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I have a couple of questions that you guys may be able to help me;
1. I have a steel Bontrager Privateer that I’m thinking about modernising for one of the kids. No discs and a 1” steerer though. Would it be possible/safe to have the head tube replaced with a more modern sized one? And would it be possible to add disc brake mounts to the rear safely?
2. Similar question, different metal. My 2008 (aluminium) SC Heckler has a straight steerer. Do I have any methods available to convert to use a tapered steerer?
Thanks.
Q2 Nope, explored the options bought a new frame - It died in the swing arm about 6 months later when I'd given it to one of the local rippers
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Santa-Cruz-Heckler-Frame-/323686517307?hash=item4b5d384a3b%3Ag%3Af8MAAOSwuilcXcyp&nma=true&si=wPzsOFqZOLbeikfk42fG8tgoeGE%253D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557
One of these or earlier?
I'd keep the Bontrager as is, it's a retro gem, you'd be doing it a disservice. Plus it'd probably cost you more in repairs than a new frame.
Instead, just buy a new frame with what you want on it, you could fit 26" wheels to this: https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mobile/brand-x-ht-01-27-5-hardtail-frame-2019/rp-prod130452 One hundred and nine of your pounds.
Q2 - afraid not, but I do have some lovely 150mm RS Revelations (last of the 1 1/8” steerer models, 26”, 15mm axle) in excellent condition that I could be persuaded to part with!
My 2008 (aluminium) SC Heckler has a straight steerer.
No idea about this bike.
But if the straight steerer is 44 mm I.D. then "adaptor headsets" are available:
I use one of those on an old hardtail with "modern, tapered" fork.
Works great!
Q.1: Entirely possible but, as qwerty says, it's probably not worth the expense. Unless there is some specific driver to use that particular frame you're better off buying something more modern as a starting point. You can get perfectly decent used complete bikes for a couple of hundred or a very decent frame for the same...
Q2, as a few people have said you can get perfectly good straight steerer forks. No new Pikes or anything but an RCT3 Rev isn't so far off, and rock solid reliable. Any late model rev or sektor with dual flow and a damper that isn't turnkey would be fine really.
(they can be randomly expensive)
I’ve got a pair of Marzocchi MX Comp 80mm travel
air forks with a 1” steerer and both disc & canti mounts sitting in the attic.
I actually had them on my Privateer myself.
PM me if you’re interested, wouldn’t want vast quantities of cash for them.