Raleigh Twenty Stem Change

[Pooh]

I was able to buy a used Raleigh Twenty over the weekend for $50 US in
fair condition.

In reading Sheldon's site the steerer tube on the red bike pictured
has what looks to be a long steerer extension with a threadless stem
bolted on. The top of the headset was converted to a ball and cone
unit.

Where does one find a steerer extension like the one pictured? Or is
it a long neck threaded unit with the stem part ground off? Or maybe
that's the steerer tube on the fork that you see? I don't want to
replace the fork at this time though.

Awaiting inspiration in Fremont.

[Sheldon Brown]

Post by Pooh
I was able to buy a used Raleigh Twenty over the weekend for $50 US in
fair condition.
In reading Sheldon's site the steerer tube on the red bike pictured
has what looks to be a long steerer extension with a threadless stem
bolted on. The top of the headset was converted to a ball and cone
unit.
Where does one find a steerer extension like the one pictured? Or is
it a long neck threaded unit with the stem part ground off? Or maybe
that's the steerer tube on the fork that you see? I don't want to
replace the fork at this time though.

That particular fork is a Haro BMX fork that was discarded because the
steer threads had been wrecked.

I got another steerer, can't recall whether it was a new one or cut from
an old fork. I cut about a 2 1/2" section from an old steel handlebar
stem, used it as a connector between the old and new stem, then brazed
it in place.

I no longer use this fork, 'cause I installed an SR suspension fork in
its place. These have a long steel steerer, threadless. Because the
steerer is threadless, it is quite long.

The small wheels really benefit from the suspension, and the fork has
studs that allowed me to install a V-brake, solving another persistent
Raleigh Twenty flaw.

I threaded the steerer and installed a conventional J.I.S. headset.
This is a much better setup than the rigid fork.

I sell these forks, threaded, for $139.95.

Then again, if you're just looking for more height, a $19.95 stem
extender will do the trick (though it won't work with the stock Twenty
stem, 'cause it lacks an expander/wedge.)

Sheldon "http://sheldonbrown.org/raleigh-twenty.html" Brown
+------------------------------------------------+
| Nobody who has anything to do with bicycles |
| has _all_ of their marbles, and some of us |
| are certifiable! |
| --Sheldon Brown |
+------------------------------------------------+
Harris Cyclery, West Newton, Massachusetts
Phone [phone] FAX [phone]
http://harriscyclery.com
Hard-to-find parts shipped Worldwide
http://captainbike.com http://sheldonbrown.com