Steer tube clamp height.

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Greetings!

I’m trying to figure out if my 1998 ish F700 Headshok can be fitted with a Lefty steering stem. My steering tube is 1.56” diameter, as is that of the Lefty stem I’m considering. The measurement I’m concerned about is the height of the tube clamp. Mine is 2 1/8” (2.125”).

I will appreciate any help with this.

Michael

 

[JohnnyD]

Greetings!

I’m trying to figure out if my 1998 ish F700 Headshok can be fitted with a Lefty steering stem. My steering tube is 1.56” diameter, as is that of the Lefty stem I’m considering. The measurement I’m concerned about is the height of the tube clamp. Mine is 2 1/8” (2.125”).

I will appreciate any help with this.

Michael

Yes, the steer tube clamp spacing didn't change on the Lefty's until the 2.0 (1.5 in.) and later versions so they will fit any bike that is equipped with the Headshok sized headtube. (1.56 steer tube)
I've done it with a 1994 Super V that came equipped with a Headshok.

 

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Thank you for the quick reply JohnnieD!

I ordered the Lefty stem this morning. I’m trying to reduce my reach to the bars to increase my comfort on the bike.

 

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My new (used) Lefty stem arrived yesterday. Unfortunately its stem clamp height is 2 inches compared to my original stem’s height of 2 1/8“ (2.125”).

I guess I could install a 1/8” shim under the Lefty stem. I searched online for “Cannondale Headshok steering stem shims” and came up with nothing. I don’t know if there is such a thing.

Or I could try to return it to the eBay seller I bought it from.

I’m ashamed to say I know nothing about the internals of my (MC 60) Headshok.
Unlike other threadless stems this one doesn’t secure the steering tube in the steering head. So believe this stem will work, but the eighth inch gap is going to bug me

Comments or feedback please…

 

[JohnnyD]

My new (used) Lefty stem arrived yesterday. Unfortunately its stem clamp height is 2 inches compared to my original stem’s height of 2 1/8“ (2.125”).

I guess I could install a 1/8” shim under the Lefty stem. I searched online for “Cannondale Headshok steering stem shims” and came up with nothing. I don’t know if there is such a thing.

Or I could try to return it to the eBay seller I bought it from.

I’m ashamed to say I know nothing about the internals of my (MC 60) Headshok.
Unlike other threadless stems this one doesn’t secure the steering tube in the steering head. So believe this stem will work, but the eighth inch gap is going to bug me

Comments or feedback please…

Did your original stem have the seal that goes between the stem and the upper bearing?
It looks like this,

That is required between the stem and upper bearing to help prevent water from damaging the bearing on a Headshok (it goes under the upper fork clamp on the Lefty) It's also about 1/8 of an inch thick which is why I asked.
You can pick them up on E-bay at Cannondale Experts, or their sister site Send it bikes.
Headshok QSCSeal

 

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My bike is in box stock condition. No changes since new except tires.

Photo 1: Stock setup.
Photo 2: “ “ with plastic cap removed.
Photo 3: Looks like a seal to me. Should be. Headshok has never been
disassembled or serviced.
Photo 4: Lefty stem, no cap.
Photo 5: “ “ with cap.

 

[JohnnyD]

That's curious, I can't remember how my 94 Delta V came, it had a similar style stem on it as yours originally did I think, it's in a box somewhere along with the fork. It might be that the early single bolt stems were a bit taller , hence why it doesn't have one. This is likely what is happening.
Picture 3 doesn't show the seal, that is the dust cover for the upper bearing.
As you can see in the attached pictures from my F600. With the seal under the stem it sits flush with the top of the Headshok, without it installed it's just like your new stem looks. The other two pictures show what the seal actually looks like in more detail and you can see how the upper bearing looks similar to yours in picture 3.

TBH honest, the seal is more cosmetic than functional at keeping water out IMHO. So the question is.
DO you buy the seal or not. Either way the new stem isn't going to fall off if it's not installed. I will just look a bit off with the lock out knob not sitting flush with the top of the stem until you choose to buy one or not.
As the saying goes, don't sweat the small stuff.
I am curious if the shorter stem put you into a more comfortable riding position.

 

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….So the question is.
DO you buy the seal or not. Either way the new stem isn't going to fall off if it's not installed. I will just look a bit off with the lock out knob not sitting flush with the top of the stem until you choose to buy one or not.
As the saying goes, don't sweat the small stuff.
I am curious if the shorter stem put you into a more comfortable riding position.

A) Yes I think I will buy a seal now, which leads to C.

B) That’s not actually a lock out knob on mine. It’s just a screw on cover. My MC 60 Headshok is, I believe, the most basic, no damping, just some sort of plastic bumper acting as a spring.

C) We’ve never met so you couldn’t know that the OCD is strong in me. Sweating the small stuff is what I do!

The Lefty stem is a small improvement. My bars are absolutely flat with very little backward sweep. I will also look for some taller back swept bars.

 

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Well I bailed on the lefty stem. It didn’t improve my excessive reach situation as much as I had hoped.

I ordered a Reverse S-Trail Stem and Cannondale Cruise Control Handlebar from Cannondale Experts. They showed up on my doorstep today so of course I had to make a half day project out of the installation.

I cut 2.5” off of both sides of the bars to get them as narrow as possible. Before the change I was concerned that the cables might not be long enough. Sure enough the only one long enough is the rear brake. The front brake cable doesn’t reach the lever at all. The shifter cables are stressed when turning the bars more than about 45 degrees. No biggie, they’re the original cables so replacing them can only be a good thing.

This made such a big difference in comfort I am really pleased. My Cannondale is rideable for me again!

And now I have an even bigger gap under my stem. ;->

 

[shannonq]

From what you’ve described, the Lefty stem should fit the 1.56” diameter, but you’ll also want to ensure the clamp height on the Lefty stem matches your current setup. If your tube clamp is 2 1/8” (2.125”) tall, compare that directly with the clamp height on the Lefty stem. As long as the clamp heights are similar, and the diameter fits, you should be good to go. If the Lefty is shorter, you may lose some support; if it’s taller, make sure it doesn’t interfere with your headset or frame.