2nd build, a few questions (fork especially)

SalisCruiser · #1 06-07-2009, 01:07 PM

Im about to begin my second mb build. my first bike was an "80" cc happy time on a huffy cranbrook, and while it was good as far as a first build, i'm stepping it up for this second one. I just purchased an Electra Cruiser 7d, another 80 cc happytime, a shift kit and a few other odds and ends.
Now, im trying to figure out what i can do as far as adding some form of suspension. as far as i've found, there is not a whole lot of selection out there when it comes to 1in threaded suspension forks. so in my research i came across this:
Converts conventional threaded headsets to us 1 1/8" threadless stems....S&H $5.95 or $2.95
>> DESCRIPTION:

... Alloy threadless adapter.
... Converts conventional threaded headset to use stem for 1 1/8" threadless.
... Has removable shim so it will fit 1" or 1 1/8" fork steerer, BUT MAY NOT FIT ALL OF THEM, SO PLEASE MEASURE TO BE SURE.

The diameter of the bottom part that goes into the fork steerer is 22.2mm without the shim and is 25.4mm with the shim on it.

is this all i need to run a newer 1-1/8 fork?

or will i have to find a fork and take it to a machine shop and have it machined to a 1 inch tube.
now if this is the route i take, will i still be able to use the original headset, or will i have to find a new one.

sorry for all the newb questions. thanks for any insight!

Shadeslay · #2 06-07-2009, 02:09 PM

I'm really not sure how that would work, seeing most suspension forks are 1 1/8". It really seems like it's more for converting 1 1/8 to 1" "to use cruiser type parts" or threaded 1 1/8" to thread less.

Here's a couple of springer cruiser forks, that should work well enough. the 2 springer forks on top right

Beach Cruiser Bicycle Bike Parts & Accessories 60% OFF MSRP, only at bikebuyers.com

There are a few draw backs for cruisers that I've found, the 1" headset being one of them, the bottom bracket being another and god forbid you want disc brake mounts on one.

SalisCruiser · #3 06-07-2009, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shadeslay

I'm really not sure how that would work, seeing most suspension forks are 1 1/8". It really seems like it's more for converting 1 1/8 to 1" "to use cruiser type parts" or threaded 1 1/8" to thread less.

yeah thats what i was thinking, i thought maybe i was missing something. thanks for the link, im checking them out right now. thanks man!

drhofferber · #4 06-07-2009, 04:04 PM

i used that adaptor...its fot either 1 1/8 or 1 inch none threaded...it is a quial stem and when you stick in the head tube you tighten it down and it expands....isnt the electra a 1 1/8 inch...?I believe it can be used by both....I used it on my second build and havnt had any problem...good luck...Dennis

Shadeslay · #5 06-07-2009, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drhofferber

i used that adaptor...its fot either 1 1/8 or 1 inch none threaded...it is a quial stem and when you stick in the head tube you tighten it down and it expands....isnt the electra a 1 1/8 inch...?I believe it can be used by both....I used it on my second build and havnt had any problem...good luck...Dennis

From what it looks like they are 1" headsets e l e c t r a

I would love to find a cruiser with some upgraded aspects myself, but they all seem to be the same with the exception of frame geometry.

SalisCruiser · #6 06-07-2009, 04:49 PM

drhofferber,this adapter only allows me to run a 1-1/8th threadless stem as opposed to a 1-1/8 in fork, correct? i reread it a few times, and i finally think i understand. so with that adapter i would still be running the fork with the 1in steer tube.

back to the drawing board i guess...
and shadeslay, i really like those forks, but unfortuately it apperars to be too short... the steer tube on the electra is 215mm (8.45in) and these are 8 in... drat..

drhofferber · #7 06-07-2009, 05:18 PM

the Nirve cruisers run a 1 1/8 headset...also check out their parts...you should be able to purchase forms of 1 1/8 suspension forks...just type in Nirve...OK...Dennis...or find a threadless for that is long and cut it to the size you want....i ran across the same problem with my gary fisher...7.75 tube...i finally found a 8 inch threaded...and barly worked using these extensions...RST forks make a fork that you can replace the size of the fork tube...universal cycle carries those....check out FLY bikes...they also could carrie something like that...Dennis

Nashville Kat · #8 06-08-2009, 12:32 AM

I've been doing this myself and learning the hard way-- I was a bike mechanic years ago, but things have changed-

I've got a Micargi cruiser, with a 1 inch headset and 1 inch steer tube-

I don't like springer forks much myself- too heavy and too much rake!

So I got one suspension fork off the net- e-bay- real cheap, TOO CHEAP I guess- good quality and with a one inch steer, but not quite long enough- remember it has to be longer than the frames steer tube-

I need a 6 inch steer- 150 mm I think- this one's 130mm.

I've found one inch steers long enough, but for 24" wheels-!!!!!!!

So then I found another cheap fork ($30) with right length of steer, but with 1 1/8 steer, and thinking I could convert- WRONG!

The frame steer tubes are different diameters- I was learning all about threadless headsets (which I hate- NO ADJUSTMENT!), and thinking I'd get SOMETHING to work, but finally learned that the steer tubes on the frames are different-

My 1 inch cruiser tube won't accept a 1 1/8 inch headset fork-

the good news is that suspension forks 1 inch steer tubes are out there- just hard to find- there's one on e=bay now-

go there and search "bicycle suspension forks"- there's one selling for about $50 and w/ $15 shipping- a little pricey, but when the bike gets up to 25 or 30 mph, i think it will help on the potholes and rough pavement-

Make sure the steer is long enough- and remember you can cut down a longer one with a hacksaw (if it's got enough thread)
, but you can't make a short one longer

good luck

SalisCruiser · #9 06-08-2009, 08:26 PM

now heres an idea ive had. What if i was able to find a piece of pipe that had the same outer diameter as the inner diameter of the steer tube. could i cut the steer tube of the fork in half, and use the the pipe to extend the steer tube? the headset is only in contact with the steer tube at the top and bottom of the steer tube right? so would it matter if the steer tube wasnt the same diameter in the middle so essentially doing this:

(///////////////)===========(_______________rest of fork---->
Threaded section extension pipe rest of the fork

or is there something im overlooking

drhofferber · #10 06-08-2009, 10:58 PM

yes you can but cut it closer to the bottom because of the qual stem you must use...if you go to universal cycles they sell steering tubes for rst forks...so you could purchase them there...Dennis...here in reno there is a bicycle shop that deals with nothing but used parts...maybe your have one of those in your area...