tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post8096540185822142785..comments2024-03-18T10:19:55.782-04:00Comments on The Velo ORANGE Blog: Threaded Headset BasicsVelo Orangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02835615331417822722noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-85155584613291850692014-04-04T15:08:59.763-04:002014-04-04T15:08:59.763-04:00French forks tend to have 27mm crown race not 26.5...French forks tend to have 27mm crown race not 26.5Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-56012170477049465612013-05-16T15:44:25.002-04:002013-05-16T15:44:25.002-04:00Just installed one today after battling with the r...Just installed one today after battling with the rattling rusting of a cheaper headset that has just been binned after one winter.<br /><br />Very very pleased with the VO so far. No play and smooth.<br /><br />I used a mallet as well.<br /><br />(headset press? Pfftt)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-87352908870754048752012-08-07T20:32:13.168-04:002012-08-07T20:32:13.168-04:00It's hard to come across this information onli...It's hard to come across this information online. Most people talk garbage to make themselves look high and mighty, thanks for postingAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-68712514114308349922010-07-13T16:23:47.896-04:002010-07-13T16:23:47.896-04:00Chris, any plans for a nice vintage-look forged al...Chris, any plans for a nice vintage-look forged alloy quill for 1" threaded steerers anytime soon? i have a nice, vintage looking but somewhat nondescript Compe 60mm forged alloy quill on my project bike but what something more distinctive. I've been looking for an "English" stem (of which i've never seen a forged alloy version) or a 60mm SR JUN "chest-buster" for a while because the Kalloys simply do not have the "look" and are a little too '80's.garagepunkfanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08907918535193719641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-57116661390478230642010-04-03T22:31:54.926-04:002010-04-03T22:31:54.926-04:00I have seen a Derosa Neo Primato, of which fork wa...I have seen a Derosa Neo Primato, of which fork was converted from an original thread-less to a threaded. The guy said he had it threaded by a frame builder, so technically speaking, it is not impossible.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17291210485996498198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-6402026133933931762010-03-31T15:27:22.091-04:002010-03-31T15:27:22.091-04:00Is it possible to convert a threadless steerer tub...Is it possible to convert a threadless steerer tube to a threaded one for use with a conventional (old school) threaded headset?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-24190613050014380212010-03-10T15:55:31.052-05:002010-03-10T15:55:31.052-05:00I'd like to ask a question here. I have an old...I'd like to ask a question here. I have an old Derosa and a Colnago. Both frames are equipped with a Campagnolo Nuovo Record headset. Back in the NR days, Campagnolo was manufacturing French, Italian and British standard headsets, and I believe my frames use the Italian. Now, when you look at the 2010 Campagnolo catalog, they sell only British standard headsets. Is it totally OK to use this on my bikes? If they are compatible, how come Campagnolo was selling both British and Italian headsets separately in the NR era?Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17291210485996498198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-41747912409225313022009-12-17T15:49:35.282-05:002009-12-17T15:49:35.282-05:00I am not anti-DIY, but want to offer a few words o...I am not anti-DIY, but want to offer a few words of caution on DIY headset presses and crown race installers:<br /><br />Cartridge bearing systems rely on a different portion of the cups/crown race than loose-ball systems.<br /><br />Professional install tools are specifically designed to avoid damaging those respective areas of the headset.<br /><br />VO (and any other headset maker, regardless of design)should not be held accountable for damage during installs without proper tools.OlyBikeshttp://www.olybikes.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-79830919570384199792009-12-17T15:43:51.530-05:002009-12-17T15:43:51.530-05:00Usually a curmudgeon and retro-grouch, I actually ...Usually a curmudgeon and retro-grouch, I actually like threadless headsets. They:<br /><br />- Allow adjustment of steering bearings without expensive/bulky tools -- "power to the people!"<br /><br />- Do not rely on the health of fork threads which can be damaged/rendered useless (rare, but I've seen it and it's a bummer). You can drive out a bunged-up starnut and sink a new one in and viola -- new threads! Sort of like cartridge bearings in headsets that way.<br /><br />- They ARE now height adjustable, if you get an NVO-type stem . Granted, you do need to keep your steerer long. "Beauty in the eye" and all, but I find these industrial black stems butt-ugly (Chris, how about an similar stem from VO that's cold-forged silver alloy? If you do it, _please_ consider a two or four bolt "endcap design" for faster stem/bar swaps.)).<br /><br />- They are more universally available, and with Cane Creek's patent about to expire, I'd expect prices to plummet.<br /><br />- They come in various forms for all of the stupid pseudo-innovations in head tube shaping/machining that the industry spews out..... :-/<br /><br />... Strike that last one...<br /><br />I like threaded ones too, though. My main ride has an Ultegra cartridge unit on it. Love it.OlyBikeshttp://www.olybikes.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-59638159606720412992009-12-16T17:36:07.506-05:002009-12-16T17:36:07.506-05:00threaded systems are much more aesthetic than thre...threaded systems are much more aesthetic than threadless systems!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-23133189101215935212009-12-14T13:50:37.153-05:002009-12-14T13:50:37.153-05:00The French threaded headsets have a stack height o...The French threaded headsets have a stack height of 41mm, or about 39mm without the washer. They will be loose ball with an alloy body.<br /><br />We don't yet have a firm ETA from the factory.Velo Orangehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02835615331417822722noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-6235318239179768782009-12-14T13:45:54.604-05:002009-12-14T13:45:54.604-05:00Roy, Thanks for pointing that out. It seems the fa...Roy, Thanks for pointing that out. It seems the factory shipped the last order with non-split crown races. They should be back on the next production run.Velo Orangehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02835615331417822722noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-50190976585303853362009-12-14T13:32:52.787-05:002009-12-14T13:32:52.787-05:00What terrific news about the roll out of the new F...What terrific news about the roll out of the new French thread headset. I'm in the middle of rebuilding a early 70s Motobecane Grand Jubilee, and I was really grumpy about having to live with the eroded chrome on the original. Can you be any more specific than "early next year" about the ETA? Not like I have a choice but to wait...Troy DuFrenehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06357481598055565123noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-38274921702666250552009-12-14T07:06:57.422-05:002009-12-14T07:06:57.422-05:00I realize this thread has wound down, but I instal...I realize this thread has wound down, but I installed my second Grand Cru headset last night. It's wonderfully buttery. However, I did notice that the my first Grand Cru had a split ring crown race while the second has an ordinary ring. Is there any reason for the change? The split ring seemed convenient.Royhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06360673541978885433noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-69331079050116683382009-12-12T19:09:30.256-05:002009-12-12T19:09:30.256-05:00...another potential french headset customer here ......another potential french headset customer here (i assume that's what i'll be needing for a vintage peugeot mixte restoration project). <br /><br />Nathanfridaycyclotouristehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11962002406426213576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-33495465410153441172009-12-12T16:20:01.002-05:002009-12-12T16:20:01.002-05:00Not trying to generate argument at all. I think th...Not trying to generate argument at all. I think that Eddy's fiddling was also in part trying to gain a bit of a performance increase. Let's face it, 1% is a tremendous increase and if position fiddling would get it Eddy was enough of a perfectionist to go for it.<br />Myself, I've been riding with the same position for about 15 years or so through several injuries and the like. I'm comfortable.<br />Phil Brownphilcycleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07037641086503534960noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-27335124871560724282009-12-12T02:04:47.231-05:002009-12-12T02:04:47.231-05:00'Eddy had a horrible crash on the track in 196...'Eddy had a horrible crash on the track in 1969(I believe) and after that fiddled with his position endlessly. I don't think he was ever comfortable on the bike after the crash.'<br />I don't think you are trying to generate an argument--neither am I--but the fact that Merckx's need for constant adjustment was not a normative thing, but the result of a chronic injury only lends weight to the point that stem adjustment may be less of a deal for people without damaged backs or necks. It was only after he got hurt that he needed to adjust constantly.<br />I want to keep good natured about this; especially since we are talking about little metal bits that hold other metal bits up in the air on what amount to non-essential items for most of us. And one of the things I love about cycling is the variety with which individual persons set up their machines.<br />And all I want to say is that we have all seen lovely bikes with threadless stems. Heck, many of us have piloted bikes with them, and enjoyed the scenery and conversations with fellow riders and the exercise just as much as with someone using a Technomic.<br />M BurdgeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-8023914768883508522009-12-11T18:52:02.860-05:002009-12-11T18:52:02.860-05:00lee.watkins: I have a 1972 Schwinn Sports Tourer t...lee.watkins: I have a 1972 Schwinn Sports Tourer that I suspect has a larger "American" head tube. Any idea where I can find a replacement headset?bennyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03926560371453663448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-37093450893851123592009-12-11T17:15:51.438-05:002009-12-11T17:15:51.438-05:00Threadless on a road bike pretty much guarantees y...Threadless on a road bike pretty much guarantees you are getting a generic fork with a rake that is not customized for the frame size. A win for the big bike megafactories in China, a loss for the average bike rider. Really useful though, if you ever have to put a mountain bike suspension fork on your road bike, or if you weigh 300 lbs.<br /><br />Like almost everything else in the bicycle world, threadless has been done before. Maybe it will eventually go away again this time. Aesthetically-speaking, a threadless headset and stem only look marginally acceptable only if the handlebars are well-below saddle height and few spacers are used... hardly appropriate for a French fit style of road bike.Pierrenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-70736196483303590162009-12-11T16:23:09.984-05:002009-12-11T16:23:09.984-05:00Everyone is different, but I pretty much stick wit...Everyone is different, but I pretty much stick with saddle height, but I once read that the great Eddy Merckx carried not only an allen wrench to adjust his saddle height several times in a ride, but he also carried an extra binder bolt because he was worried his frequent adjustments would fatigue the bolt and it would break mid-ride.<br /><br />Eddy had a horrible crash on the track in 1969(I believe) and after that fiddled with his position endlessly. I don't think he was ever comfortable on the bike after the crash.<br />Phil Brown<br />Phil Brownphilcycleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07037641086503534960noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-77432752904383941992009-12-11T12:37:10.280-05:002009-12-11T12:37:10.280-05:00I made a headset press for maybe $5out of a long b...I made a headset press for maybe $5out of a long bolt, nut, and washers from the hardware store. It's lasted 20 years so far. <br /><br />Mark G<br />Longmont COAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-30326114018864112512009-12-11T12:17:44.102-05:002009-12-11T12:17:44.102-05:00My own PERSONAL opinion is that stem adjustability...My own PERSONAL opinion is that stem adjustability, as in being able to adjust on the road, is less of a deal than many make it out to be. I love to play around with different bars and stuff on project bikes, but I also like to fool around with cranks and derailleurs--I suppose someone could put together an adjustable crank arm (or derailleur cage with multiple jockey wheel positions) that some would find themselves fiddling with; but most riders are content to find a stem height and stick with it. <br />Everyone is different, but I pretty much stick with saddle height, but I once read that the great Eddy Merckx carried not only an allen wrench to adjust his saddle height several times in a ride, but he also carried an extra binder bolt because he was worried his frequent adjustments would fatigue the bolt and it would break mid-ride.<br />Again, this is my opinion, but both standards are fine, and it you are doing something wrong if you find yourself thinking enough about stem height while you are riding that you need to change it.<br />M BurdgeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-21362272240318951602009-12-11T12:09:46.091-05:002009-12-11T12:09:46.091-05:00With the Raleigh, it's usually the bottom race...With the Raleigh, it's usually the bottom races that wear out or get <br />"brinnelled," and those parts are interchangeable with those from an ISO headset. You can mix and match parts between B.S.C./ISO and Raleigh headsets, since all of the other mounting dimensions are the same except the threading. If your Raleigh headset cups are worn out or rusted on the load-bearing bottom section, which is almost always the only issue with them, you can replace just the bottom with any standard ISO 1" headset parts, and re-use the Raleigh upper assembly... provided the "stack" of original and replacement parts is close enough. <br /><br />Headset stack height problems can be solved (within a small window of <br />opportunity) by using a different thickness spacer between the topmost (threaded-on) race and its locknut. A lot of headsets come with one that's on the order of 5 mm thick, and you can get them down to 2 or 1.5 even. Of course, if your previous stack height was too large -- generally not the problem -- then you can use a thicker/additional spacer. Or, if you're fearless enough, you can lop a few mm off the top of the steerer tube. <br /><br />Ideally, a "brinelled" headset part should be replaced, but you can often cure the problem by replacing the retainer with loose balls. You use the same size balls, but can usually fit more of them into the races if you leave the retainer out. As a result, the greater number of balls, closer together, no longer all line up with the dimples in the races. <br /><br /><br />American-style bike frames use the same headset threading and diameter as ISO standard (British) headsets, also the same 26.4 mm fork crown race size, but the frames have larger diameter head tubes. I thought that standard was closer to 32.7mm ? Usually American size uses 24 threads per inch, but some bikes, particularly older Schwinn and Mongoose models can use 28 threads per inch parts. <br /><br />Early mountain bikes used American "cruiser" frames with these standards. While the imported European bikes, and later Asian bikes were undeniably lighter and faster (partially due to higher tariffs on heavier models in those days), the American bikes were made with a greater emphasis on durability and ruggedness. BMX and children's department store bikes are subject to rough usage, and they are also the only type of crankset that can be serviced with ordinary household tools, hence they have held out longer on one-piece steel cranks and other American dimensional tolerances. People began to associate the American dimensions with these low-end bikes, and to forget that many high-quality machines had been made to these standards... as a result American dimensional tolerances went into retreat, and were increasingly relegated to department store bicycles, such as Huffy and Murray, which was self-perpetuating.lee.watkinshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00650449275019133632noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-72663611339871776092009-12-11T11:38:58.245-05:002009-12-11T11:38:58.245-05:00anon 12/11/09 11:29 AM:
Rocket power parts did ju...anon 12/11/09 11:29 AM:<br /><br />Rocket power parts did just that in the mid-90's: an adjustable height threadless stem. Kinda clunky, and headset spacers pretty much did the same thing, as long as the steerer was cut with that in mind. <br /><br />Adjustable angle stems are common on hybrids. Ugly as sin, but very common.Tomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01015305191743399671noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-49092838549642431452009-12-11T11:35:48.341-05:002009-12-11T11:35:48.341-05:00The threadless headset design was 'invented...The threadless headset design was 'invented' by Dia Compe (although that's arguable, with prior art by Pino Moroni, Hi-E, and some French constructors). That invention is protected by worldwide patents. Every manufacturer has to pay a licensing fee to produce a threadless headset, and this additional fee makes it much more expensive than an cheapo steel threaded version. When you counting costs to the Taiwan dollar (NT) or Chinese Yuan, a $3 per headset licensing fee (or whatever it is- it's not exactly cheap)pushes threadless headsets out of the commodity WalMart Opening Price Point market. <br /><br />The Dia Compe patent is going to expire relatively soon. There are a lot of rumours on the supply side as to how this will affect threadless headsets and the bikes they will be speced on. It will definitely go down market.Tomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01015305191743399671noreply@blogger.com