Threadless vs. Threaded Headsets

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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Permalink Reply by Doug Haynes on July 20, 2012 at 9:31am

Both have up and down sides but mostly threadless is preferred for reasons of strength provided by the larger stem and steer tube as well as the greater bearing surface provided.

Permalink Reply by Tony Adams on July 20, 2012 at 9:34am

Plus they look like crap. 

Permalink Reply by Michael A on July 20, 2012 at 10:36am

The stiffness of a good threadless stem/oversized handlebar cannot be matched by a quill stem. There is also a huge difference in weight. Threadless headsets are easier to adjust and stay adjusted. are  I have more then a handful of bikes and they are pretty much split down the middle between threaded and thread less . The split is pretty much divided by which century they were made.

Permalink Reply by Matt M. 18.5KM on July 20, 2012 at 4:51pm
Why do some very good current production touring bikes have threaded headsets???
Permalink Reply by Michael A on July 20, 2012 at 4:54pm
Permalink Reply by Matt M. 18.5KM on July 21, 2012 at 12:38am
I like Sheldon's article. But it doesn't address why cheap bikes and some high end bikes are still made with threaded headsets. Given the clear advantage of easy adjustment in the field, why would we bother with a threaded headset?
Permalink Reply by David on July 21, 2012 at 1:11am

People think they look better, which they do.

Also, dealing with threaded headsets that seize up inside the fork is an absolute pain and inevitable.

Whoever thought threaded was a good idea 'back in the day' was foolish.  Mechanically thread less makes a whole ton more sense.

Permalink Reply by Doug Haynes on July 21, 2012 at 1:39am

Appearance and tradition mostly I think.

Both headsets are easy to adjust in the field provided you carry the right tools.  Actually the threaded is easier to adjust without tools; it won't stay adjusted but it will get you home.



Matt M. said:

I like Sheldon's article. But it doesn't address why cheap bikes and some high end bikes are still made with threaded headsets. Given the clear advantage of easy adjustment in the field, why would we bother with a threaded headset?
Permalink Reply by Doug Haynes on July 21, 2012 at 1:41am

Do you mean quill stem seized in the fork?  I have never seen a headset that seized in and a seized quill stem is not inevitable; it is  a result of poor install and neglect.

The reason threaded seemed like a good idea 'back in the day' is that it was the only idea out there at the time...

David said:

People think they look better, which they do.

Also, dealing with threaded headsets that seize up inside the fork is an absolute pain and inevitable.

Whoever thought threaded was a good idea 'back in the day' was foolish.  Mechanically thread less makes a whole ton more sense.

Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on July 21, 2012 at 1:43am

Perhaps threadless headsets are a conspiracy by Park Tools to help push their $500 headset-reaming/facing tools and the $300 extra reamers/cutters for each different brand of headset...

Huge Profits!

Permalink Reply by David on July 21, 2012 at 1:52am

Yes, I meant quill stem, which I associate with threaded headset.

And I agree it's not inevitable as long as you carefully remove your stem every so often, put silver anti-seize on it, and reinsert it.  Also, make sure not to get the bike wet as water will rust it in place.

Since 95% of cyclists never will do this, it's a bad design.

Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on July 21, 2012 at 2:03am

Stuck seatposts are WAY more common than stuck stems in steer tubes.  Even so they are not "inevitable" and pretty darn rare in any case.  It happens -but not very often and anyone possessed with a good working knowledge of bicycle repair techniques and the right tools can deal with it. 

I suppose seat posts in seat tubes are a "bad design" too...

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