threaded vs threadless
 

This has probably come up before (I searched to no avail) but given the choice in the IRO group buy in between 1" threaded and 1 1/8" threadless, I am wondering, what are the benefits of more modern threadless stem setups? I actually quite like the old, classic look of a nice quill stem, and use that setup now on my conversion. But, given the choice now to start over, why should I consider the threadless setup?

stiffer
lighter
won't get stuck
easier to adjust the headset
more options for open faced stems
31.8 stems available period
Everything except some peoples aesthetics.

Yep all that
But the old quill type look SOOOOO much nicer

i particularly like threadless for swapping handlebars - removable faceplates on threadless stems. haven't ridden the same bars on my threadless and threaded bikes, so i can't speak to stem stiffness, only that the bars that i do have on my bike with threaded definitely flex - don't know if it's bars of stem though. quite probably both.

Actually, threaded has some advantages such as much easier height adjustment.

Threadless has been mainly driven by manufacturers, as they only need to make one fork length. You can find many threaded set-ups, which are stiff and easy to maintain etc.

IMHO its really a personal choice, but the whole bike industry has pretty much moved to threadless. The choice in threaded is getting less and less, and nearly all the good stuff is NOS.

At a huge cost raising a threaded at all makes it's already sloppy nature even worse.

A threadless can be adjusted fairly easily too either by flipping it moving spacers around. If that's not enough there are plenty of adjustable stems that are still superior to threaded and offer.

I was going to post this question. I ordered the threadless but now am wondering.

For threaded, the post has to be tapped, right? how much is it to get that done? Can any LBS do that? Will the threaded come with the threads?

Do 1" headsets come threadless? The answer is yes. Chris King makes one.

yes
no
yes

Pfft. Your first three

stiffer - i'm not cippolini sprinting for the line
lighter - pfft
wont' get stuck - pfft, if you are unable to put grease on a stem, you deserve to have it stuck
easier to adjust the headset - pfft, you adjust it once and it's done. So you take 5 minutes longer, big deal.

You're kidding right?

I don't care how weak you are ss riding means pulling up a lot harder on the bars and that means flex will be apparent to all but the tiniest rider. For a group of people who claim that 75's are worth the 100+ dollars over rds that they cost it is ridiculous that people would accept threaded. If you raise your stem at all it gets much worse fast.

nope. Threaded really really blow. No matter how stiff the stem is(and it will always be floppier at the same weight) the junction between the stem and the steerer tube sucks. If adjustability was my goal i would take an adjustable threadless over a threaded any day. As it is I get enough adjustment by flipping the stem so it's not an issue.

What if the Threadless was 1"? Is that good? Bad? No Difference?

better then threaded, you'll probably end up using a 1 1/8" stem with a shim

Proof?

Threaded is the worst! Mechanically speaking a threaded setup is idiotic! Just think how it attaches the stem to the steertube. THe threadless solution is far supirior.

Also if you ride steel remember that your threaded headset/stem setup guides any water (rain/sweat) that falls on your stem right down into the steertube where is will rust away. Another problem that a threadless setup gracefully avoids. For additional significant benefits see above.

It is great! The main benefit of threadless is the way it attaches. the steertube diameter (+/- 1/8") makes little difference and the shims on the market today are excellent. The reason they became wider in diameter was mosly because of the use of thicker down and top tubes. Just easier to attach them to a wider steertube.

You don't need proof. It's obvious.

i use a a 1" threadless on my bike with a bontrager 1 1/8" shim for my bars......now i just gotta get the right hight and trim the steerer http://velospace.org/files/Best_moto_yet.jpg

there was just a quote from skye yaeger regarding that. It is only a partial truth though. Yes it is easier for them to not worry about threading forks but it would be adopted by now anyway since it is a far superior technology to all except those who worship anachronist aesthetics.

Further, if you look at the what manufacturers do when they want to make a bike as cheap as possible it almost always involves threaded.

See this thread. Dutret beat me to it.

She said that but when bianchi USA wants to make a super cheap bike performance be damned they still reach for threaded.

If you're not hell bent on getting a quill stem for the looks, get threadless by all means. The stiffness alone is worth it.

Here's the best BF post about the subject, with 2 scary shots of how ****ing flexy quill stems are.

Thread it comes from

Edit: I think it's pretty ridiculous to whine about how the evil corporations are shoving a vastly superior technology down our throats... look for conspiracy theories elsewhere.

God, one of these again. Can't you folks argue about clipless vs. straps? Or whether to run a brake?

Threadless is far and away better as far as performance goes. None of those spandex-clad guys who ride through France, Italy, and Spain use threaded. Zero. And that same technology is available to you! For minimum cost! DO IT.

Threadless is far and away better as far as performance goes. None of those spandex-clad guys who ride through France, Italy, and Spain use threaded. Zero. And that same technology is available to you! For minimum cost! DO IT.[/QUOTE]

well put end thread...

....anymore. It wasn't that long ago that they still were using them...something like 1999, and the performance differential between then and now is pretty minimal. But I do agree with your argument here, 100%.

I ordered the threadless, and will keep it that way. Thanks for the help.

threadless for life!