Cutting the threads off a fork to go AHEAD.

[wynne]

Looking at getting a new fork and I've seen a few 1" threaded ones that are nice, but the threads are too far from the crown for my needs, so... Am I OK to chop the threaded bit off and use the fork in the ahead style?
Thanks

Rich

 

[martbaischful]

you can probably get a frame builder (like Bob Jackson or any other builder of classic configurations) to cut the threads further down the tube, then you don't need to go "ahead", unless you really want to.

if you really wanted an ahead 1" fork you might also just be better off asking a frame builder to make one that you like

 

[mamadirt]

Yep, as above, so long as you have enough unthreaded steerer you should be fine (don't clamp your stem around the threaded portion as this will be significantly weaker) but if you wanted to stay threaded then any decent bike shop should be able to thread the fork for you - I've had it done several times. Similarly I had a threaded fork with a short steerer converted to ahead by Bob Jackson, who cut and sleeved the steerer tube for me.

 

[wynne]

Thanks both, the fork I've seen has got a long steerer so I I'll be able to avoid clamping onto any threads. I hadn't thought of having the threads cut further down the steerer. I probably shouldn't say this in a retro environment but I've never really liked the quill arrangement - ahead seems so much tidier to me.

 

[Captain Stupido]

I probably shouldn't say this in a retro environment but I've never really liked the quill arrangement - ahead seems so much tidier to me.

IMO it's definitely a better way to do things. Not all progress is bad.

 

[Mercianbloke]

Ahead has its advantages but unfortunately the exposed bolts and ugly top cap ruin the appearance. I really wish someone would make a threadless stem that hides both.