Threadless vs. Threaded -- now I need headset help...
 

My LBS wants to install a threadless headset, fork and stem on my Paramount in lieu of the "old tech" threaded assembly that is now inside the frame.

Would anyone know what would be the advantage of threadless over threaded?

Thx.

Threadless is easier to work on, parts are easier to acquire and the setup is stiffer. Much stiffer.

The question I have is why? Why does your LBS want to do this?

I like working on a threadless setup better than a threaded setup, but threadless is just plain ugly, keep the threaded headset.

go to another bike store and get a second opinion.

Because he's in business to make money.

Whoa! Tough crowd. :>

Well, all I can see is threadless is a bit lighter -- and of course, more modern. I was told that I could run any stem I wanted with threadless (1-inch) that is.

Of course, the fork the LBS wants to set me up with is $300-$400, not allowing the fact the fork I now have my Paramount is a very nice straight blade carbon fork.

If I didn't go the threadless route, all I'd really need is a new stem as the Serotta Ti stem I now have on my bike is just too long. Any ideas where I can get a good lightweight Ti or Al stem?

Start looking and buying on E-Bay. It may take a week or so but if you just search for TI stems i am sure you will find what you want. If you want to just buy one I would try Rivendale. Roger

You didn't say it had a carbon fork. If it had the original steel fork then threaded/quill stem would suit it better imo. But since it has been altered (why?) with a modern carbon fork and perhaps other modern parts, theadless won't matter as much aesthetically or period correctness-ly. But finding a suitably sized quill stem will be your cheapest route, perhaps you can trade? Nitto pearl stems are nice, not Ti but high quality alloy.

If there's nothing with your current fork just buy a threadless adapter. I use one on my Circuit and have no complaints.

As far as I know, it has the original carbon fork that came with the Paramount in 2000. I do know it's threaded, and painted to match the frame's color - candy apple red. I'd hate to give that up for just a black-weave carbon Alpha Q or whatever. That's why I'm leaning toward threaded. I can't see the weight savings of threadless as having a real value -- especially when it's I who needs to lose some poundage - not necessarily the bike. :D

I've heard about these adapters. Are they reliable/safe? Do you have a link or a photo of one -- or both?

Thanks.

Very reliable.

http://i495.photobucket.com/albums/r...t/DSC03137.jpg
http://i495.photobucket.com/albums/r...t/DSC03135.jpg

2000 = c&v?

That's cool. I'm fairly aggressive on my bike, but you think they'll hold together, true?

Do you have any links to who makes these adapters?

Thx.

Threaded setups are so incredibly flexible that you can barely control the bike. Just ask 'em - they'll tell ya! :rolleyes:

IT sounds to me like your shop wants to convert your bike to a threaded headset because they don't have any quill stems in stock to sell to you. Is this accurate? If it is then I suggest you move along to another shop or buy a stem online.

Well, yes. Considering it has a 1-inch head tube, and everyone and their mother at the LBS says it's time to "upgrade," I would say, "Yep, it's vintage." :thumb:

You mean convert to a threadless headset, right? And yes, you're right -- no quills in stock...

Next they're going to tell you to get rid of that flexy-noodle old-timey 26.0 handlebar and upgrade to a 31.8 while you're at it. :)

Stay with a quill stem. Nothing wrong with the $15 adapter, but the quill will look much better. What length are you looking for?

That's the thing. I don't know exactly the length I am looking for. I'm not certain how to measure stems. All I can say is the Paramount is a 53 cm frame, though some measure it as 52cm, and the top tube length is between 21 and 22 inches, again depending on how it's measured. I'm 5-6 with longish arms.

Yup... I meant threadless.
I knew it. I've had bike shops try to tell me that alloy drop bars aren't being made anymore and I should go with carbon. And one guy actually told me I should throw away my steel bikes because all they will do is rust!

My dad's shop went with a threadless adapter on his Teledyne Titan and he hates the look of the new stem and, I have to admit, so do I. The stem just doesn't look right on that bike so I'll be installing the Cinelli quill stem back on it.

I'm 5'8 and have stems ranging from 90 mm to 120 mm on my bikes - much is dependent on the top tube length. My Gitane Sprint has the shortest stem and I am pretty compact with it when upright. But I have that bike set up with my clamp on aero bars and do time trials in the summer with it. In the aero position I'm quite comfortable. In contrast, the Gitane Tour de France has the same top tube length but has a 120 mm stem which allows me to stretch out which on longer rides I find more comfortable.

Here's how you measure a stem http://www.habcycles.com/fitting.html

You said the one you've got is too long...measure what you've got and look for something 10-20mm shorter, or go to your LBS and try out some different lengths and see what feels best.

Thanks for the chart. And yes, I'm currently looking for something shorter. I may have found a couple, so we'll see...

You can pry my 1" threaded headsets and quill stems from my cold, dead hands.

* Better looking
* Easier to adjust stem height to suit rider position, especially on the road
* Greater range of adjustment
* Your fork and front wheel won't end up on the floor when you pull the stem out

Threadless steering system components only came about to save bicycle manufacturers money and to simplify their supply chain, with manufacturers saying "they're better" without any real data to back that up. And, because it was "newer, and therefore must be better", cyclists took the bait hook, line, and sinker. True, in the longer run, it allowed for things that could never happen with a threaded steerer, like carbon steerer tubes, but 99% of the population really doesn't need that.

/grumpy old man

Pete

Stick with threaded. Just my opinion. Your LBS just wants to make money, avoid hassle, and get you out the door.
There are tons of stems that would look just great, and you really only have to "undo" one side of the bar to swap stems.

I'd find a different LBS. It's not their bike, it's yours.

I'd go for the new quill stem too.
If a fork change were absolutely necessary, only then would I upgrade to threadless. Which is what I did.
But not if the bike were actually C or V.
A 25.4 mmØ steerer tube can be made to be stronger, stiffer, and lighter than a 22.2mmØ stem quill, regardless of material.

25.4 is threadless, correct? And by stronger, stiffer and lighter, do you mean significantly? As is, my front end is stiff -- I can't flex it no matter how hard on it I am.

Yes, and somewhat.
But it sounds like you should be fine with the threaded.
Make sure the replacement stem is of at least equal quality.