Threaded/Threadless Fork Questions
 

So I was wondering if in a pinch if there is any reason why a person couldn't use an old threaded fork but then use a threadless headset and stem.
Would the threads be in the way? <what about grinding off the threads?>
The reason why I ask is that I have a new frame but can't afford a new fork, and it is a hard size to find a threaded fork for (140)
So I was curious if I could just use an old long threaded fork and cut it down to fit the threadless parts.
Thanks for any replies.

it works fine. old french touring bikes used to do that. i wouldnt use it for hardcore mtn biking though.
its actually a cool system, you can lock your threaded headset down, and sans spacers, move your stem anywhere on the steerer, with no starnut.

If you had a clear tube without threads at critical points, i.e. a really long fork, you might not have problems. But if there were threads under where the stem clamps to the fork, I'd be much more cautious. Since the threads are cut onto the steer tube, material has been removed making the area thinner. Also if there is a keyed washer slot cut in the tube, the fork would be weaker still. It might work or it might fail. Failure of the steering parts of your bike isn't good. I'd think about it long and hard before doing it. You can get lots of threadless forks for cheap (check for old ones at your local bike shop).

It's really a retorical question.

You'd have to find a fork off of a huge frame to have enough steerer tube sticking up to clamp the stem onto. If you handicap yourself by not clamping onto the threaded portion of the fork, the required part gets even harder to find.

Finally, what's your risk vs. savings equation? Decent quality cromoly forks start at around $40.00 or $50.00. Dental work, on the other hand, is a bit more pricy.