Crank Brothers headset / Spank Spike...low stack height DH / FR stem...
 

I started this new thread for nooblet search purposes.

If you found a great second-hand fork but it has a short steerer tube and won't quite fit your frame, you need a low stack headset / stem combination. I'm running the Crank Brothers Iodine C AllMountain headset. I strongly suggest you get the SL version b/c the bearing steel is prone to surface rust. If you can't afford it, just get some "Krylon" rust inhibitor and spray on. Works like a charm.

Crank Brothers Directset (Opium, Sage, Cobalt, Iodine) headset: 20.56mm stack height.
Spank Spike DH/FR stem: 26mm stack height.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h2...oed/Bike/d.jpg
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h2...oed/Bike/b.jpg
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h2...oed/Bike/c.jpg
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h2...oed/Bike/a.jpg

Is that a spacer in there too? That's impressive!

Yah dood...4mm. I was shocked that I had plenty of room. After looking this over, I'm surprised more mfgrs don't use a through-bolt pinch.

How long have you used the headset? Any problems? I keep hearing that they are cracking.

What a cool bike.

I have had no problems except for a little surface rust on the "bearing steel". Solved w/ Krylon inhibitor. I usually 1-up the intended design though. If I'm gonna ride XC, I buy AM. If I'm gonna ride AM, I buy FR. I have a history. I'll probably pop the Sage in this frame now that I have the PIKE b/c it's gonna be a "do-it-all" ride.

Thanks..."centerfold":
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h2...oed/Bike/e.jpg

Man, the red accents would look hot on my bike... I may have to look into this.... a long ways down the road.

Cool thread. I new about the headset, but had never heard of a stem with such a short stack ht.

I figured anything that short couldn't be tough enough. If it's FR / DH rated...it should handle my trails just fine.

That's purdy!:thumb: