I've just purchased a second-hand Stanton Sherpa frame that came with a Hope headset for the tapered headtube. I want to fit my current forks which has a straight steerer. I was hoping to use the crown race reducer that was already on the fork as I had a tapered headtube/headset on my old frame (an On-One Smoothie headset). However, it seems they are not compatible. I can make it fit reasonably well but when I test-ride the bike the steering feels all wrong and there is clearly some issue somewhere. Do Hope headset require a Hope-specific reducer? The Hope reducer I've seen online looks very different to the one I have, but it also looks like no other reducer I've seen and I'm not confident it will fit in the bottom cup of the headset. Hope you can help.
If used a couple of the hope reducers. Worked perfectly. They basically make a straight steerer fork have the same bearing fit as a tapered fork. Most reducers replace the crown race, so you do need a compatible one. The Hope one takes the existing crown race so it is universal (hopefully your frame came with the race). Very simple and does the job. Should be perfect for you.
I see. So you still use the existing (1.5”) crown race that came with the headset but you use it WITH the reducer, yes?
So you still use the existing (1.5”) crown race that came with the headset but you use it WITH the reducer, yes?
Yep, that's how the Hope one works
Used same reducer as one linked above (HS136S) on a Sherpa with Salsa 1 1/8" forks & Hope EC44 headset for years. That reducer is very tight to get seated properly though. Trick is to heat it up with boiling water first and then it fits easily enough, make sure its seated square and it tightens when it cools. I would measure your current reducer and maybe try the hope one?
I've got a Hope one I no longer need. £8 posted?
