Leeway on Fork Size
 

Hi,
I'm trying to replace a broken fork with an affordable one. I have found one on ebay, but it is 5 mm shorter than mine. The spaces/washers on my current headset measure about 4mm, but other than that, I have just enough thread for the locking nut on the headset to screw it all the way on. I have two questions that will affect my decision to buy. Can I get rid of/ or replace the two washers/spacers? and how much thread do I need on the locking nut?
Thanks,
James

You can ditch all of the spacers, but it is better to have one for ease of adjustment. I've ridden bikes without a washer with no problems for years. In fact I think my beater has no spacer. Additionally, you don't need to have all of the threads on the locking ring. It will be OK as long as you get a couple on there. Still, it could be tight-are you sure the seller is measuring things the same way you are?

Even if you can make it work,you create another problem down the road if you have to replace the HS and have to go with one with a greater stack height. A margingally too short fork is just a PITA,no matter if it is cheap.

Thanks for the advice. Let's hope I don't have to replace the headset. The seller claimed that it was actually 232 (mine is 235), so I think that is enough. The bike would be by most standards a beater (an early 80's Austro-Daimler), but it is my only beater and the desire to bike is higher now than the potential long term costs.