I did the search and had these options:
1) find a short stack headset
2) find a low profile stem (Spank Spike Stem)
3) use this extender (BBB - Extender Steerer Extender 28.6-25.4mm)
Well, since this was a cheap build and I didn't want to spend unnecessarily, I came up with an idea (based on option 3). Remove the star nut on the fork if it has one. The modification will pre-load the headset. Just an FYI, I still had enough steerer tube that the lower bolt was able to secure the fork in place. I just didn't feel comfortable being an inch and a half short so I figured I'd do this. I wouldn't recommend this if you barely have any steerer tube sticking up from the headset.
a) First, you have to find an old quill stem (1 inch of course).
b) Cut the lower part (and in my case, I shaved off part of the diameter because it wouldn't fit (there must be an older quill stem that would fit a 1 1/8 tube)
c) find an excess 1 1/8 inch steerer tube (I called my local shop) to use as shim
d) mark the part of the tube that sticks out of the stem. That inserted portion will be your shim.
e) remove the tube and cut the shim (ideally 1/8 inch shorter than your marked length)
d) make a vertical cut on the tube (to allow the tube to pinch into the quill body later
e) insert the shim and press down so it sits at least 1/8 below the stem surface
f) insert the quill unit along with the bolt and cap
g) tighten the bolt until the headset bearings are pre-loaded
h) tighten the stem bolts
The fork looks tight and because the quill unit is between the steer tube and shim, I think it will make the mend fairly strong.
1) find a short stack headset
2) find a low profile stem (Spank Spike Stem)
3) use this extender (BBB - Extender Steerer Extender 28.6-25.4mm)
Well, since this was a cheap build and I didn't want to spend unnecessarily, I came up with an idea (based on option 3). Remove the star nut on the fork if it has one. The modification will pre-load the headset. Just an FYI, I still had enough steerer tube that the lower bolt was able to secure the fork in place. I just didn't feel comfortable being an inch and a half short so I figured I'd do this. I wouldn't recommend this if you barely have any steerer tube sticking up from the headset.
a) First, you have to find an old quill stem (1 inch of course).
b) Cut the lower part (and in my case, I shaved off part of the diameter because it wouldn't fit (there must be an older quill stem that would fit a 1 1/8 tube)
c) find an excess 1 1/8 inch steerer tube (I called my local shop) to use as shim
d) mark the part of the tube that sticks out of the stem. That inserted portion will be your shim.
e) remove the tube and cut the shim (ideally 1/8 inch shorter than your marked length)
d) make a vertical cut on the tube (to allow the tube to pinch into the quill body later
e) insert the shim and press down so it sits at least 1/8 below the stem surface
f) insert the quill unit along with the bolt and cap
g) tighten the bolt until the headset bearings are pre-loaded
h) tighten the stem bolts
The fork looks tight and because the quill unit is between the steer tube and shim, I think it will make the mend fairly strong.
