Moby

Does anybody know of any LBS in Chicago that knows how to cut and rethread a fork?

I just purchased a steel fork with a super long steerer (9-inch) and need it cut down and rethreaded to fit my 53cm vintage roadie.

Dannihilator

Is the fork thread or threadless? If there are no threads on the steerer, it's designed around a threadless system and threading the steerer tube on it would void it's warranty, worse case scenario if it's a threadless steerer is to remove the threaded headset and press in a 1" threadless headset. If it's already threaded though, you should be able to get it re-threaded.

HillRider

Even if the fork is threaded, you may be able to use a threadless headset and stem by cutting off the threaded section if there is enough smooth steerer to give you the needed length.

Otherwise, if you want to extend the current threads and cut off the excess, I'd call the various LBS's in Chicago and pose the question. They will tell you right away if they feel comfortable doing the job and give you a price estimate.

Moby

The fork is already threaded but is way too long for my frame. The fork is 9" with a 1" thread and I need about 3 inches cut off.

I really don't want to go to a threadless headset. I really want to stick with the Nitto quill stem I have. I like the vintage look of my Nitto stem and I especially like the fact I can adjust the height of the stem with total ease.

HillRider

Extending existing threads can be done nicely if the LBS has proper dies in good condition and someone who knows how to use them. It's not difficult if done right. Again, I'd call around and see what they say. If they don't recommend doing it, try someone else.


I'd try Licktons. They certainly aren't the most personable crew but they generally know what they are doing.

Retro Grouch 

I guess that I don't know how to do it then. I've got the die but I think that cutting 3" of threads in a steel steerer with a hand die would be a pretty major job. I'm pretty sure that you could buy a fork that's the right size for less than I'd want to charge you.

HillRider

Of course you know how to do it.

I agree that extending the threads 3" is much more than normally done but if the fork is a particularly good match to the frame otherwise it doesn't seem out of the question.

jgedwa

As someone who is on the hunt for an odd fork, I would love it if the only problem were extending the threads. It is a pain, however.

jim

white lobster

Exactly. Most shops that have the die a) don't know how much damage they'll do to their tool and/or b) how much that tool will cost to replace. Personally, I wouldn't do it, but maybe some shop out there will.

Moby

HillRider,
If I were to go a threadless headset and stem setup, would I be able to acheive this without cutting off the threaded section? The current length of the steerer gives me the perfect height that I need.

Wordbiker

It could also be that A) The shop knows exactly how much damage that would do to their die and B) exactly how much it will cost to replace or sharpen that die, and how much labor would be involved versus what a customer would be willing to pay.

If a shop is reluctant to perform work, it is usually due to A) It isn't a good idea and they are concerned about having to eat the cost of a part or being sued if it fails or B) There's no profit in it when the costs of labor and materials are more than what a customer is willing to pay. No one wants to work for nothing.

It works the same way with a customer: Calculate the cost of doing the job yourself, buying the tools, spending the time and taking the chance that it may fail versus buying another part that requires less work.

Moby

Thanks. I will give Licktons a call tomorrow.

Moby

HillRider,
If I were to go a threadless headset and stem setup, would I be able to acheive this without cutting off the threaded section? The current length of the steerer gives me the perfect height that I need.

Has anybody ever tried clamping a threadless stem clamp onto a threaded steerer?

Deanster04

I just extended the threads my self on a fork designed for a 59 for a 55cm bike. There is a real knack to doing it right. It will take a couple of passes with the cutter. You don't want to try and do the threads in one cut. The Cro-mo steel is pretty hsrd. The other thing you want to look at is the fork chromed? You will not be able to thread the section that is chromed without ruining the tool. It that is the case then you would have to contemplate going threadless. Ask how much they will charge...probably not that much. Good Luck.

HillRider

I've read of riders doing just that but it's considered a very bad idea. The threads act as stress raisers and the steerer could crack under the load the rider puts on the bars. My take is if the steerer isn't long enough to cut all the threaded section off and still allow the stem to clamp on, either extend the threads or get a proper size fork.