[UnpavedAttitude]

Hi,
I just bought a new 2011 King Kahuna frame and the HT is tapered 1 1/8 top and 1 1/5 bottom . Can I use a regolar 1 1/8 sterrer fork or I have to buy a tapered one?
I was thinking to get the Marzocchi 44 TST 2011 which is a very good fork for the price .
I think Cane Creek , Fsa and other makes headsets for that right?
What headseat do I need ?
thank you
ciao

 

[Phil335]

Hi,
I just bought a new 2011 King Kahuna frame and the HT is tapered 1 1/8 top and 1 1/5 bottom . Can I use a regolar 1 1/8 sterrer fork or I have to buy a tapered one?
I was thinking to get the Marzocchi 44 TST 2011 which is a very good fork for the price .
I think Cane Creek , Fsa and other makes headsets for that right?
What headseat do I need ?
thank you
ciao

You need to buy a fork with a tapered steer tube. I would personally recommend a Chris King or Cane Creek headset. On another note I think they might make a headset that will let you use a traditional fork with a 1 1/8 steerer tube.

 

[sennaster]

you should definitely check out the Cane Creek Headset Finder

But to answer your question ... No you don't have to get the tapered fork, as long as you use the Zero stack lower headset cup. If you chose a tapered fork, then you'd need the external cup.

Per cane creek ( with their part numbers ) , assuming non-tapered fork:

Top Frame Standard:
SHIS:44 - 1-1/8" Zero Stack ZS Standard
Bottom Frame Standard:
SHIS:44 - 1-1/8" Zero Stack ZS Standard

 

[jeffj]

If you want a 100mm fork, this could be the best of both worlds for you:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=42266

NOTE: With most models of this fork, you can change the travel from 100mm to 120mm or 140mm. I believe I have read that, unless you get a part or parts changed out, this is only a 100mm travel fork unlike most (or all) other variants of this model.

 

[bartman601]

That looks like a great fork for the $!

 

[m-dub]

You can use a 1 1/8 fork with any number of reducing headsets ( external or not) I use a Chris king with a reducing crown race. I know CC makes a few models also. But...I did feel the difference in stiffness when I went with a tapered fork.

 

[LyNx]

If you don't have a clue WTF you're talking about, refrain from posting "helpful" advice that is absolutely wrong. As the others have said, he can use a straight 1.125" steerer fork, he just needs to pick which headset he wants as there are several to choose from.

You need to buy a fork with a tapered steer tube. I would personally recommend a Chris King or Cane Creek headset. On another note I think they might make a headset that will let you use a traditional fork with a 1 1/8 steerer tube.

 

[dubdryver]

bingo! M-dub is correct. The only thing you need is a reducer headset for the bottom cup. There are plenty of brands that sell budget ones, and maybe even a replacement crown race to fit the headset on your frame.

You DON'T have to run a tapered fork, but you will have to run a tapered headset bottom cut, but it will require a reducer cup/plate or race.

 

[blunderbuss]

you should definitely check out the Cane Creek Headset Finder

But to answer your question ... No you don't have to get the tapered fork, as long as you use the Zero stack lower headset cup. If you chose a tapered fork, then you'd need the external cup.

Per cane creek ( with their part numbers ) , assuming non-tapered fork:

Top Frame Standard:
SHIS:44 - 1-1/8" Zero Stack ZS Standard
Bottom Frame Standard:
SHIS:44 - 1-1/8" Zero Stack ZS Standard

No. The Kahuna line got a tapered headtube for 2011. That Cane Creek page doesn't have 2011 info for these bikes. A 44 lower cup will be too small.

 

[Clones123]

If you don't have a clue WTF you're talking about, refrain from posting "helpful" advice that is absolutely wrong.

No need to hold back - if someone is annoying you, just blurt that right out as always since this is the internet and no one is going to punch you in the face.

 

[archtopopotamus]

I just built up the same frame with a 1 1/8 straight steerer. This is the headset I used:


Cane Creek ZS-3 Zero Stack Top Assembly - 1 1/8", 44mm
Cane Creek XXc ZSII 1.5-1 1/8 Bottom Assembly - 1.5-1 1/8" ZS, 56mm OD

 

[hsakkire]

subscribed - I'm enjoying this immensely and laughing out loud

 

[JMH]

I will add a fine detail to the good answers here...

If you buy a headset that is ready for a tapered steerer, most of these headsets offer a reducer CROWN RACE for your 1-1/8" fork... This is almost always a sub-$10 part and allows you to switch to tapered in the future.

This in contrast to using a headset reducer CUP, which will require switching out your entire lower headset cup/bearing/race assembly if you decide to go tapered in the future.

Either way, it's not a disaster and it's not a big investment. The bottom line is that you can use either type of fork!

JMH

 

[bsieb]

C'mon guys, Its a mtn bike forum where we all talk about a hobby we enjoy.

Problem is that a lot of us are not enjoying our hobby right now. We're cooped up and getting fat and losing our conditioning, lower back may be nagging too. It will pass as surely as that fiery green tamale I ate last night... til then enjoy the spice.

I didn't think Phil335's initial comment was that unclear... but then I knew what he was talking about and he did give accurate info.

 

[Jim311]

Whoa dude, I agree that you shouldn't post answers to questions if you don't know them, but there's no reason to fly off the handle about incorrect information on the internet.

 

[wobbem]

Personally I like lynx the way he is, you need some one with the spoon to stir the pot and bring the crap to the top

 

[rockcrusher]

i have deleted all the back and forth in here as they were adding nothing to the OP's question nor the ensuing discussion in general. For those that remain thanks for playing nice.

 

[MTSHANK]

all great questions.....italianbike74 hasn't been back here to check on the vast knowledge bestowed