huge headtubes

[bicycletricycle]

does anyone else think these new fangled huge head tubes for tapered steerer's on steel or ti bikes look silly? are 1 1/8 steerer tubes on forks really that bad?

i am a little bit of a retro grouch but i think that proportionately these just look bad, especially the transition from hugs head tube to tiny spacers and stem.

http://i975.photobucket.com/albums/ae236/bicycletricycle/attachment-1_zps6e040cf3.jpg

they look a lot better on carbon bike when the actually taper the headtube as well. It would be cool if someone would swedge up some nice steel heatubes

[firerescuefin]

Yes....that looks awful...I've seen some other builders do it a little differently and it looks better IMO....but I know with Kelly's bikes the customers are requesting them, and they know what their getting.

[false_Aest]

I think it looks fine if there's no spacers under the stem.

Otherwise. . . not my fav look

[bicycletricycle]

they are showing up all over the place, like some kind of plague.

I think we should petition paragon machine works to stop making them so that less builders have the option until we can come up with a better and more oppressive plan.

[bicycletricycle]

maybe some nice tapered spacers would help.

[ergott]

They make conical spacers.

[firerescuefin]

http://forums.thepaceline.net/showpost.php?p=1306524&postcount=421

Different application...but I do like it (or at least am not bothered by it) on certain bikes.

[thirdgenbird]

Not practical for most, but it probably looks ok without spacers between the stem and headset.

Edit: pretty much like the link above.

[Louis]

Apparently some folks do like the "HT made of beers cans" look.

In my experience with road bikes even the cheapest headsets last a gazillion miles, so it's not obvious why one would need to go to such a large diameter HT. (I'm assuming one reason it's done is to use larger size headset bearings, which may not be only reason, but I can't think of any others.)

[roydyates]

I think it looks fine if there's no spacers under the stem.

Otherwise. . . not my fav look

I've never understood why a headtube extension is OK but spacers of the same height instead are not.

[54ny77]

http://thewvsr.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/longneck.jpg

[pbarry]

they are showing up all over the place, like some kind of plague.

I think we should petition paragon machine works to stop making them so that less builders have the option until we can come up with a better and more oppressive plan.

Yeah, the new tread hit me as soon as I walked into the exhibit hall at NAHBS. You know what will soon follow? BIGGER stems and BIGGER center sections on road bars, (one manufacturer is already making these), so everything looks better. A couple of big guy racers I know tell me the new head tube size does make a difference in handling for them.

[cmbicycles]

I can understand the idea that it makes the steering response quicker by stiffening the front end. My opinion is that it looks out of proportion on many bikes due to the diameter of the other tubes and the stem around the headtube. Reminds me of cannondale headshock frames that were converted to a standard fork, just my asthetic opinion. I am sure the bike rides fantastic and from the cockpit I wouldn't even notice it.

[buddybikes]

The Firefly downtube is massive, so it needed it for at least that reason. That bike is Kevin's race machine, a Cat 1 racer, so he knew what he wanted...one stiff machine...

[thirdgenbird]

You know what will soon follow? BIGGER stems and BIGGER center sections on road bars, (one manufacturer is already making these).

I think someone already joined deda in the 35mm road drop market so there may be two now.

Edit, all I can find for road drops is deda and what looks to be an open mold version from Taiwan. Easton and kore offer flat bars. I'm sure more will follow.

[eddief]

the front end of my bike is. I gotta get me one of those.

[fa63]

To me, a big stack of spacers mean the frame was "forced" to fit the rider, especially if it is combined with a flipped up stem. A head tube extension is part of the frame, and not an accessory like spacers. But of course to each their own.

Here is my new (to me) Zanconato with its gigantic headtube: 21 cm on a frame with a 54.5 ETT. I wanted very little drop, and this should get me there without resorting to silly spacers :)

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m27/fikretatalay/P3200001_zps8797bf1a.jpg

[thirdgenbird]

Was the stem painted to match or a lucky find?

[pbarry]

Dang! That's pretty! :banana:

To me, a big stack of spacers mean the frame was "forced" to fit the rider, especially if it is combined with a flipped up stem. A head tube extension is part of the frame, and not an accessory like spacers. But of course to each their own.

Here is my new (to me) Zanconato with its gigantic headtube: 21 cm on a frame with a 54.5 ETT. I wanted very little drop, and this should get me there without resorting to silly spacers :)

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m27/fikretatalay/P3200001_zps8797bf1a.jpg

[pbarry]

If road bikes get any stiffer, full suspension will be the next "innovation". Anyone here remember when clipless pedals came about? The traditional racing shoe with a soft heel counter and upper had to be made more robust to clip out easily and counter the forces no longer constrained by clips and straps. Soon, riders had knee problems because there was no float with the original Looks, (which is what the soft heel counter/upper did passively). So, Look, Time, Mavic, came up with "float" for your pedals...

[cfox]

To me, a big stack of spacers mean the frame was "forced" to fit the rider, especially if it is combined with a flipped up stem. A head tube extension is part of the frame, and not an accessory like spacers. But of course to each their own.

Here is my new (to me) Zanconato with its gigantic headtube: 21 cm on a frame with a 54.5 ETT. I wanted very little drop, and this should get me there without resorting to silly spacers :)

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m27/fikretatalay/P3200001_zps8797bf1a.jpg

the op was referring to 44mm giant diameter headtubes, not tall ones. I think your new Zanc looks sweet

[fa63]

Was the stem painted to match or a lucky find?
It was painted to match for the original owner.

Dang! That's pretty! :banana:
Thanks!

the op was referring to 44mm giant diameter headtubes, not tall ones. I think your new Zanc looks sweet
I see. And thanks for the compliment.

[rnhood]

Very nice looking Zanconato and the head tube will be plenty stiff if its made right. It doesn't need to look like a beer can. Un aero, un cool, and un necessary imho. I think tapering is a better idea if the large bearings are needed (and they may be).

[beeatnik]

You want the stiffness of carbon, go carbon. Pretty simple, no?

That said, I get why vegan carnitas exist in this world.

[christian]

I'd rather have a 44mm HT than vegan carnitas.

[MadRocketSci]

the 44mm heat tube accommodates the 1.5" steerer, which is probably overkill unless you're pretty huge. I'm hoping things converge at the 1 1/4" steerer, which will still give any purported benefits in steering while maintaining a proportional aesthetic appeal. The new peg and hampsten headtubes are probably in the ballpark sizewise and look nice to me.

[bicycletricycle]

That firefly looks silly as well

I believe the whole point is to be able to use stiffer forks, I like the tapered carbon forks, they make a lot of sense structurally,

I guess like the old Klein beer can head tubes these will will work better with larger down tubes.

I agree with the suspension point, if we keep demanding stiffer at some point we are going to get suspension

[fatallightning]

yep, they look goofy.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8189/8444728018_96cc3cee6f_b.jpg

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/295570_424116971010876_992157436_n.jpg

I guess small builder don't have the capacity to do an externally tapered headtube, like say GT does on the production Ti Edge.
http://brimages.bikeboardmedia.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/2013-GT-Edge-titanium-road-bike01.jpg

[fiamme red]

I'm not a fan of these either.

http://forums.thepaceline.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=97320&stc=1&d=1339553860

[Louis]

I'm not a fan of these either.

I'm sure the owner loves it, but for me that is painful to behold. :no:

[beeatnik]

I'd rather have a 44mm HT than vegan carnitas.

well, I've had vegan carnitas and they taste better (more palatable) and make more sense than the abominations posted in this thread.

:fight:

[BumbleBeeDave]

. . . or "silly?"

I don't get it. Why should I care what somebody else's bike looks like? Especially just one small portion of it?

I'm sure the owners like them and it's their bike.

BBD

[oldpotatoe]

I can understand the idea that it makes the steering response quicker by stiffening the front end. My opinion is that it looks out of proportion on many bikes due to the diameter of the other tubes and the stem around the headtube. Reminds me of cannondale headshock frames that were converted to a standard fork, just my asthetic opinion. I am sure the bike rides fantastic and from the cockpit I wouldn't even notice it.

I think, like a lot of things seeping in to road bikes, it works well, on MTBs, along with front thru axles. Hope that doesn't seep into road bikes but...

Glad King does the 44mm, HS thing..even option to have a tapered steerer or not, in the same 44mm headtube.

[jpw]

Giraffes look odd, but they do naturally exist.

[Rebel_Biker]

I agree that it is an ugly look. I have a steel bike with a 44mm HT and will say it does perform well, I weigh 190lbs and pull hard on the bars, bad habit from BMX youth.

The conical does help, as with the Cannondales, it give a bit of transition back to 1 1/8 diameter. Sagan uses a smaller spacer, but they also make a taller one for mortals.

[binxnyrwarrsoul]

I vote, ugly. But, I have a bike with threaded fork and a few with 1 inch forks, so what do I know?

[Joachim]

I vote, ugly. But, I have a bike with threaded fork and a few with 1 inch forks, so what do I know?

My C50 has a conical spacer too...I know how much you love that thing!

[spacemen3]

Mine's definitely bigger than yours. :p

[spacemen3]

Seriously, why don't more manufacturers follow Ritchey's lead? Looks like a classy solution to me.

http://twentynineinches.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/4-P29er-e1337556999925.jpg

[fatallightning]

I think, like a lot of things seeping in to road bikes, it works well, on MTBs, along with front thru axles. Hope that doesn't seep into road bikes but...

Glad King does the 44mm, HS thing..even option to have a tapered steerer or not, in the same 44mm headtube.

whiskey parts makes a through axle road fork.

[54ny77]

frame aside, you have excellent taste in music, sir. :cool:

Mine's definitely bigger than yours. :p

[binxnyrwarrsoul]

Seriously, why don't more manufacturers follow Ritchey's lead? Looks like a classy solution to me.

http://twentynineinches.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/4-P29er-e1337556999925.jpg

ZeroStack. Got two guys with those headsets, no issues.

[binxnyrwarrsoul]

My C50 has a conical spacer too...I know how much you love that thing!

Yes, J, I certainly do. Can't wait for my sloppy seconds (or is it thirds?) with it.

[Ahneida Ride]

Personally, I am not a big fan of them either....

Please realize that these are fully CUSTOM bikes and the large HT is
required to accommodate the type of Head Set the customer specified.

That is .... the client specified the oversize head tube.

As Mr. Bedford is a CUSTOM builder, he attempts to satisfy the requests
and requirements of the client.

[Grant McLean]

About 7 years ago when Cannondale launched their first oversized SystemSix,
they did a matching oversize stem and spacer to keep some of the proportions
of the front end.

The second generation had more of a tapered headtube, which is where most
carbon bikes are these days with a larger lower bearing.

If the oversize trend continues, i'd think larger stems will reappear.

-g

[54ny77]

size your spacers appropriately.

http://www.muscleenhancers.com/huge1.jpg

[redir]

I think it looks dorky too but Cannondale handled it nicely. But then, I think nothing looks better then a Cinelli 1A too :)

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=cUFpbZLTLomldM&tbnid=qUWeT62szF1X-M:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raydobbins.com%2Fmolteni_repl ica%2Fmolteni_replica.htm&ei=shpLUdK7IsiW0QG4oIH4DA&bvm=bv.44158598,d.dmg&psig=AFQjCNH0DMKQ8sFu4F-falVszUjdY0DzGw&ust=1363962897771335

[CNY rider]

Looks awful.
Remember the fungo bat your Little League coach used to hit fielding practice?

[jh_on_the_cape]

The fashionistas are coming!
If it were my bike I would get a conical spacer. But you know what, it's not my bike!
The original bike posted is super nice. To call it an abomination is.. an abomination!

[1/2 Wheeler]

It was the first thing I noticed on this Curtlo and I dig it.

http://forums.thepaceline.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=1697857722&d=1363794999

ATMO, small diameter tubes simply look dated.

[veggieburger]

Keep the tubes narrow and just lengthen the head tube. Should have a similiar effect, non?

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5172/5447336919_4db0b0324d_z.jpg

[bicycletricycle]

thats funny, i made this post because i saw that bike and thought it didn't look good.

strangely, those rawlands do look a little silly but in a way that appeals to me. I like the extended headtube.

It was the first thing I noticed on this Curtlo and I dig it.

http://forums.thepaceline.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=1697857722&d=1363794999

ATMO, small diameter tubes simply look dated.

[that guy]

Seriously, why don't more manufacturers follow Ritchey's lead? Looks like a classy solution to me.

http://twentynineinches.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/4-P29er-e1337556999925.jpg

Because that isn't an oversized headtube. It can't run a tapered steerer. It's just a 1 1/8" with a "campy style" inset.

[rice rocket]

Keep the tubes narrow and just lengthen the head tube. Should have a similiar effect, non?

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5172/5447336919_4db0b0324d_z.jpg

Ugh, that's worse.

That's my one pet peeve about most Pegorettis.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QJNFdvjDufU/ThJj4SzUcdI/AAAAAAAABuU/2ffil4R8QLw/s1600/_MG_0062.jpg

[martl]

Those Pego long steerer tubes were good enough for Big Mig and the mighty Jan

http://cdn1.media.cyclingnews.futurecdn.net/2012/06/29/1/indurain1993_3_1_600.jpg

but i don't like the optics either. My personal Pego wouldl'nt have it that way

[reggiebaseball]

it's odd that so many find gigantic headtube ugly in this thread (as do I),
but then everyone loves Firefly bikes so much...

I have never seen a builder make so many size 52 frames for 130 lb riders that have huge HT, tapered forks and BB30 bottom brackets.

These giant tubes are a response to 22 -36 year old buyers who formed their taste in bicycles in the late 90's and 2000s by looking at giant tubed AL and carbon bikes, and never appreciated the look of steel.

However, if you are going to get a steel or Ti bike, the material is strong enough to not require gigantic everything, and builders should be responsible enough to tell you so, not just craft you a monstrosity.

I saw an interview with Richard Sachs I think, many years ago, and part of what he said was a custom builder does not just build whatever you want, he takes your wants and incorporates them with his knowledge to build you the proper bike for you. Shouldn't a builder say "no" once in a while?

[rice rocket]

However, if you are going to get a steel or Ti bike, the material is strong enough to not require gigantic everything, and builders should be responsible enough to tell you so, not just craft you a monstrosity.

That's where you're wrong.

For any given tube, a larger tube will be stronger given the same wall thickness. So if you hold the diameter constant, then guess what? You can use thinner walled and lighter tubing.

Size has it's advantages. Whether or not you like the aesthetics is what this thread is about.

[cachagua]

I should hope so!

Someone asked above, "Why should I care what somebody else's bike looks like?" And I was like, DUDE! You strike at the very foundations of this board. Hell, of the whole internet!

If we weren't going to argue about it, would Lance, or Cyprus, or ceramic-bearing derailleur pulleys bother existing?

We harangue the world into being.

[veggieburger]

Well....sitting like that, all naked without parts....they don't look great. But if you put a big guy on a big built up freuler-type bike, looks fine, IMO.

http://brown-snout.com/cycling/bikes/colnago_master_rabobank/freuler-design_atala-freuler.jpg

[1/2 Wheeler]

thats funny, i made this post because i saw that bike and thought it didn't look good.

strangely, those rawlands do look a little silly but in a way that appeals to me. I like the extended headtube.

I think your issue is less about the specific head tube and more about the retro-grooch thing that you freely admit to.


Strokes for folks.
My first real lust for a bike was the beer can Cdales. I loved that they looked so different. I still get wood over fat or even square tubes.

[1/2 Wheeler]

Well....sitting like that, all naked without parts....they don't look great. But if you put a big guy on a big built up freuler-type bike, looks fine, IMO.

http://brown-snout.com/cycling/bikes/colnago_master_rabobank/freuler-design_atala-freuler.jpg

Odd and ugly to my eyes regardless of who is riding it or who built it.

[firerescuefin]

These giant tubes are a response to 22 -36 year old buyers who formed their taste in bicycles in the late 90's and 2000s by looking at giant tubed AL and carbon bikes, and never appreciated the look of steel.

Gross overgeneralization.....I appreciate/like both and would love to own both.... I find some of the firefly oversize stuff "over the top"...some of it "spot on". The Bedford examples I have seen, I don't care for...and I love a lot of his bikes.

I have had 2 bicycles including my current ride with tapered head tubes that do handle subjectively better especially under braking.

[Ahneida Ride]

Shouldn't a builder say "no" once in a while?

Of course, assuming the builder doesn't like to eat nor needs a roof over
his head. Try starting up a new business and then turn down work when
some one offers you frns.

Mr. Bedford is the only builder I know that works in Lugged Stainless,
Tig Stainless, Lugged Steel, Tig Steel, Ti and Carbon Ti.
He builds race,touring,Track, mountain, cross, snow, etc.
There isn't anything he has not build or designed.
Guess who tutored Mr. Kirk and Mr. Wages (2 of the finest builders out there)? Many builders only specialize in 1 type of frame or 1 material.
Kelly does it all.

Kelly has been building frames for over 30 years and has drafted countless
1000's at Serotta.

I dare say he knows how to satisfy a client.

I've seen the said bike in question in person and I gotta say it looks great. (from a guy (me) who also hates oversize head tubes)
Pictures do not always represent reality

and yes.... Kelly will say no .... just ask him to chrome a frame

[pbarry]

Well....sitting like that, all naked without parts....they don't look great. But if you put a big guy on a big built up freuler-type bike, looks fine, IMO.

http://brown-snout.com/cycling/bikes/colnago_master_rabobank/freuler-design_atala-freuler.jpg

Danny Clark, no? One of the great six day racers of the modern era, and a multiple track world champion. Never noticed the extended head tube before!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danny_Clark_%28cyclist%29

[Jeff N.]

Don't mind the 44mm INSET arrangement too much, but the tapered look I do not like. For one thing, it's just not necessary. 1.125" steerer is just fine. Jeff N.

[Grant McLean]

Danny Clark, no? One of the great six day racers of the modern era, and a multiple track world champion. Never noticed the extended head tube before!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danny_Clark_%28cyclist%29

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urs_Freuler

The namesake of the dropped top tube design, not a head tube extension.
Seat collar and headset are in the same proportion as any level tt frame.

-g

[martl]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urs_Freuler

The namesake of the dropped top tube design, not a head tube extension.
Seat collar and headset are in the same proportion as any level tt frame.

-g

Built by Hügi, the man behind the hub.

[1/2 Wheeler]

[url]...The namesake of the dropped top tube design, not a head tube extension.
..

I knew if we waited long enough someone would try to justify the gastly looks with this BS

[ultraman6970]

The only advantage i see in that design is looks and stiffness, we did not have compact geometry before, neither carbon and for a large guy in the over 60's frames to lower the top tube should stiffen the frame tiny bit.

[SamIAm]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urs_Freuler

The namesake of the dropped top tube design, not a head tube extension.
Seat collar and headset are in the same proportion as any level tt frame.

-g

Yes, but this is a discussion around aesthetics.

[ultraman6970]

To me humungous large front tubes look horrible, the atala solution (EM did the same) was more clever and good looking to the eyes.

[Grant McLean]

I knew if we waited long enough someone would try to justify the gastly looks with this BS

What are you going on about now?
The guy pictured on the bike is Swiss rider Urs Freuler.
Colnago call their dropped top tube design in large sizes "Freuler geometry"
something Urs was an advocate of, look it up.

What justification are you talking about?
It's ugly as crap, and I wouldn't be caught dead riding it personally.

-g

[thirdgenbird]

These giant tubes are a response to 22 -36 year old buyers who formed their taste in bicycles in the late 90's and 2000s by looking at giant tubed AL and carbon bikes, and never appreciated the look of steel.

Gross overgeneralization.....I appreciate/like both and would love to own both....

x2

I am in the bottom half of that age range and even though I really enjoy some of the premium alloy bikes from the late 90s and early 2000s, my taste was formed in the early 90s when steel was still the norm.

As much as I would like a nice modern rig, all of my bikes are steel with a 1in threaded head tube. I think they all look great. Better than most carbon bikes.

[51mondays]

The only advantage i see in that design is looks and stiffness.....

Builders seem to like the extra area on which to weld big down tubes....I've heard them say it but now I can't remember who sorry, but I think it was said about a ti bike

[rugbysecondrow]

To me, a big stack of spacers mean the frame was "forced" to fit the rider, especially if it is combined with a flipped up stem. A head tube extension is part of the frame, and not an accessory like spacers. But of course to each their own.

Here is my new (to me) Zanconato with its gigantic headtube: 21 cm on a frame with a 54.5 ETT. I wanted very little drop, and this should get me there without resorting to silly spacers :)

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m27/fikretatalay/P3200001_zps8797bf1a.jpg

This is necesarily the case. I have had two custom frames built and it was designed specifically with spacers to accomodate mobility and flexibility issues. Depending on where you are at in your life, or even the season, your might have varying flexibility...the spacers allow you to accomodate that. If I plan to keep the bikes for years or decades, then you make an accomodation. I like your bike, it looks sharp, but you also made it harder to adjust the fit later.
Also, I don't like the slammed look, I like a few spacers...it is like cuffs on dress shirts shirts or slacks...a nice transition piece.

[ergott]

I think oversized headtubes look purposeful on a race bike. Looks silly on a fasterbackwards, leisurely Sunday ride bike.

If there are going to be any spacers above the headtube, the conical spacer is a much for aesthetics. Clean lines are important.

[veggieburger]

Odd and ugly to my eyes regardless of who is riding it or who built it.

Fair enuff, opinions are just opinions. It's not an ideal look, but it's practical, as are the Pegos' extended head tube. When you're a big guy looking to get into an upright position on a 1" front end bike, you either need to get one of those quill extenders, find a stem with a ton of rise, or look into a frame with a very long head tube.

Better to ride something with a bit of aesthetic compromise and be comfortable than ride something that makes your back hurt.

(...and Bicycletricycle, I realize this is a bit of thread drift...my apologies!)

[holliscx]

Not to jack the thread but every time I see a Pinarello fork I throw up in my mouth.

[bicycletricycle]

thread drift is welcome in any of my threads.

i like peg extended headtube. we lost a lot of potential bar height when threadless came about. for us non racers who like level top tubes there are only a few options, all of which have haters.

1. Stem with rise (usually don't like with drop bars)
2. super tall technomic (looks all right if used with respect)
3. head tube extension (most hated but i like)
4. lots of spacers (can look super crazy once you get past 60mms or so)
5. bigger frame (if you like that old french 2 inches of seat post look)

http://i975.photobucket.com/albums/ae236/bicycletricycle/Chapman%20Cycles/sideview.jpg

on this bike i have a stem with built in spacers and some extended headtube to get the bars comfy-ish

http://i975.photobucket.com/albums/ae236/bicycletricycle/IMG_1618.jpg

on this bike i got extended head tube, spacers and rise stem to get the bars into super comfy commuter-tour mode

slammed stems look cool but for my current use and fitness level make no sense.

still think those huge headtubes just look awful.

[bicycletricycle]

Not to jack the thread but every time I see a Pinarello fork I throw up in my mouth.

strangely i kind of like the pinarello wavy fork. its like a hetchins .

[jh_on_the_cape]

still think those huge headtubes just look awful.

Did i see you with a white skin suit and aero helmet walking out of dunkin donuts last night?

[bicycletricycle]

no

[vav]

that a Chapman? Can't see/read on my screen. Regardless, it's one of the most beautiful bikes I've seen around here.

[bicycletricycle]

ya, its a Chapman, Brian is really great to work with and makes some sweet bikes.

http://www.chapmancycles.com/2012/03/a-big-bike-with-big-tubes/

[MadRocketSci]

again, 44mm is overkill for most people. the modern carbon bike makers with reputations for good R&D, like Time, Look, and Specialized, have 1 1/4" diameters at the crown. Spec used to have the massive steerer but adopted different bottom steerer sizes for different sizes, with 1 1/4 in the middle and 1.5" only for the largest frames. Cannondale (to me) just likes stiffness and maintains the 1.5" standard. Bottom line i hope that the 44mm HT goes away for most "normal" sized bikes and that the 1 1/4" is more widely adopted, with its correspondingly more proportioned HT.

[54ny77]

http://cdn.twentytwowords.com/wp-content/uploads/Basketball-head-634x563.jpg

[foo_fighter]

Where does one find conical spacers that match up with King insets?

Link?

I think oversized headtubes look purposeful on a race bike. Looks silly on a fasterbackwards, leisurely Sunday ride bike.

If there are going to be any spacers above the headtube, the conical spacer is a much for aesthetics. Clean lines are important.

[cmbicycles]

http://cdn.twentytwowords.com/wp-content/uploads/Basketball-head-634x563.jpg

Now that is a huge headtube :eek:

[bluesea]

Lol at this retro grouch thing about other peoples bikes.

[svelocity]

thread drift is welcome in any of my threads.

i like peg extended headtube. we lost a lot of potential bar height when threadless came about. for us non racers who like level top tubes there are only a few options, all of which have haters.

1. Stem with rise (usually don't like with drop bars)
2. super tall technomic (looks all right if used with respect)
3. head tube extension (most hated but i like)
4. lots of spacers (can look super crazy once you get past 60mms or so)
5. bigger frame (if you like that old french 2 inches of seat post look)

http://i975.photobucket.com/albums/ae236/bicycletricycle/Chapman%20Cycles/sideview.jpg

on this bike i have a stem with built in spacers and some extended headtube to get the bars comfy-ish

http://i975.photobucket.com/albums/ae236/bicycletricycle/IMG_1618.jpg

on this bike i got extended head tube, spacers and rise stem to get the bars into super comfy commuter-tour mode

slammed stems look cool but for my current use and fitness level make no sense.

still think those huge headtubes just look awful.

Beautiful bikes! BUT since we are talking aesthetics here: we...must....make....rack...level...

Sorry it's an OCD pet peeve of mine....:help:

[bicycletricycle]

rack is level now.

[ergott]

Where does one find conical spacers that match up with King insets?

Link?

Black or silver and match the stem. Never been a fan of too much matchy matchy stuff.

[foo_fighter]

I didn't mean "match" in the fashion sense.

I meant, where could one buy a conical spacer to replace the flat bearing cap that comes with the King Inset headset or do you buy one that sits on top of the bearing cap?

To replace this:

http://www.aspirevelotech.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/Chris-King-PHS720B-InSet-GripLock-BearingCap-49mm-Black_tn.jpg

Thx.


Black or silver and match the stem. Never been a fan of too much matchy matchy stuff.

[reggiebaseball]

First, a hearty 'Tally Ho' from Lord Preston Claiborne, of Downton Abbey


http://i975.photobucket.com/albums/ae236/bicycletricycle/Chapman%20Cycles/sideview.jpg



And, in closing, his redneck cousin Jethro Bobby Lee Jenkins, says "YEEEHAW!'

http://i975.photobucket.com/albums/ae236/bicycletricycle/IMG_1618.jpg

[roydyates]

rack is level now.
Whew! that slant in the rack was really bugging me.

seriously, I do find non-level racks distasteful. :)

[CSTRider]

... Better to ride something with a bit of aesthetic compromise and be comfortable than ride something that makes your back hurt ...

Some pros with lots of experience (and results) seem to agree:
http://www.bikeradar.com/road/news/article/pro-bike-old-man-chris-horners-trek-madone-69-ssl-34003/

Is comfort the new aero?