Threadless Fork Fitting To 1inch Threaded Type Frame?

[DC]

Probably this question has been asked many times on this newsgroup.

I have a mountain bike frame with a rear suspension unit but no front
suspension forks (fixed fork) and wish to upgrade to a suspension type front
fork. However, exsisting front fork is the older 1 inch threaded steerer
tube type. Problem is that most suspension forks now come in the 1 1/8" inch
threadless steering tube design which is not comaptible with the head tubes
designed for 1 inch threaded steering forks. However, I am aware that 1
inch threadless forks are still manufactured but are becoming obsolete, so
what would be the most effective to fit a suspension fork to the frame from
the following?

1. Purchase a threadless 1 inch steerer tube type suspension fork and change
exsisting headset and stem
2. Cut (24TPI) threads into a 1 inch threadless fork steering tube and keep
exsisting threaded bicycle headset
3. Replace head tube of frame with a larger tube to accomodate a 1 1/8
steering tube making frame compatible with all new suspension forks - How
difficult would this be and how possible?

Anyone with any comments would be most appreciated?

regards
DC

[Paul Southworth]

In article <aas1k6$ivl$1...@paris.btinternet.com>, DC <no...@none.net> wrote:
>I have a mountain bike frame with a rear suspension unit but no front
>suspension forks (fixed fork) and wish to upgrade to a suspension type front
>fork. However, exsisting front fork is the older 1 inch threaded steerer
>tube type. Problem is that most suspension forks now come in the 1 1/8" inch
>threadless steering tube design which is not comaptible with the head tubes
>designed for 1 inch threaded steering forks. However, I am aware that 1
>inch threadless forks are still manufactured but are becoming obsolete, so
>what would be the most effective to fit a suspension fork to the frame from
>the following?
>
>1. Purchase a threadless 1 inch steerer tube type suspension fork and change
>exsisting headset and stem

Yes, good idea.

>2. Cut (24TPI) threads into a 1 inch threadless fork steering tube and keep
>exsisting threaded bicycle headset

Not with hand tools, I wouldn't - a lot of work, a lot of wear on
the die, not very good threads when you're done, and no compelling
reason to try, since you can just go threadless. No fun.

>3. Replace head tube of frame with a larger tube to accomodate a 1 1/8
>steering tube making frame compatible with all new suspension forks - How
>difficult would this be and how possible?

Possible depending on frame material, but not generally worthwhile
or a good idea. Ask a frame builder if you want to go that route.

--Paul

[DC]

Many thanks for your comments with regard to this problem.

The only things that disturbs myself with regard to going threadless is the
lack of handle bar height adjustment as my frame is small with long seat
post to compensate. Any idea how many spacers or stackers can be added to a
threadless steering tube to increase stem height.(assuming threadless
steering tube is long enough to begin with to allow a reasonable amount of
handlebar height adjustment)

Once again many thanks
DC

Paul Southworth <cnhyf-10...@usenet.etext.org> wrote in message
news:5njA8.18735$A%3.17...@ord-read.news.verio.net...

[Paul Southworth]

In article <aav4lf$4hf$1...@knossos.btinternet.com>, DC <no...@none.net> wrote:
>Many thanks for your comments with regard to this problem.
>
>The only things that disturbs myself with regard to going threadless is the
>lack of handle bar height adjustment as my frame is small with long seat
>post to compensate. Any idea how many spacers or stackers can be added to a
>threadless steering tube to increase stem height.(assuming threadless
>steering tube is long enough to begin with to allow a reasonable amount of
>handlebar height adjustment)

You should be able to find forks with very long threadless steer
tubes. If if's going to have a lot of length above the headset,
make sure the steer tube is steel. If you need lots of height,
make sure you get a 105-degree stem - you're going to need to buy
a stem anyway so you may as well get one with lots of rise. Rise
handlebars are also a good choice for adding height without adding
lots of excess steer tube. And you can shop for a headset with a
substantial stack height. You want to use exactly one spacer, but
if the steer tube is beefy & steel that spacer can be pretty darn big.
The fork manufacturer may have some advice for you regarding how big
a spacer is considered safe with their fork.

--Paul

[DC]

You have indeed imparted some good advice with regard to the steering tube
construction and stacker height correlated to the stem angle and handlebars.
From my own investigation, Marzocchi's MXC-ECC fork is the only 2002
reasonable quality fork in the 1 inch threadless format but comes with an
alloy steerer tube which might now give problems with regard to obtaining
any course height adjustment. Currently, I am not aware of this fork coming
with a steel steerer, although I think their 2001 Bomber models all had a
steel steerer option. I will email Marzocchi about this, but you have
provided some good pointers to avoid an incorrect purchase.

Once again thanks for your kind advice
regards
DC

Paul Southworth <cnhyf-10...@usenet.etext.org> wrote in message

news:M0FA8.18832$A%3.18...@ord-read.news.verio.net...