Bicycle Mechanics - Could I thread an aluminum steerer tube and mount an old Nitto stem?

Folks;

I'd like to add a carbon fiber fork to my '87 C-dale Black Lightning for weight reduction and reduced buzz. One possibility is to acquire a used CF fork with a 1" steerer, and I've located one.

The steerer tube is aluminum. Could I cut and thread it (I can get the 24 tpi die work done at my LBS) and re-use the gorgeous Nitto goose neck stem that came with the C-dale, or is this putting way too much strain on aluminum?

How about headset and bearings? It appears the bike came with loose bearings in the headset (as opposed to cartridge bearings) which I'm guessing was standard for those days. Maybe still is.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Joe F

Measure the ID of the fork's steerer-tube. Most likely it's not 22.2mm. Which is what you need to fit a quill-stem. For threaded headsets, I recommend a Stronglight headset with needle-bearings. Easily lasts 10x longer than ball-bearing headsets.

To answer your first question, no you can't safely thread an aluminum steerer. It doesn't matter if the stem will fit inside or not, aluminum steerers must not be threaded. End of discussion.

There were 1" threaded Cr-mo steerer carbon forks available at one time. Kestrel made their EMS Pro in that configuration and i have one on an older bike. But there were NEVER any 1" threaded aluminum steerers. In fact I have never heard of a 1-1/8" threaded aluminum steerer either.

A few places have new 1” threaded carbon forks still, you can find a Winwood, PROFILE DESIGN, Kestrel, Nashbar, Performance had some I do not see them now.

Thank you DannoXYZ and Hillrider;

You've confirmed my suspicions, which is that I'm going to be limited to some aftermarket products such as Nashbar and Performance Bike offer. Part of the dilemma is my enthusiasm for the original black anodized bar and stem.

I do very much appreciate your help.

Joe F

I think you put a Slice on your C-dale, IIRC. It looks like PBK may have dropped their CF fork. It got some middling reviews, but Nashbar still has theirs available, and I may need to just get one.

Anyone have experience with the Nashbar 1" threaded carbon fiber fork?

Thanks again to all.

Joe F

To answer your first question, no you can't safely thread an aluminum steerer. It doesn't matter if the stem will fit inside or not, aluminum steerers must not be threaded. End of discussion.


Actually, the very early Vitus forks were available with threaded aluminum steerer tubes. They broke as fast as you'd expect and were recalled just as quickly.

Actually, the very early Vitus forks were available with threaded aluminum steerer tubes. They broke as fast as you'd expect and were recalled just as quickly.
You will notice my reply said; " you can't safely thread an aluminum steerer..." I forgot about Vitus but they only confirmed our recommendation.