a1only

Does Chris King make a 1" threadless head set? According to the web site, 1 1/8" is only available except for the uber $$$ titanium model.https://www.chrisking.com/

My bike has a 1/2x3/32 chain, can i swap in a 1/2x1/8? Do i need to change the chain rings? If so, which ones?

My bike has a 48t front and a 16t, is the bike over geared to run brakeless? I've ridden the bike in stock config. for over a year (with a front brake) the head set is junk, I'm on my third truvativ bottom bracket, and the chain is severly stretched. Other than that it's perfect!

fixedpip

Doesn't look like it now (not in the QBP catalog anyway) but they definitely made them. 2nd hand/NOS ones show up all the time on Ebay. Plenty of other options for 1" threadless. Some junk, some that are ok.

You can change the chain without changing rings. However running mixed drivetrain normally results in a lot of noise. So you would, if the noise is too much for you, have to switch out your front chain ring and rear cog to 1/8" pitch stuff.

This depends on what terrain you generally encounter, how strong a rider you are etc. Easiest way is to try riding without using the brake (but left on the bike) and see how you feel. Its certainly a tall(ish) gear but people have been rocking it. I would personally start off with lower gearing.

If you're chain is severerly stretched then change it. A worn chain will just kill your drivetrain.

Plenty of chain recs on this board. Izumi chains are definitely my favourite right now.

baxtefer

According to their site they still make a threadless 1'' headset
The wording is just weird on their page. They mean the 1'' and 1 1/8" are available in Ti as well

Found one:
https://www.all3sports.com/Product/Ca.../ProductID/308
and performace has them too:
https://www.performancebike.com/shop/...2&SRCCODE=2047

a1only

Thanks!

motion sickness

48x16 is higher than I would run brakeless, but give it a try if you already got it on the bike. If you can't stop comfortably it's too high.

Something else to consider with a ratio where the cog divides evenly into the chainring is that you will wear the tire in the same spot when you skip or skid.

a1only

I have no problem pushing 48x16 put it's tough to slow it down. I am going to upgrade the chain and cogs, what is a good starting place?