bikerider

For those of you who frequent both sites, I posted this on Ridemonkey too since there's a lot of mountain bikers (esp downhillers) on that site. I wanted you guys to hear my rant too.

First off, the conversion will be a big hassle. Throw your existing frames, headsets and stems in the garbage. Oh, and forks too if the crown is not a bolt-on. I suppose a lot of people change bikes every year so it won't affect them, but a lot more people don't and this is going to create huge problems. I strongly suspect that this is a merciless cash-grab in an industry that has perhaps run out of ideas for the next new thing. Ok, before you think I am completely opposed to the objective of a stronger head tube junction let me just say that I'm not.

I think most people agree that a stronger steerer tube/headtube junction is a good, even nessessary, thing. So why not simply make the tubing thicker? There is no limitation on the potential thickness of the head tube or the steerer tube - unless you were using threaded headsets with quill-type stems of course, but that doesn't apply to real MTBs. All that would have to be changed is the diameter of the star-fangled nut.

And before anyone points this out, yes, I know that increasing the diameter of the tubing is generally a more productive way to gain strength and stiffness than increasing the thickness (ie less mass for a given strength or more strength for a given mass). However, considering how large the changeover to a different headset diameter is, would it not be a worthwhile tradeoff? (especially for DH/DJ frames) How much extra weight are talking about anyway considering this would only require extra material on a fairly small % of the overall tubing of the frame and fork? Besides, this would allow the manufacturers to only beef up frames/forks designed for heavy-duty purposes, XC frames could remain as they are.

I have no problem with the idea of increasing the depth of headset cups but there is no reason this can't be done with the 1-1/8" standard.

I think I'm going to buy shares in companies that manufacture reducer cups.

fubar5

Wow, a change would certainly be lame, moneywise at least. I don't think MTB component companies will stop making any 1 1/8 stuff, and only 1.5. If they did that they would lose tons of money, because most people can't afford an upgrade.So it seems to me it will probably be something integrated into cycling over a few years. Just my thoughts! what is your handle at rm?

KleinMp99

The 1.5's arent coming out till 2003 anyway. And they wont change xc bikes because the 1.5 is built for long travel forks.

Geronimo

for those who aren't clear on what this thread is all about, this will shed a little light.

www.onepointfivestandard.com

IMHO Chris King seldom does things without giving them some thought.

Joe Gardner

Geronimo, thanks for the link! Im going to read up about this before i post any coments

fubar5

Great link!!! I actually think one-point-five idea is pretty good. I like how they are setting a standard so that there will be little confusion. I would actually like to see more companies in on the deal,but the idea is still new so in a few months or so I bet the participating companies list will grow.I think I may wait till 2003 to get a Stinky.

MichaelW

The real solution is not to increase the diameter or thickness of the parts, but to extend the length of the head tube. The lower race acts as a fulcrum, and he upper race resists the pivoting action, so the closer they are, the higher the forces.
Short headtubes are really harsh on headsets, so you should ride the longest that is compatable wih your riding position. Of course the fashion is for very short head-tubes.
There is nothing wrong with the current 2 standards. 1" for average road riders, and 1 1/8 for tandems, small riders and off roading.

Geronimo

Funny thing is...Gary Fisher tried to tell everyone that bigger was better a long time ago, just ask Fubar, he has one. 1 1/4" stuff was way meatier, it just didn't take off and it was more or less abandoned like the little match girl. '03 is still a ways off, don't sweat the small stuff.