Fork/Headset/Spacer/Stem/Bar compatibility questions
 

I'm planning to replace the fork, headset, stem and handlebars on my flat bar road bike.

My current setup is a 1" threaded headset, chromo fork with v-brakes on a Trek steel frame, 1" aluminum quill stem, and 25.4mm steel flat bars. The bars weigh over a pound and are rusted, the headset is indexed, and the fork threads are partially stripped. They've all treated me well for 10 years, but it's time to go.

Below is my planned upgrade. I'm hoping for any comments or suggestions about compatibility or costs. For the record, I'm buying all this stuff from Nashbar because, with a 20% discount, I can get everything shipped for about $180. I plan to have my LBS do the fork sizing and headset replacement. What should they charge me? I say "should" because my LBS overcharges for labor.

Nashbar 1" Carbon Cyclocross Fork w/ Aluminum Steerer
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...1_10000_200456
$120
crown race = 26.4mm

Q: I know cyclocross riders usually use canti brakes. But my v-brakes will work here, right?

Cane Creek S-2 1" Headset
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product..._200276_200465
$40

Q: I've done a lot of searching and reading here in the forums, but I want to be certain that it's compatible with the other parts. The description is relatively brief. Are there questions I should ask Nashbar customer service?

Nashbar 1" stem
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...1_10000_200460
$15
31.8mm clamp

Nashbar carbon fiber 1" Headset Spacers
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...1_10000_200466
$15

Q: Are the CF spacers a waste of money, I can get alloy ones for about $7 less.

Ritchey Comp Mountain Bike Handlebar, 31.8mm
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product..._200276_200388
$15

I'm trying to keep costs down. Nashbar's next cheapest headset is only $15, so I'm concerned about it's quality.

Ritchey Logic 1" Headset
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product..._200276_200465

Anyone have any comments, suggestions, or critiques? This is bikeforums, so I know there are some critiques. :)

Whats wrong with your steel fork, and just replacing your bars with an aluminum one?

and replacing the headset with a fresh one? maybe convert the existing fork to threadless
if the threads are funky


BBB BHP20 is a quill to threadless conversion, and a stem riser
It has the top cap bolt to bypass the threads for headset adjustment to the threadless sort.

I got one for the stem riser function in the 9/8" version (BHP 21)
and it works well ,

CF forks are a waste of money , IMHO.

As I mentioned, the threads on the fork are stripped. The headset locknut no longer tightens. It's just barely under tension.

Another kludge is possible, Though the BBB BHP 20 is the elegant fix
http://www.bbbparts.com/headparts_bhp20.php
Low cost Quill tube steel style stem riser,
available from most bike shop suppliers, tightened in the fork,
then slide the threadless headset
over the threaded fork .. fill in the old damaged threads in with JB Weld and make smooth if you wish..


the Tube stem riser is 7/8 OD on the Bottom reduced to go inside, then,
1" OD on the top, then you put a threadless stack of spacers under the clamped on stem as you will need do any how , and use a compression type top cap ,
so it will come out as needed , to retighten the Quill bolt at the bottom , perhaps ..

[unlike a starfangled nut] .. and that will do the job of adjusting thru
the stack, under the stem and the headset.

Of course you can also have any welding shop overlay the damaged threads with brass , and then just have the fork re threaded and use the existing parts over again , minus replacing the older headset with a fresh one..

Still don't need to use a cheap Carbon fork. re use the fork you already own

I'll answer what I know.
V-brakes use the same studs as cantis, this will work.
The stem is probably 1 1/8" with a shim supplied for 1". No problems with that, just saying.
Yes carbon fiber spacers are a waste of money (IMHO)
You have two headsets in your list. I'm sure the Ritchey will work fine, save yourself a few dollars. As far as I know there's only two 1" headsets standards, ISO and JIS. It's almost certain that all the parts you've linked are ISO and will work together. FWIW, I bought a Nashbar CF 1" road fork and it is ISO, although I never got an answer from Nashbar to confirm, I went with the advice of folks here and trusted that it was ISO.

Thanks Steev. I think you answered most of my questions. I really appreciate it.

Update: If anyone's wondering about the original compatibility question that I asked, the answer is yes, with the exception of the stem bolt, which was too short and was swapped out by my LBS. I purchased all the parts for about $160, thanks to a combination of sales and a 20% coupon. My LBS did the headset install and fork cutting for just $25 (half of what another LBS asked for). I've been riding with a wonky headset and fork for so long, it feels as though I have new bike.