[lRaphl]

Hi all, is it possible to fit a tapered fork into my Giant Anthem 2008 frame using a Cane Creek 111.EC44 (or 40.EC44) bottom bearing? I've found a few things on the forum and also using google stating that it could be possible with some frames but no confirmation that it was really possible anywhere. I didn't remove my fork to take some measurements but looking at the outside it look likes it may be possible.

Being able to do that would give me more good deals options on a new fork. It also may not be worth it but anyway...I'm curious to know!

Thanks all.

 

[Procter]

If you're sure your lower head tube is 44mm then yes, you want one of these or something similar from another mfcr.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004JKESEQ?pc_redir=1398178559&robot_redir=1

 

[rockyuphill]

The only specs I can find for the Anthem in 2008 indicates it uses an integrated headset (IS designation in Cane Creek numbers) so that would mean an IS41, IS42, IS47 or IS 52 bottom bearing which weren't press in, the bearings would drop into the frame. That makes it unlikely that the EC44 externalizer bottom cup will fit.

 

[lRaphl]

Here a guy said he replaced his headset with a Cane Creek ZS. The ZS is available in 44 and 49 (being for conversion).

FS: Giant Anthem 2 2008 Medium « Singletrack Forum

But in that thread it's talking more about a ZS-2 or ZS-6. Then it would be 41mm outter diameter bearings.

http://forums.mtbr.com/giant/what-headset-anthem-480788.html

Cane Creek Cartridge Bearings - S2/S3/ZS2/IS2

These bearings also fit a huge range of other cartridge bearing headsets
Bearing info : MH-PO3K (41 x 30.2 x 6.5 ..35x45 deg)
Internal Bearing Diameter is 30mm
External Bearing Diameter is 41mm
Fits standard 1 1/8" Cartridge Bearing Headsets.
Sealed Cartridge bearings pair top and bottom race

In the same thread they are talking about the FSA Obit Z headset and in this case the OD of the bearings are 44mm.

http://www.fullspeedahead.com/storage/insidetech/items/EN_336eda6f-adaf-44a1-88eb-9b44e2b3448f_Orbit%20Z.pdf

It's a bit confusing but in the FSA tech doc it states that it is for 50mm OD head tubes so I'll measure that when I'm back home tonight to see if it's the case or not.

 

[Procter]

Usually your lower cup will have the diameter indicated on it, like you see in the Cane Creek example link.

 

[rockyuphill]

ZS would be Zero Stack, different than Integrated, and part of the never ending confusion of headset designations. There are days I really miss the old single standard of a 1-1/8" threadless headset.

Can you post a photo of your current lower headset and headtube on your Anthem?

 

[lRaphl]

Yes, will do that tonight. Took the measurements this weekend and the lower par of the head tube has an outside diameter of 50mm but it's only for the part that the lower bearing is in. Just over that it diminish to 44-45mm I think...can't remember exactly and than grows back at the top of the head tube for the upper bearing. I'll take some measurements pictures with the full head tube ones.

 

[lRaphl]

Ok, here are the pictures as promised! Sorry for the blury quality but I didn't had lots of light in the basement. As you can see, external diameter where the bearings fit is 50mm and diminish to 45mm in between. The height of the part where the bearings fit is 12mm.

I would say the the head tube thickness must be 6mm so this would leave 39mm at the smallest diameter part.

Someone can tell me what is the diameter of a tapered fork at 24mm of the crown race? If it's more than 39mm, then it just won't be possible.

 

[rockyuphill]

Here's the tech drawings of a Fox 32 with a tapered steer tube.

View attachment 2012_Fox_32_USER_SPEC_RevA.pdf

 

[lRaphl]

Thanks for the drawing, was helpful to calculate the space needed at 24mm from the crown race.

====================
= WORST CASE =
====================

28.63 - 39.838 = -0.12559390407888839085611833258628
--------------
95.59 - 6.35



24 * -0.12559390407888839085611833258628 = -3.0142536978933213805468399820708


-3.0142536978933213805468399820708 + 39.838 = 36.82374630210667861945316001793


===================
= BEST CASE =
===================

28.53 - 39.778 = -0.13141722163804182731627526580208
--------------
89.59 - 4



24 * -0.13141722163804182731627526580208 = -3.1540133193130038555906063792499


-3.1540133193130038555906063792499 + 39.778 = 36.62398668068699614440939362075


This means that there would be around 2mm of space in the tightest area of my head tube IF it really has a diameter of 39mm. I think measurements are really needed inside the head tube to confirm if it's possible or not.

Would 2mm be enough (1mm all around the head tube)? If there is no play at all in the bearings, I would say yes but would it be the case?