Oh no..don't tell me the stuff I collected is wrong!!

[splodge]

I'm asking, but I think I know the answer! I've just cut up 2 BMX bikes I managed to scavenge and have cut the forks, crown and stem. BUT, because they are BMX they dont have any locking nuts on the top, they just use the handlebar mounts. I'm going to have to find some others aren't I?
With locking nuts. They also have big holes, is it normal to have these and weld up the holes?
Thanks now and in advance for the stupid questions I'm about to ask!!

[TheKid]

Those are threadless headsets. Use the handlebar stems basically the same way as threaded headset stems. There should be a cap on the headsets with a bolt going through. That's what holds everything together. If they were missing, chances are that whoever got rid of the bikes kept the parts. Either that, or they're headsets like these:

http://www.bikepartsusa.com/bikeparts/item/01-111855/Threadless/Pyramid--mountain-headset.-Steel%2C-threadless%2C-1-18in-x-34-x-30.-Color%3A-black&category=Threadless

If that's the case, then you'd use the stems that came with the bikes, or buy new ones, which are similar to threaded headset stems but they may have a larger diameter. Then just follow the plans as they are.

[gbbwolf]

Yep I used threadless headsets on my tadpole.

They work better than regular headsets for me.

And you can use the mounts to hold the handlebars, just cut handlebars in half.

If yours don't have the star nuts and adjusting bolts to tighten the stems, you can get them at most bike shops for 2 bucks.

You can kinda see it in this picture bottom right hand, of course it is missing the star nut inside the tube and has no cap or bolt yet, cause I had not bought them yet.

http://d.yimg.com/kq/groups/22086635/sn/403035376/name/HPIM0268.jpg

I will snap you a closeup pic of mine in morning.

They work great no worries.


Nelson

[alecw35]

The diameter of the fork steerer is 1 1/8"
which is 28.6mm.
A common size for seat clamps.
so if you dont want to run handle bar stems you could fit seat clamps.
you would need a widish seat clamp though.
as the top cap that goes over the handle bar stems to tension the bearings should not touch the fork steerer.
you can miss out the top cap and the star nut that lurks in the steerer tube
that means its tricky to get proper adjustment on the steerin bearings though.