HeadShok Stem Project - Quick Poll Inside

[azonicbruce]

Remember Cannondale’s 1990s HeadShok forks with the 1.56" steerer? Great tech; shame the oversize steerer went extinct. With stems drying up fast, I’m trying to carve out a fresh option for the resto-mod crowd.

Project snapshot
• Two bodies – ultra-open lattice (light) + beefier shelled backup
• FEA looks promising (pic below)
• Fit check – bolts straight to a HeadShok; matching stem-cap options coming
• Goal: pass ISO 4210 fatigue + overload tests, then CNC a small batch

How you can help
Tell me which lengths/diameters to machine first – 60-sec survey:
Microsoft Forms

More responses = stronger case to pay the lab bill. Feel free to share with other retro-C-dale riders.

Fire away with questions, feedback, or ISO-lab contacts.

 

[azonicbruce]

Survey Link:
https://forms.office.com/r/GzXazeYQdj

 

[azonicbruce]

Update: the first CNC prototype arrived this week, looking forward to trying it out. If you haven't already filled out the survey please do, and pass it along to anyone else you know may be interested:
https://forms.office.com/r/GzXazeYQdj

 

[azonicbruce]

Testing update: maiden voyage went well. No slippage on either handlebar or steertube. Nothing extreme, but good test trails with lots of rocks/rough.




Don't forget to fill the survey out: https://forms.office.com/r/GzXazeYQdj

 

[Retrorockit]

I always wanted a Headshock bike, but never found one. I was surprised to learn that they weigh less than my Rockshox SID.
Cannondale Lfty carried on for quite a while after Headshox. Do those stems fit? I'm sure what you've made is much nicer.

 

[azonicbruce]

I always wanted a Headshock bike, but never found one. I was surprised to learn that they weigh less than my Rockshox SID.
Cannondale Lfty carried on for quite a while after Headshox. Do those stems fit? I'm sure what you've made is much nicer.

That's a great question, some of the older Lefty forks had the proprietary 1.56" steertube diameter, whereas the new ones are 1.5" . These are meant to fit the older 1.56" standard as there aren't many options still available today.

 

[Retrorockit]

Having never actually had my hands on one I always thought they were 1.5".

 

[Retrorockit]

Here's a modern review of a 1994 Headshok.