Raleigh Twenty Head Tube

[Guy Yinon]

Hi !
I've just found a replacement fork with 200mm steerer for the R20 (Very cheap !) but since its too short I'm thinking about cutting the head tube of the R20

What do you say ?
Any recommendations ?

[caotropheus]

I do not have any recommendation but wait for a fork with a longer sterer. Just donot cut the R20's head tube.

[LittlePixel]

Knowing how hard it is to get long tubes I see the predicament but would hope trimming the tube would be a last ditch effort. I think getting an extension brazed on would be preferable if not more expensive. However - I'm not sure how grave shaving off say an inch or so from the top of the tube would be. It's all about whether you are a purist or not really. I don't think other than upsetting the odd Twenty fan it would actually be something that harmed the integrity of the frame if done right by someone that knows what they are doing to get a good neat cut (no junior hacksaws please!)

[cheg]

You may be able to shorten the head tube but it will have to be done by a pro with the correct tools so the surfaces are really parallel after the cut. A frame builder would be able to do it.

This rigid fork has a long enough head tube:
J & B part# 67453 (Sun Bicycles Replacement Fork for 2001-2003 EZ-Sport Recumbent)
A local bike shop can order it for you from J&B.

[juan162]

Hi !
I've just found a replacement fork with 200mm steerer for the R20 (Very cheap !) but since its too short I'm thinking about cutting the head tube of the R20

You can simply use a stem riser, ahead headset, and the 'tarik device' (the tarik device is simply a 1" inner diameter piece of pvc tubing you can at any hardware store for next to nothing)for your stem and you should be fine. This is what I am currently using. I've put more than 3,000+ miles on it and I've had no troubles with this wetup. The only thing I'm going to change is to replace the pvc pipe with a steel or aluminum one. Just be sure that the stem extender is nice and tight, or you could be in for a big surprize;) .
juan

[Guy Yinon]

You can simply use a stem riser, ahead headset, and the 'tarik device' (the tarik device is simply a 1" inner diameter piece of pvc tubing you can at any hardware store for next to nothing)for your stem and you should be fine. This is what I am currently using. I've put more than 3,000+ miles on it and I've had no troubles with this wetup. The only thing I'm going to change is to replace the pvc pipe with a steel or aluminum one. Just be sure that the stem extender is nice and tight, or you could be in for a big surprize;) .
juan


Well, you wont believe it but there might be a better solution for me out there - I'll post it soon !!!! :)

[Brian]

A proper power hacksaw, and then a facing too, and you're good to go. I'd do it, but I'm not anywhere near up to worrying about forks yet.

[juan162]

Well, you wont believe it but there might be a better solution for me out there - I'll post it soon !!!! :)
Please do...builds are never completely finished :) , so if you have a more elegent solution (that is not too costly), I would consider changing my current setup.
juan

[Guy Yinon]

I would appreciate if you can post a picture of your arrangement !

[norfolk bolt]

Not sure if this is relevant, but if the aim for you is to replace original headset (nylon bush) with a normal threaded headset then you can get the thread on the original 20 folder fork tapped right to the end of the steerer tube. I got mine done in a bike shop for about 10 bucks. It means i can put a good headset on, still keep the lever to raise and lower the handlebars when folding, and just need a good long gooseneck. Quite a simple arrangement, and you keep the original forks. Cutting the head tube is short sighted butchery, and would ruin the proportion and the feel of the frame. In fact you would probably never be able to post a pic of your bike anywhere due to acute embarassment and remorse.