French 22mm Threaded >>Threadless conversion?
 

Hi

I'm working on a Motobecane fixed project and I'm trying to get to a standard handlebar diameter. I know that the option exists to sand down a 22.2mm quill stem which will do this for me.

Does anyone know if its possible to go to 1" threadless on a setup like this?

Are you planning on buying a new fork too? I don't think a threadless stem will fit otherwise.

that's so disgusting.

Can't see why you couldn't. You would need new fork and headset, stem and bars, plus any spacers. Unless the frame is an old Le Champion, that's more $ than the frame is likely worth. And if it is an old Le Champion, I wouldn't (I couldn't) change it like that. That's me, tho.

If the moto is a prime one (Le Champion, 70s Grand Record, 70s Grand Jubilee) I wouldn't mess with it, try to keep it pretty close to original.

However: The prime rule in working with a vintage bike is to not do anything that can't be reversed. Don't cut off derailleur hangers or braze ons, that way, if the vintage bug bites you, you can take it back to original or something close. Switching over the headset and fork can be reversed.

Yes, I'd buy a threadless fork, Headset, stem etc. I know the races from the HS would fit the french bike, but would the 1" threadless steerer tube fit?

I don't know if its "disgusting" because its so non-vintage but my plan for this bike is the shameless and merciless combination of new technology with this old steel frame. best of both worlds, see? Like the Jay-Z/R.Kelley tour.

I suppose you could also sand a threadless adapter quill, if you want to avoid replacing fork / headset...

Think... if the threadless headset will fit no prob, so will the threadless steerer tube. After all, it must pass the cups... English threaded forks are 1", and I've put them on Frenchies no problem in the past. Never gone threadless, tho.

It would be more like a Jay Z/Al Green tour.

Good call Poguemahone

I'm going to do it and post pictures.

I will say there is much to be said for the versatilty of a quill stem. My last GF had a threadless stem, and I had to adjust it because the shop set her bars too low. This was a lot more work than it would have been with a quill stem. I'm not sold on the threadless set-up; there are weight savings, but if you want to shave weight, it's best done on the outer edge of the wheels (tires, rims).

Fair enough- but my situation is that I found this old motob very inexpensively, quickly realized that there is not one single standard part on the bike. I would like to put some money into it b/c its a nice frame and a good commuter bike, but I want to be able to re-use everything I put into it if another frame/project comes along. Since my other bike is threadless, this seems to make sense.

I'd take broken robot's suggestion and sand an adapter to fit. It will acomplish what you want with the least investment of time and money and you can quickly revert back to the old stem/bars if and when you get that new bike.

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...eid=&pagename=

That's a nifty little doohickey.