Head tubes

[gbbwolf]

Ok I am having problems finding 2 matching headtubes to build the streetfox can't even find 2 that are close to the same.
If anyone happens to have 2 that match with bearings and all let me know.
Started my build last fall, Finally warm enough to resume building and help be greatly appreciated.

Nelson

[savarin]

I've found quite a few bikes have tubes the right diameter to fit the bearings.
Buy 2 new head set bearings then find tubes that fit them.
If you talking about the threaded pard of the fork stem then I cant help.

[gbbwolf]

Yeah I need the threaded part.
Bearings ain't hard to find but finding 2 matching diameter headtubes is becoming a bother lol.

Nelson

[Radical Brad]

Do you have one that can be cut to match the other? Another option is 1.25 inch conduit. Some cups fit perfectly into the conduit.

Brad

[savarin]

what about using threadless stems?
I cant remember off hand what dia they are but its around the 1" mark

[newrider3]

Yeah I need the threaded part.
Bearings ain't hard to find but finding 2 matching diameter headtubes is becoming a bother lol.

Nelson

Wait, are you looking for the head tube, or the steerer tube from the fork?

[gbbwolf]

well what is called the fork stem tubes.
Which when we use them become head tubes.

Think I can cut some down to match.

[TheKid]

For head tubes, 1 3/8" 16ga tubing will work if you ream them out a bit. All the 1 1/4" conduit I have is a tad too large for the headset cups I'm using for the OSS steering on the LWB tadpole. (I think Canadian Conduit is slightly different than the States) A little slit in the conduit, clamp it shut and weld the seam, and the larger cups will fit. Some cups fit in a 1 3/16" ID tube, others fit in a 1 5/16" ID tube. The conduit is 1 3/8" ID, so it needs to be reduced 1/16", the 1 3/8" tube is slightly larger than 1 1/8" ID, so it needs a little reaming.
The steerer tube with the threads fit into the head tube, and as Brad says, you could shorten or lengthen it if you have to.

[gbbwolf]

Well I found 2 bmx threadless ones only problem I see is they are different sizes.


Think I will cut them down to length I want and weld them.

One is slightly larger diameter than other one but I think if I get them both the same length it will be ok.

Parts got scarce here every one is fixing up their old bikes( damn economy).

May have some got to look under this guys trailer tommorow see if i can scrounge some better matching ones if not I will use what I have.

Did find 2 48 spoke alex wheels with 14mm axles.

Seeing how this is wifes bike and she weighs all of 100 pounds, think I can get by with cutting a few corners.


Nelson

[Radical Brad]

If the long one is at least 6 inches, you could cut it in half and have 2 the same. Of course, you will need cups to fit.

Brad

[gbbwolf]

Both are just about 5 inches thought about that I think I found some parts bikes will know tommorow.

Nelson

[gbbwolf]

Well head tube search was a bust going to use the threadless ones I have.
Will be ok I think its less than half an inch difference between the 2, although one is much beefier than other one.

Will just make due with what I have 1 is 1.46 inches in diameter other is like 1.54, biggest difference is size of the fork stem.

Think If I cut the one down to length it shouldnt look too bad, will try and snap some pics as my build progresses got the crossmember cut the way I want it today.

Going to cut and grind headtubes tommorow and hopefully get some sparks flying with the welder.

Nelson