Quil Stem as opposed to threadless stem
 

I am currently riding a cannondale r500 with a quil stem, but really like the look and practicality of threadless stems. Is the only way to ride with a threadless stem to have a fork that accommodates a threadless stem? I'm just a little confused as to how that works

You can use an adapter like this >>>> http://www.bikeparts.com/productinfo...706-44134.html

be aware though, those adapters can flex quite a bit. if you got the scratch, just buy a cheap new fork. you could probably even find a used one for not much more than the price of an adapter.

they don't flex anymore than a regular quill stem.

with this you can use a threadless stem in place of a threaded one:

http://www.google.com/products?q=qui...less+converter

Thanks a lot guys!

also, if i were to switch to a new fork, would i require a new headset too?

If you get a fork with a threadless steerer tube, then yes, you will need a new headset. Depending on your frame, you may need a 1" steerer such your stem will either have to be 1" or you will need a shim.

+1

Profile design makes a nice and solid quill stem adaptor; nitto makes them too (for a premium of course...)

Aesthetically, most 1 1/8" threadless stems look funky on a skinny 1" head tube.

+1. I got the profile design adapter. no flex at all. i dig it.

The Velo Orange one is nice too.

but they do flex more than a regular threadless set-up, but I guess op doesn't want to go threadless for the sake of stiffness.