Bicycle Mechanics - Threadless Headset Conversion

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dlharrison
05-13-09, 06:08 PM
I have a 1999 Litespeed Titanium bike that is equipped with a threaded 1 inch headset and threaded carbon fork. Being titanium, the bike is in excellent condition. I would like to convert it to a 1 inch threadless headset and threadless fork. I would also need to invest in a 1 inch stem. Is the conversion possible with a 1 inch threadless headset and fork?

Thanks for your response.

AEO
05-13-09, 06:26 PM
yes, it's possible. pretty simple.
since 1" threadless stems are hard to come by, what you can do is get a 1-1/8 threadless stem and use a shim on it.
operator
05-13-09, 06:50 PM
I have a 1999 Litespeed Titanium bike that is equipped with a threaded 1 inch headset and threaded carbon fork. Being titanium, the bike is in excellent condition. I would like to convert it to a 1 inch threadless headset and threadless fork. I would also need to invest in a 1 inch stem. Is the conversion possible with a 1 inch threadless headset and fork?

Thanks for your response.

Might I ask wtf the point of this upgrade is? Is something broken? Save the $100 you're going to spend and grab a bottle of ardbeg instead ffs.

HillRider
05-13-09, 08:24 PM
I did exactly the conversion you are asking about on a '96 Litespeed Catalyst. I installed an FSA Orbit II 1" cartridge bearing threadless headset, a Kestrel EMS Pro 1" threadless carbon fork (Cr-Mo steerer) and a 1-1/8" Forte (Performance's house brand) stem with the included reducer bushing. It worked out great.
HillRider
05-14-09, 08:02 AM
Might I ask wtf the point of this upgrade is? Is something broken? Save the $100 you're going to spend and grab a bottle of ardbeg instead ffs.
Two points:

1. Upgrades are rarely rational unless, as you said, something is broken. That said, they are fun and we do it all the time anyway.

2. $100 won't touch it. A decent replacement headset will probably run about $40, the fork a minimum of $100 by itself and the stem at least $35. If the OP goes for the newer OS bars and stem, that will add at least $40 additional for the bars. And this all assumes the OP does the installation himself. Add what ever the shop cost if the LBS does the work.