Converting 1" fork for 1 1/8 stem use via shim

[sipmeister]

Hi,

Question: anyone have any experience using a shim on a 1" threadless fork so as to be able to use a standard 1 1/8 stem? Do they hold well if properly installed? Any creaking, slippage, play? Apologize if there is already question/answer for this. Information can get buried and a challenge to locate. Thanks.

[Cicli]

Originally Posted by sipmeister

Hi,

Question: anyone have any experience using a shim on a 1" threadless fork so as to be able to use a standard 1 1/8 stem? Do they hold well if properly installed? Any creaking, slippage, play? Apologize if there is already question/answer for this. Information can get buried and a challenge to locate. Thanks.

I think King makes a headset for this.

[GregL]

Ritchey used to include a shim with their threadless stems for just the purpose you mentioned. I've used the shims on several bikes with good results. Once installed, I couldn't tell they were there. The stems were as secure as those without shims.

Greg

[joosttx]

Originally Posted by Cicli

I think King makes a headset for this.

Yes they do. I had one and it works great.

[Cicli]

Originally Posted by joosttx

Yes they do. I had one and it works great.

Yeah, I misunderstood the OP. For some reason, I thought he was putting a 1 in fork in a 1.125" frame.

[jemdet]

I used one on a frame I built for my sister. Works great. I recommend using a 25.4 ID spacer between the shimmed stem and top cap. Also make sure that the shim is as close to the stem height as is possible.

[sipmeister]

Originally Posted by Cicli

Yeah, I misunderstood the OP. For some reason, I thought he was putting a 1 in fork in a 1.125" frame.

Yeah, sorry for the misunderstanding. Am considering using a shim on a 1" fork steerer tube. Thanks for the replies and recommendations.

[Vientomas]

http://www.jensonusa.com/Thomson-StemSteer-Tube-Shim

Works well, no problem at all.

[pgrizzwald]

I ran this exact conversion using the Thomson shim mentioned above. It worked perfectly and I never had any issues or creaking with it. Cost around $10 and a much better looking solution than those odd conversion stems.

[Rada]

Not as pretty or expensive as the Thomson shim, but Problem Solver and Deda sell them as well. I've used all three and they do the same job.

[Ronsonic]

Shims do work and they're safe. Put the flange under the stem. Use a 1-1/8" cap and it'll all do the job.