Headset issues

[jeffH]

I hope someone else has had this issue, I have a 1982 Schwinn Sidewinder W/ a 1 1/4 steer tube. Mu goal is to use a 25.4 set of older mountain bike triple clamps. Is there a new headset that will work here? it needs to be fairly low profile because the 25.4 tube is not that long>

 

[Bicycle808]

An '82 Sidewinder will have a 1" set-up, but with the oversized 32.5mm cups. Is the tripletree fork threaded or is it threadless? In either case, how much stack do you need? I think the best option for a threaded to fit a Chicago Schwinn is the Tioga Beartrap II, but it ain't the very shortest....

 

[jeffH]

Fork is threadless

 

[Bicycle808]

Cheap move would be to get a 1.125" reducer, and mill that down from 34.0 to 32.5mm http://www.niagaracycle.com/categories/problem-solvers-head-tube-to-headset-adapter-1-1-8-to-1 , but that'll add even more stack to whichever 1" standard threadless headset you use. Expensive move would be to get a King NoThreadset in the 1" BMX version, but dang. http://www.avt.bike/WebStore/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=CKNTSBMX10 The other option is to patiently search eBay and bmxmuseum for a cheaper 32.5 1" threadless. Converting to 1.125" threadless would be cheaper and easier....

 

[user 135]

You could try the DIY method, better known as parts is parts.

Obtain a 1" threadless headset. Throw away the cups and bearings.
Find the right cups and bearings that spin smooth together plus on the bearing races (from the threadless system).

This is slightly different but same idea. http://bmxmuseum.com/forums/viewtopic.php?id=40740

 

[Bicycle808]

Yeah, that thread is why a 1.125" would be cheaper/easier....

1" threadless parts from a 30.0mm headset will be small and gapped out in the 32.5mm cups; the cones won't match up to whatever bearings will fit those cups, and the elements will pour in the top cup. 1.125" parts will be loose on the fork's steerer. An interesting solution, I think, would be to take a Wald or Beartrap threaded set, grind out the female threads in the adjustable race, and see how she flies with some spacers and a 1" top cap with starnut and threadless stem....I can't see why it'd fail, but I've never tried it, so I can't really recommend it. But, at $6 for a 4080, it might be fun to try.

http://www.niagaracycle.com/categories/wald-headset-4080-1-threaded-plated