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Questions and answers about sports

Is threadless a noticeable difference from threaded headset setups?

5 min read

Asked by: Daniel Olvera

Are threaded or threadless headsets better?

In case you didn’t know Threadless versus threaded stems also require different Forks and different headsets. Threadless headsets our my eyes are generally better than threaded headsets performance wise. If you get a sealed bearing Threadless headset it will practically be maintenance-free.

Why are threadless stems better?

There are some advantages for maintenance, it is simpler and faster to adjust the bearing preload with the central bolt through the top cap, rather than using the lockrings on a threaded headset. Threadless also requires only hex keys to adjust, as opposed to specific lockring spanners.

Can I change my threaded headset to Threadless?

No. Most threaded headsets are 1″ and most threadless headsets are 1 1/8″. So it physically won’t fit. The best you could do is run a converter like this to run a threadless stem, but that’s not going to do much for you.

What is the difference between a threaded and threadless headset?

Unlike a threaded headset, a threadless headset does not have a threaded top headset race or use a threaded steerer tube. Instead the steerer tube extends from the fork all the way through the head tube and above the headset, and is held in place by the stem clamped on top.

Is crown race necessary?

Why Do you Need One? Without a crown race, the bottom headset bearing will become bound to the steerer tube base after torquing. The internal portion of the bearing that could once spin freely now becomes constricted.

How long should headset bearings last?

If you ride in good dry conditions, headset bearings can last 2-7 years, depending on the level of service. But if you ride in wet or dusty conditions, they can only last you 2-3 months. So, two factors are critical in determining the headset bearings’ lifespan: cycling conditions and headset maintenance.

Who invented the threadless headset?

John Rader

The tale of the first threadless headset



A 20-something kid named John Rader walked through the pits, showing his invention–a completely new headset design–to anyone who’d have a look.

When did threadless stems come out?

In the 1990s came the threadless headsets with stems that bolt onto the outside of the steerer, rather than quill stems being inserted and tightened with an expander wedge inside the steerer.

Should you grease quill stem?

Unless you want want of those circus bikes where your wheel goes in a different direction to the handlebars. A quill stem going in a steel steerer should be greased a little though. Simple rule: Grease anything where metal comes into contact with metal.

Can I replace quill stem with Threadless?

The VO Threadless Stem Adaptor allows you to use threadless stems on bikes designed for quill stems. Many threadless stems have removable face plates, so bars need not be “stripped down” when switching stems.

How do you install Threadless Forks on a threadless headset?

Quote from video: And slide this down in there and thread. This down into the star nut down there. And we tighten this down to where the fork doesn't have play in it. But it turns smoothly.

How do you service a threaded headset?

Quote from video: Clean it up and inspect it carefully. This one looks a little bit pitted and if we remove it from the fork a crown raised puller is required.

Do you need new crown race with new fork?

The new frame’s headset should come with a crown race. It’s best to use the crown race that comes with the headset. They help keep stuff from penetrating the bearing seals if they fit together nicely. Also the angle of the beveled edges on the bearings might be diff.

Does a tapered fork need a crown race?

Straight 1 ⅛ in steerer tubes have a crown race seat of 30mm, so they require a 30mm crown race. Tapered steerer tubes can taper out to 1 ¼ in (33mm crown race seat) and sometimes have integrated crown races (like the 2nd image), so no press-fit crown race is needed.

How do you get rid of a crown race?

Quote from video: Take the screwdriver and just put it down on the base. Of the crown race and just tap it a little bit flip. It over the other. Side. Tap it down a little bit and just go back and forth.

Is Threadless jewelry better?

Threadless jewelry is considered to be one of the most secure and easiest types of jewelry to use and wear. No threads at all make this style safe for insertion and with proper use, less likely to come apart and therefore become lost.

What’s the difference between threaded and threadless jewelry?

Quote from video: So it just pops in and out. When it comes to threaded jewelry the post is threaded on the inside. And the ends are threaded also so you're going to use a screwing motion instead.

How do you remove a threaded headset?

Headset Removal

  1. Hold lower threaded race with spanner. …
  2. Remove front wheel if still in place.
  3. Remove any washers/spacers from steering column.
  4. Unthread and remove threaded race. …
  5. Install Park Tool RT-1 Race Tool with small side first upward through the bottom of the headset cups.

What is Threadless steering?

Quote from video: And let row to modern. Or anything from rugged to elegant on top of that pun intended you can also play with the accenting of your bike with top caps and spacers.

How tight should Threadless headphones be?

Make sure it’s not too tight



The bars should move freely with no sticking, binding or resistance on any kind. If the bar doesn’t rotate freely (as here where the steering is catching), then back off the preload tension until it moves freely without bearing play.

How tight should a headset bolt be?

A god rule of thumb is to tighten your headset cap bolt until it is causing some friction with steering and then back it off until it’s tight enough to keep the stack neatly in place. This is typically 1/8th to 1/4 of turn. Give your headset spacers a twist. You should not be able to move them much, if at all.