General Cycling Discussion - 1" versus 1 1/8"?

My friend is almost ready to order his new road frame. The manufacturer gives him the option of 1" or 1 1/8"? We have already established that his fork of choice is available in both sizes.

The manufacturer told him that it is merely an issue of cosmetics (the wider head tube is now en vogue; except with the more traditionally minded constructors).

I wonder what the bikeforum people think about this. Any strong opinions in favour of one or the other? Benefits? Downsides?

TIA

1" is fine for a steel steerer, but for Al or carbon, the material is better used in fatter tubes.

Get the 1 2/8" steerer since its possible and have it cut long to allow for plenty of spacers so you get enough adjustability. It is fast becoming the road standard and will allow you to upgrade easier down the road. Beyond that, its mostly a cosmetic decision.

Chuck

hehe, I guess I could learn to type, I meant to put 1 1/8th not 1 2/8th. LOL I am in dire need of a personal editor hehehe

chuck

Thanks for your input, MichaelW and Chasbo!

According to MichaelW's post, there are mechanical, material-related restrictions; Chasbo seems to imply both that and upgrades/cosmetics. This all makes sense to me.

Do I understand correctly that the main concern with head tube width is not the frame, but the corresponding (fork) steerer tube?

In that case, are there any readily available guidelines as to how many spacers can be used with a 1" tube? Would, for example, 3 cm be a problem? Come to think of it, are 1" spacers available?

larger tubes are usually stronger and stiffer.

from a practical standpoint, 1 1/8 makes more sense as that is becoming industry standard and therefore you will have more component options down the road (Forks, stems)

Go 1 1/8" and forget the 1"