Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Can you tell me about this headset?

Can you tell me about this headset? This is an angus frame which I thought was unavailable with a threadless stem. What is the set up in this pictures? http://velospace.org/files/theron2.jpg

I could be wrong but it appears they just installed a threadless headset and fork, basically any bike that uses a 1" steerer can be set up either way (or am I completely full of **** here?)

I could be wrong but it appears they just installed a threadless headset and fork, basically any bike that uses a 1" steerer can be set up either way (or am I completely full of **** here?)
You are correct, that bike is set up threadelss. Any bike that uses a non-integrated headset can be set up as threaded or a threadless headset. Integrated frames only accept threadless.

BRANDUNE, you are correct.

aside from the caveat that the bike's got to accept a non-integrated headset, threaded or threadless just depends on the fork. that's what threaded or threadless refers to - whether the fork has threads or not.

Ahh everything is so clear now. Which offers more flexibilty with positioning of the handlebars?

That looks like an FSA Orbit X 1" Threadless Headset. They are sealed bearings and accept threadless stems. Because that is not a stock fork, the angus can be run as a 1" threadless setup. That headset runs about $60US.

I have one and I like it a lot.

i'll preface this by saying i'm not 100% sure, and i may be 100% wrong...

i'm too lazy to really do any sort of comprehensive search, but do companies even make 1" carbon forks anymore? i thought carbon forks with 1" steerers went out some years ago. if so, that may be an older carbon fork.

as andypants said, that's definitely a threadless fork/headest. if it was a threadless adapter you'd still have the locknut up top.

nashbar makes a 1" carbon threaded and a 1" carbon threadless fork.

Ahh everything is so clear now. Which offers more flexibilty with positioning of the handlebars?

it depends. threadless stems, you can get in any angle and length. with a quill stem (for threaded), you can move it up and down easily.

most people agree that threadless is far superior (stiffer, lighter, more elegant design), but that quills look better. having both on my bike i agree that threadless is far superior. it's also easier to undo the assembly, repack the headset, and re-set it properly.

nashbar makes a 1" carbon threaded and a 1" carbon threadless fork.


oh wow, i didn't know that. i might look into buying one. do you have any experience with them? are they any good? thanks a lot for any info!

I think Colnago still make 1" threadless CF forks (or did so quite recently anyway), which is a Good Thing as they are f'ing sexy.

[QUOTE=ollyisk]i'll preface this by saying i'm not 100% sure, and i may be 100% wrong...

i'm too lazy to really do any sort of comprehensive search, but do companies even make 1" carbon forks anymore?QUOTE]
If it were me, I would get this one. Its US made to boot.

http://www.reynoldscomposites.com/products_forks_ouzopro.html

Ahh everything is so clear now. Which offers more flexibilty with positioning of the handlebars?
Threaded, by a lot ~

Threaded can be raised and lowered easier. To do the same with threadless you have to have a lot of spacers above the stem with some extra steerer tube.

I like threadless better due to the reasons listed by queerpunk, FWIW.

I have a Motobecane Track/Messenger and i run(after swapping forks) a 1" threadless Ritchey headset and threadless fork......pretty common if you look for Time Trial forks,headsets,stems and such.

Threaded, by a lot ~

You need a new quill stem for every angle you want to run though. I think threadless is superior, even if you take into account that one advantage.

You need a new quill stem for every angle you want to run though. I think threadless is superior, even if you take into account that one advantage.

You could run one of these.
http://www.profile-design.com/2006_product_pages/accesories/acc_converter.html

You could run one of these.
http://www.profile-design.com/2006_product_pages/accesories/acc_converter.html

Very true. Still not as good as a true threadless system IMO

There are far more length/clamp diameter options with threadless. Granted, you can make quick up/down adjustments with threaded and it looks purdy but the time it takes to move a stem within the spacer stack or flip it is insignificant.

Threadless has the advantage of more contact surface between the stem clamp and the steerer tube, so it will stay in place better with less tension. Stems for threadless are often lighter because they can be CNC machined or otherwise lightened. Most threadless stems have a removable faceplate so you can swap bars without removing your grips/tape/levers.

However, installing a threadless fork and headset is definitely a 'measure twice, cut once' operation, as if you don't use spacers your cut has to be right on. Even the single spacer in the OP is tough to get that precise.

I enjoy the simplicity of my threaded bike with Nitto, but the groupbuy frame will be threadless.

However, installing a threadless fork and headset is definitely a 'measure twice, cut once' operation.

Fortunately if you cut a fork shorter than you want to, you can still use it by matching it with a stem with the right rise and reach, provided you have not cut your fork too short for your frame.

i thought carbon forks with 1" steerers went out some years ago. if so, that may be an older carbon fork.

Not at all .... I just checked what QBP (a wholesaler) currently has in stock. For a 1" threadless carbon, you can get:

Reynolds Ouzo Pro
Oval Concepts A900
Alpha-Q GS10 & CS20
Profile Design BRC
Richey Comp

I don't have a print catalog on me right now, so there are probably more choices available, just not currently in stock.

So, there are still plenty of options out there.

that's good to know, i'll definitely consider getting a carbon fork for the IRO then!

If you cut a threadless stem a bit too short, can you still use but just have less surface area for grip?

Fortunately if you cut a fork shorter than you want to, you can still use it by matching it with a stem with the right rise and reach, provided you have not cut your fork too short for your frame.

true. That's sort of what I meant— if you're trying for the no spacer, or one skinny spacer look, you have to be really careful about your cut. Not that you shouldn't be anyway.