The Chainlink

Why is a threaded headset better than threadless or vice versa? 

 

I searched through the archive.  I can't believe this is the first time this has been discussed but here goes.  I've got my popcorn and a soda.....  What do you think?!? 

 

 

 

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Threadless/threaded quill adapter.

Here is a shorter/lighter version I using on  my Cyclocross bike.

I also have a "pop-top" standard threaded stem on my city bike with extra-long reach for that Dutch Bike feel/look.  No need to break the brakes to get the handlebar on/off. 

It matters to me that people use the right word, is that so wrong?



S.Presley☠ said:

If you were touring with 50 pounds of gear on the bike and if you were 100 miles away from civilization, and the bike fell over, which would you rather have at that particular moment, a quill stem or a threadless stem?  Isn't there more of a chance the quill stem will come out of alignment and ruin your steerer, making it impossible to ride the bike any further? 

Also, if you were to wreck on the bike, which do you think is more likely to survive, a quill stem in a threaded steerer or a threadless stem on a threadless steerer?

Never had that issue.

If your loaded bike fell over hard enough to ruin your steerer, i'd think you'd also have even bigger issues with your bike and kit than that. (One good reason to avoid kickstands and to simply lay your bike gently on its side.)

In falls and crashes, the quill stem on my bikes have gotten knocked out of alignment, but are easily twisted back into line with no issues (and there's a 6mm allen key on my "rescue" mini-tool in my seat bag just in case.) What usually does get trashed are bar tape, brake levers, and in rare instances, the bars themselves, but rarely to the point of being unrideable.

Of greater concern than the steerer getting roached in a crash is that of one's "brifters" being destroyed. These can be very expensive to replace -they're seldom repairable. That's one major reason i have never used them on any of my bikes.

Wow, I would never imagined that headsets would become such a heated topic!  Both types work just fine on my recreational level.  I've never had a serious problem with either kind.  I do like the adjustability of the quill stems.  Cutting a steerer tube permanently reduces its usability to different-sized users, regardless of adapters.  

So what's up next in the biking cage match?  Cup and cone bottom brackets versus sealed bearing?  Woo hoo!

I like quill stems a little better.  I like to be able to easily adjust the height of my handlebars.  But I have both and they both work fine.  As an old guy, I'm just more familiar and comfortable with quill.

As is often the case, the tail is wagging the dog:

So why are threadless systems popular? They are promoted by big bike manufacturers to lower production cost. Only one size fork need be made for each frame and it does not need the additional steps of cutting a keyway and threading. Then the fork steerer is cut to size by the customer or bike shop. This results in a huge cost saving for a big bike manufacturer.

http://velo-orange.blogspot.com/2009/12/threaded-headset-basics.html

Nailed it!

Plus when cutting the steerer, you're pretty much stuck with your choice if you happen to decide you're unhappy with it later.

Interesting that you found that on VO's site since all their current bikes are threadless.

I think I'll leave my steerer full length for accessories, like a bell, for example...or a Tanaka Decaleur...

Let's not forget about USB accessories for hub dynamos and bottle dynamos

The bell mount...seems like there are more opportunities to add other items, like a bottle cage?

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