threaded to threadless headset conversion
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threaded to threadless headset conversion
I have a circa. 1995 Kona Lava Dome mountain bike with a threaded headset and fork. I long ago replaced the stock crappy Marzocchi suspension fork with a cheap rigid fork. I want to replace the fork again with a suspension model, but I also plan to replace the headset,stem and bars. There are many more options of threadless forks to choose from so I am wondering if this conversion can be done. Thanks.
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Sure it can be done. Considering what you want to do you almost HAVE to go threadless as I don't know of any newer suspension fork made with a threaded steerer. Your current fork/headset will have to be 1-1/8" as this is about the only diameter steerer commonly made these days.
You will, of course, have to fit a new headset and stem along with the fork. New bars are optional. The choices are nearly endless and depend a lot on $$$$$.
You will, of course, have to fit a new headset and stem along with the fork. New bars are optional. The choices are nearly endless and depend a lot on $$$$$.
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Thanks for your reply but will the headset for a 1-1/8" threadless steerer tube fit in the headtube of my bicycle frame?
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Originally Posted by MrFoot
Thanks for your reply but will the headset for a 1-1/8" threadless steerer tube fit in the headtube of my bicycle frame?
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This is Africa, 1943. War spits out its violence overhead and the sandy graveyard swallows it up. Her name is King Nine, B-25, medium bomber, Twelfth Air Force. On a hot, still morning she took off from Tunisia to bomb the southern tip of Italy. An errant piece of flak tore a hole in a wing tank and, like a wounded bird, this is where she landed, not to return on this day, or any other day.
This is Africa, 1943. War spits out its violence overhead and the sandy graveyard swallows it up. Her name is King Nine, B-25, medium bomber, Twelfth Air Force. On a hot, still morning she took off from Tunisia to bomb the southern tip of Italy. An errant piece of flak tore a hole in a wing tank and, like a wounded bird, this is where she landed, not to return on this day, or any other day.
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I'm pretty sure MTB's have had 1-1/8" headset/steerers/stems/headtubes for quite a while. My 1993 Trek 7000 did and it wasn't the first year to use them. Measure or read the quill on your current stem. If it measures 25.4 mm (1") or is stamped 25.4 mm it's for a 1-1/8" headset/steerer.
Keep in mind quills have to be smaller than the steerer tube since they have to fit inside. That's why the quill will measure 1" in diameter even though the steerer is 1-1/8".
Keep in mind quills have to be smaller than the steerer tube since they have to fit inside. That's why the quill will measure 1" in diameter even though the steerer is 1-1/8".
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I built up a 14" Kona 'Lava Dome' frame (bought on Ebay & probably about that age) for my grandaughter and it had a 1 1/8" headtube. No reason to think yours will be different. That was a pretty light weight steel frame and she loved the purple and yellow paint scheme. Good Luck