Can you buy a longer steerer tube for a Recon fork?

[Watchman]

I have a RockShox Recon I'd like to install into a different frame with a longer head tube. Can you buy/install a longer steerer? I have no idea how the steerer tube is attached to the fork's shoulders/bridge (what is the name for that part of the fork?) or if it's even removable.

[ecsrobin]

You'll need a new crown, steerer and upper (CSU)

It will be cheaper to sell the forks and buy new.

[Watchman]

Thanks. I wondered if that might be the case.

I never sell anything. I just "collect".

[neenaw]

You can buy steerer tube extenders, never used one though so I've no idea if they're any good.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/bbb-bhp-22-steerer-tube-ex...

[gazza285]

neenaw said:

You can buy steerer tube extenders, never used one though so I've no idea if they're any good.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/bbb-bhp-22-steerer-tube-ex...

No good if the head tube is too long.

[neenaw]

Good point, it was this one I was thinking of.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/bbb-bhp-2021-stem-extender...

[Watchman]

neenaw said:

Good point, it was this one I was thinking of.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/bbb-bhp-2021-stem-extender...

Hey, that's amazing. Thanks for that. I'm going to try one.

[Watchman]

Sorry to be a bit dim - which size do I need? Or what do I need to measure? I'm not sure what the two options refer to.


ETA: There's a Q&A which answers that.

Edited by Watchman on Saturday 13th December 17:34

[upsidedownmark]

Depends what you want to do.

If you just want the bars higher, that will do the trick although many, myself included, would regard it as unsound. Probably OK for trundling along the road, but if you're offroad, I'd half expect it to break.

If the head tube really is that much longer that the steerer isn't protruding from the top bearing, I'm not sure it would even work at all?

[rhinochopig]

Watchman said:

neenaw said:

Good point, it was this one I was thinking of.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/bbb-bhp-2021-stem-extender...

Hey, that's amazing. Thanks for that. I'm going to try one.

I have one of those for when using my MTB tandem with rigid forks to raise the bars a bit. OK for gentle cycle touring but no way on eath I'd trust it off road.

[Watchman]

I've ordered one to try - it's only 12 quid. But I'll keep that warning in mind. Thanks.

[Watchman]

It turned up today... Mmm... I'm not sure at all.

The top bearing will be installed around the proper steerer tube but I get what you say about not trusting it for anything other than pottering. To be honest, I'm *am* a potterer but this effectively turns your stem into a hybrid ahead and quill, introducing an additional joint.

I don't like it. I'm going to try it and see if I can gain any confidence from it when it's bolted up.

I'm worried about deforming the steerer tube with this. Old style threaded headsets were designed to accept a quill wedge but modern aheads are not. Also, I'd need to remove the star nut too which I'm not keen on doing because the fork is perfectly useable for any other frame.

Starting to look like a bad idea.

[gazza285]

Star nuts can be removed and replaced. Is the steerer steel or aluminium? I'd be happier to stick a quill in steel rather than ally, but I'd still go for the proper length fork option.

[Watchman]

gazza285 said:

Star nuts can be removed and replaced. Is the steerer steel or aluminium? I'd be happier to stick a quill in steel rather than ally, but I'd still go for the proper length fork option.

I know - I just like to keep the various parts in my collection as near to re-usable condition as poss. I should probably buy a star-nut tool - I have every other tool.

But I'm not sure what metal it's made from however I'm having second thoughts anyway - the frame was a freebie and the forks were spare but I've already found another candidate frame anyway.

Thanks for the advice.