Bicycle Mechanics - Threaded Headset on 2001 L. Buenos Aires

Just got a great deal on a 2001 BA at lbs. I love the bike but my only concern is the head set. I am told that it is a threaded headset of the old variety and if were to ever change out forks then I would probably have to get a used one. Is this true and if so how hard would that be. 2nd, how hard would it be to find a different headset that is adjustable. Would I still be running into the same problem?

Appeciate any help with this.

Thanks!

As of today you can both threaded and unthreaded forks that will fit your bike. If for some reason they stop making new forks with threaded steerer tubes, you can easily switch over to the threadless style.

If it is a carbon fork, you are set. Forks, barring major collisions, rarely fail and have
life spans approaching that of the frame. Headsets for threaded forks are a little
scarcer than 5-8yrs ago, but like 5spd chains will continue to be available for an
indefinite period: I would think at least 10yrs. AL forks are worth consideration of
change for performance reasons, steel forks worth considering changing mostly because of weight. Nashbar periodically has threaded carbon forks on closeout for $75-150 but this source will slowly dry up. Worst case: you swap out and get a 1" threadless setup and swap fork, headset and stem. Your concern then will be: will 1" threadless become obsolete any faster than 1" threaded?? Steve

If it is a carbon fork, you are set. Forks, barring major collisions, rarely fail and have
life spans approaching that of the frame. Headsets for threaded forks are a little
scarcer than 5-8yrs ago, but like 5spd chains will continue to be available for an
indefinite period: I would think at least 10yrs. AL forks are worth consideration of
change for performance reasons, steel forks worth considering changing mostly because of weight. Nashbar periodically has threaded carbon forks on closeout for $75-150 but this source will slowly dry up. Worst case: you swap out and get a 1" threadless setup and swap fork, headset and stem. Your concern then will be: will 1" threadless become obsolete any faster than 1" threaded?? Steve

Its a ICON carbon fiber fork??? Anyway I haven't taken possesion of the bike yet. I am deciding between the 2001 LeMond BA in question and a 2003 Fuji Rubaix that is about 100 bucks cheaper at 800.00. They both have ALL 105 including brakes and crank but the LeMond is steel and has the 1" head set. They fit almost the same but the bike shop with the fuji has much better staff. Between the two which is the best value? Any ideas?

1" steerer tubes and head tubes will always be around if there is time trialing.

I love my BA its 2003 though threadless headset and mostly ultegra. my bro in law has a 2001 zurich with the threaded headset and his bike is the reason i bought a Lemond it rides like a dream. But I'm partial to the steel ride. I also have a Fuji Finest AL frame I like the bike, It was my first, but I love my lemond.

Don't sweat it. The only reason you might want a new fork is to get a fancier one. In that case you will hardly flinch at the $60 cost of a threadless headset(will fit your frame, no problem) when you blow $250 on the fork.

Don't sweat it. The only reason you might want a new fork is to get a fancier one. In that case you will hardly flinch at the $60 cost of a threadless headset(will fit your frame, no problem) when you blow $250 on the fork.
hmmm... The bs I'm getting this from isn't aware of this. I'm glad I can get some straight answers here. Like I said, I love the bike but just want something that if I desire to upgrade, I can. Nice to know that it is possible!! Thanks! My alternative would be to get the 03 fuji rubaix and save a hundred bucks....

There is no reason to change the ICON fork. It will have 90% of the performance
of any other carbon fork and will be close enough in weight to make getting a new
one a waste of money and effort. Both Lemond and Fuji are well built well thought
of bikes, you will just have to decide which you want. I would be slightly partial
to steel frame but maintenance is a little higher (rust prevention) where Al is usually
a bit stiffer, though carbon forks ameliorate this. Short rides are not enough to give
you a good feel for the difference in the frames. Presumably the frames are the
same size? If not then if one is a bit large that might swing choice to the other
bike as it is easier to adapt a small frame to a larger rider than vice versa. Steve