here http://www.cyclechat.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=31569