right, the idea is that if there are already threads at the top, one can simply chase the threads to the desired level.

Ahh, that makes sense!

So does the BI fork actually come like this? If so, I guess it should be safe. I still think the whole thing is both a performance downgrade and an exercise in penny-wise, pound-foolishness.

So many people are against this!

If you look in the kilo tt thread, quite a few people have done this. And if you actually check out the BI website for the frame you will see they say you can either use threadless or, finish the thread and go with a quill stem.

I'm against it.

i'm not really against it, i just like threadless more and so do most professionals.

But the real issue is that threadless stems are fugly!

Threaded (esp nitto) stems are works of art that perfect the lines of the bike. Threadless looks like a big fat block of aluminum.

Here are 4 random Kilo TTs from Velospace for a comparison.

Threaded
http://velospace.org/files/2484015001_d4fae27eda.jpg
http://velospace.org/files/kilostreets.jpg


Threadless

http://velospace.org/files/GreenKiloMachine.jpg
http://velospace.org/files/ChadsKilo2.jpg

i see your point but the pics you've posted aren't exactly a fair comparison :D threadless will look better if the steerer is cut and matching spacers are used.

but it's definitely a personal preference as i come from a mtb background and it's always been threadless > threaded for me.

Hold on!!! I need more popcorn.

Threading for $35 is cheap. Most places will insist on cutting the threads with a lathe. Which is the best and safest way to do it. It's probably cheaper to sell the fork and headset and buy a new one. Use the sale proceeds to defray the cost. It might not be so bad.

Ok. I'm set.
I'm suprised someone hasn't hasn't flayed this poor soul alive yet. The evil people must be out to dinner.
First, in 6-12 months your new stem will worth more than your frame.
Second, so why bother. Get a refund or save the best part you've ever bought for a frame that deserves it.
You are dealing with two separate steering systems that are, quite frankly, not worth the hassle of switching between.
+1 for improving your research skills. You've heard of Google, right?
+1 for the b*tch against those who are computer savvy enough to post yet ill-informed of their recent purchase. Again, you've heard of Google right? Let me guess, you used it to find this site & the site from which you got the bike.
+1 for upgrades in every other area of your ride.
All in all. Don't bother. Your missioned is doomed to wasted time & money. Though not doomed in the knowledge you may gain/have gained.
P.S. +1 for threadless being fugly. Yes it may be outdated technology but a) i have one part & one bolt, you have two parts, a handful of bolts & spacers b) it's much simpler & sexier & isn't that what SSFG id all about, c) chicks dig it.
P.P.S. Point c) is contentious, I know.

Are you drunk? or confused because that last part made no sense. Threadless is the newer of the technologies...

quote
"P.S. +1 for threadless being fugly. Yes it may be outdated technology but a) i have one part & one bolt, you have two parts, a handful of bolts & spacers"

Typo, sorry.

Should have read;

P.S. +1 for threadless being fugly. Yes quills may be outdated technology but a) i have one part & one bolt, you have two parts, a handful of bolts & spacers

so about the headset, you suggested to get the tange levin headset, would the Ritchey Logic 1'' threaded Black headset be equal or better than the tange?

fiddy fiddy. match the origin of parts, well at least of the companies, & go with the Tange, if you must.

Yeah, threadless

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/124/4...17db657b69.jpg

stems

http://www.cyclingnews.com/photos/20...vagen_stem.jpg

are

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3615/...f88ba7b050.jpg

so

http://renaissancebicycles.com/image...-road-stem.jpg

FUGLY!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3292/...e15f771505.jpg

Ahh BFSSFG... How I love thee...

I always figured that if I wanted to run a classic looking threadless stem, I'd get one of these:

http://www.rivbike.com/images/produc...66/16-148b.jpg

And give it a matching paint job.



But really, I can't see bothering to spend time and money just on my bikes looks so, meh, whatever.

Yes, those are pretty ugly though better than average.

To the OP. Get a new threaded fork and headset. Sell your threadless stuff. That is the simple, elegant solution and will not cost too much more especially in time and hassle.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/124/4...17db657b69.jpg
<3Vanilla soooo soo much.

I am glad you agree with me!

Why would you spend money to go to a weaker, less rigid stem that is a ***** to get out once it rusts in place? The real reason they got rid of quill stems is how weak they are. You have one pressure point holding your stem in the tube, while the rest of the stem is free to rock back and forth.

As it looks better & he's not bombing down a mountain over 20ft drops.

This is a joke right? In case not, you thoroughly grease the stem, like any & all bicycle parts, before attaching it to the bike.

And yes those threadless are fugly, even the Vanilla. They're just so chunky.