Hi there, I'm working on a recumbent that uses a Long John-style steering linkage to turn the front wheel. Right now it has a threaded headset (I think). It's important that the headset be flush with the head tube, or else the rider's legs will bash into it.

I'd like to upgrade it to a fork with a 1-1/8 threadless steerer tube, and I'm happy to replace the headset if needed.

The problem is that on threadless headsets, the stem clamp bolts are what's holding the fork and bearings together. So if the bike doesn't use a stem, wouldn't all the tension be put on the top preload screw? Is this OK?

Is it possible to buy a tiny fake-stem-clamp to properly hold the fork steerer tube in place?