triple tree forks? threaded or non threaded headset?

Chapter7slave

Chapter7slave

New Member
Hi gang, I have a question about triple tree forks. They come either with a threaded or non threaded headset. Which is better and why? And where can I get a good one with disc brake tabs built in? Thanks.
 
ChoppersUS is where i got mine & i'm very happy with them... the ones i got are threadless (not sure about which is better) but these work great. also, make sure which size head tube you have (1 or 1 1/8 inch) and get the right size for the bike you're putting them on.

check out my pic albums for pics of the ones on my orange bike (Outlaw)
 
Last edited:
I have always ran threaded ones, but a lot of the newest top of the line forks are un threaded and use a clamp... it must be good.
They do some really serious downhill stuff with them!
rc
 
Thread less is all I use, more options, better stems and you can purchase 1 in or 1 1/8 forks. You will also get a disk brake mount. Let me know if you need more help.
 
The main difference is the stem. There's 2 types of stems. Threadless are stronger. The threaded have a weaker connection, but are still strong enough for most MBs.

For most people it comes down to whether they want to change their stem or not.

I think threaded have a little more adjustability.
 
biknut said:
The main difference is the stem. There's 2 types of stems. Threadless are stronger. The threaded have a weaker connection, but are still strong enough for most MBs.

For most people it comes down to whether they want to change their stem or not.

I think threaded have a little more adjustability.
Click to expand...

Ummm, the main difference is the headset.......the stem is the other difference. One is not neccesarily stronger than the other, but the non-threaded tend to stay put, once tightened down. The threadless are just as adjustable, if not more so than threaded. If you want to heighten the stem (raise the handlebars) you just leave the steer tube longer and add spacers. You can also flip-flop most threadless stems for even more adjustability.

dnut
 
Last edited:
scotto- said:
Ummm, the main difference is the headset.......the stem is the other difference. One is not neccesarily stronger than the other, but the non-threaded tend to stay put, once tightened down. The threadless are just as adjustable, if not more so than threaded. If you want to heighten the stem (raise the handlebars) you just leave the steer tube longer and add spacers. You can also flip-flop most threadless stems for even more adjustability.

dnut
Click to expand...

I'm not sure I understand what you mean by headset. Headset, is the bearings and races that fit between the frame and steerer tube.

Are you referring to the frame head, as the headset?
 
biknut said:
I'm not sure I understand what you mean by headset. Headset, is the bearings and races that fit between the frame and steerer tube.

Are you referring to the frame head, as the headset?
Click to expand...

The headset is the bearing and cup assembly. That is the main difference between threaded and threadless.
Threaded headset bearings are tensioned by the threaded cups on the fork.
Threadless are tensioned by the center (aka preload) bolt.

The other difference is that stems on threadless forks are mounted to the outside of the steering tube, while threaded are mounted inside.

They both have their advantages and disadvantages. IMHO, I believe threadless is superior. With threaded, your whole steering assembly depends on that dang wedge bolt!
 
I personally only use threadless for my builds as they are usually beefier and the way headsets have evolved, not too mention much wider selection of stems.

Unless you're stuck with a vintage Schwinn or the likes with the old standard 1" threaded fork......go threadless!

dnut
 
I use threaded and threadless headsets on my bikes. I prefer the threadless for mountain biking, as the handlebars stay in alignment with the forks better (they don't twist). In my opinion, the threaded headset also requires more frequent adjustment. However, the threaded headset on my motorbike has worked fine.
 
wheelbender6 said:
I use threaded and threadless headsets on my bikes. I prefer the threadless for mountain biking, as the handlebars stay in alignment with the forks better (they don't twist). In my opinion, the threaded headset also requires more frequent adjustment. However, the threaded headset on my motorbike has worked fine.
Click to expand...

The threaded steer tube on a motorcycle also has a heavy duty lock ring, several tabbed washers and is sandwiched between the upper and lower crowns.

The threaded fork on a bicycle will eventually loosen and get sloppy no matter what. Nothin worse than a sloppy, slapping front end when the front brake is applied. In decades of bike racing and riding, I've yet to have a threadless set come loose and develop that front end slop.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top