Bicycle Mechanics - Upgrading old bike with new parts. Help please

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oldskool_pearce
05-27-04, 01:11 PM
Hi, I have an old bike with the old way of attaching forks, with a threaded fork and I would like to know:
* If I can fit an Ahead system to the frame so as to use modern forks
* If I can how do I change to this system because I dont know how an Ahead system works
* How do I fit disk brakes, Do I need special wheels?

any help or knowledge is much appriciated as I am very keen to upgrade and get better as I am knew to Biking.

Thanks.

John E
05-27-04, 02:58 PM
Disc brakes require special hubs, so you might as well replace the wheels.

You can replace a threaded fork with a threadless one, but you will need to swap out your headset and stem, as well.

Other than weight and POSSIBLY stem stiffness, I see no significant advantage to the threadless system.
Stubacca
05-27-04, 03:06 PM
Disc brakes require not just special hubs, but also disc tabs on the frame and fork. I think some disc brakes can be mounted to the rear without disc tabs using a mounting bracket if needed.

If you get the headset replaced to mount a new fork, be aware that your bike will use a 1" steerer tube. New bikes for the most part use 1 1/8". Make sure you buy the right one!

Get a mechanic at your LBS to switch the headsets. This is a job that is easy to stuff up, and can result in a ruined frame and fork.

Is this a mountain bike? If so, I don't think there are many suspension forks made with 1" steerer tubes. If it's a road bike, disc brakes are rarely used...