rj987652003

Anybody know which is better? I think straight fork looks better.

Currently I have a 1" threaded headset. I'm happy with it, but can I switch to 1 1/8" headset if I find a threadless fork I like or will frame designed for 1" headset not take 1 1/8" threadless headset.

Also Shimano does not make 1 1/8 headsets, which manufacturer would you recommend?

khuon

So people will argue that a curved fork has better shock absorbing capability and others will tell you that a straight fork will flex less thus track truer. I think these generalisations are simply that. I prefer straight forks on some bikes and curved ones on others simply for the aesthetic value.


You can't stuff a bologna into a hot dog casing.


Given the answer to the previous question, I think you should be looking at who still makes 1" headsets. I guess it depends on how much money you want to spend but my knee-jerk answer to headset suggestion requests has always been to go with a Chris King. You simply cannot go wrong with one of those.

squeegy200

The size of the headset is determined by the diameter of the headtube on your frame.

If your frame is currently a 1", you have to use a 1" diameter fork and headset.

To convert to a 1 1/8" headset would require a new frame.


Regarding curved vs straight fork.
The degree of rake is more important than curved vs straight blade forks. Changing the rake angle can dramatically change the handling characteristics of your bicycle. That can be good or bad.

What are you trying to accomplish by switching forks?
Do you want smoother ride?
Do you want quicker handling?
Shorter or longer wheelbase?

rj987652003

ActuallY I think the straight fork just looks cooler. Now that you mention rake, I think If I went straight fork my tire would hit downtube, darn it (thank you for saving me aggravation, though)

So now I am stuck using curved fork. Anything else I should look out for when shopping for my curved fork. Length matter or are they universal fit or cut to length.

Also carbon vs. Steel?

MelloBoy

i think you get more material in a curved fork...so in a CF fork more dampening? lol (ok...oversimplification haha)

melloboy

rj987652003

Yeah I think the carbon fork will give me more dampening. Main question now is do I have to worry about buying the wrong size fork?

Carbon fiber not as durable as steel? Wondering about that right now.

shokhead

Has to do with the way the bike is set up and will handle. I think a straight fork looks cooler. Dont come back and ask why your bike handles like sh$t.

khuon

As far as handling goes, it's the position of the front axle that matters... not necessarily how it got there. You can achieve the same position regardless of whether the fork is straight or curved.

Lonestar1

Shimano does make some darn good 1" headsets for threaded forks. Ultegra,Dura Ace,
etc.

Maj.Taylor

Precisely.

Maj.Taylor

I'll second the vote for a Chris King. And if you don't want to spend that much, then a Stronglight.

Chorus_Girl

Campy chorus, naturally. They're affordable and high quality. When I switched to threadless on my Bianchi I went this route.

Maj.Taylor

As a die-hard lover of Campy, I will not ride their headsets anymore. (I've *always* ridden Campy groupos, which means almost 25 years now.) Simply put, Campagnolo headsets just aren't good enough. Again, it's a Chris King or a Stronglight. Once being a stubborn Campy-or-nothing person, I replaced many Campy headsets before I figured out they were one Campy component that could be considered junk. (Their seat post binder bolts are another.) I've never had to replace either a Chris King or a Stronglight head set. In fact, my current Chris King has 8 years on it, and is a good as ever.

squeegy200

I concur with the Chris King opinions

I was too cheap to fork out the bucks for the CHris King Headsets on my mountain bike. I bought several FSAs, Diacompes, and Ringle's in an attempt to save the money.

But over the last 10 years, I've already spent more replacing the other headsets than I would if I would have just paid for the Chris King in the first place.

testimony from a local bike shop -- He indicated he's never taken a Chris King component for repair, defect, or rebuild. They just never come back.

jeff williams

rj987652003-"ActuallY I think the straight fork just looks cooler. Now that you mention rake, I think If I went straight fork my tire would hit downtube, darn it (thank you for saving me aggravation, though)"



Gotta say it..That's messed up.


khuon-"As far as handling goes, it's the position of the front axle that matters... not necessarily how it got there. You can achieve the same position regardless of whether the fork is straight or curved.

I hope he understands, I don't even know where to start...and not an engineer.
Screw science, lets build bikes.

Fat Hack

That is odd!! Why haven't Shimano started making A-heads -- or have they?

Crypt

https://weightweenies.starbike.com/articles.php?ID=81

The spec on that bike lists a 1 1/8" to 1" adapter. But I'm not sure if that's what you're looking for.

khuon

That's to fit a 1" steerer into a 1-1/8" headtube which is done by effectively reducing the size of the headtube's ID using the headset. The OP was looking to fit a 1-1/8" steerer into a 1" headtube. This is physically impossible.

Fox Farm

That comment about not wanting to install a straight fork because then the front wheel will hit the down tube made me groan. Come on guy, think about what you just said!

531Aussie

While the blades are straight, they come off at an angle from the steerer, so the rakes are usually standard.
In other words, the front wheel will still be the same distance from the bottom bracket.

Gasper

despite other opinions: i second this post!!!!