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 David Henri on October 3, 2017 at 6:14am
If you're completely happy with the length of the fork steerer tube cut at the shop and never, ever, want to adjust the height of your handlebars, then by all means, go for a threadless. But if you EVER want to adjust the height of your handlebars, a quill stem is it. Also, they look so much better, and a nice looking bike is important to me.

The arguments about durability and strength superiority of threadless really don't hold water. How many times have you seen a quill stem fail? They've been the standard for 70+ years and are doing fine. The only convenience of a threadless I can see is the ability to swap out your handlebars easily. But there are quill stems that offer an open face to accomplish the same.
Permalink Reply by David Henri on October 3, 2017 at 6:32am
Water will not "rust" it in place. When a quill stem gets stuck in the steerer tube, it's a galvanic reaction between the aluminum and the steel. It only takes a little bit of grease on the stem when installing it to prevent this from happening, and maybe loosening it every 5 years or so. If you can't do simple maintenance like that, sheesh.
Permalink Reply by Jim Reho on October 3, 2017 at 8:10am

I'm with you.  On the long list of life's problems, I would put quill stems pretty darn near the bottom.  Also, when you're trying to buy or sell a bike, a quill stem is nice because it gives a better chance of a good fit being possible for the new owner. 

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