Tapered Bicycle Fork vs Straight 1-1/8 Steerer fork - How to Identify

Some bikes come with a tapered headtube, but that doesn't always mean it has a tapered fork. Often, bikes ship with a straight steerer fork. This video shows how to identify a standard 1-1/8 straight steerer vs a tapered steerer fork.

Comment below if you have any questions.

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[harkin]

I literally just had to explain this to somone yesterday. This video is so much better than my description.

[johndent]

How about a short video telling us WHY one is better than the other listing advantages and disadvantages?

[Slking]

You answered my question without directly speaking to it. I bought the "Al Comp" based on your review, and my budget. Unfortunately, I was planning to ride, and upgrade as I go... until...

I went to tighten my steerer in the neck, and some assembler at walmart cross threaded a neck screw. I had to drill it out to get it off. I thought to myself "No worries, I will just order a new bar mount. But then I realised, the lower bearings were toast. I could not find the proper sized replacement bearing. So I am forced to buy a new set of forks earlier than expected.

After watching one of your other videos, I was off to buy a tapered steer set of forks. I needed to know the upper dimensions. You verified they were 1 1/8".

Thank you! I have ordered all but the forks you mentioned in the other video, and opted for a different fork that was available. I am now above my original budget, but after the 15 miles I put on the bike today. I am happy to be upgrading.

[michaelsprinzeles]

Excellent demonstration of the difference between the tubes. Perhaps you could do a video on the advantages and disadvantages. The video would be extremely helpful with the new Schwinn bikes that can accommodate a tapered fork but come with a straight steerer tube and adapter.

[WinningWithWarchild]

Incredibly helpful video. I now realize that my Axum has a tapered headtube for future upgradeability and not for its current fork. I'm learning...

[adambcvg]

Presumably it's all about surface area? Greater contact patch for the lower bearing, greater contact patch where the tube meets the crown, supporting the crown to reduce flex? The top can stay small as it's there to balance the tube side to side rather than take the weight of the bike too.

I do remember forks snapping at the tube/crown junction back in the day.

[deadlylampshade]

This explained everything that I knew already and nothing that I didn't.

[johndef]

I have both types. A straight steerer with quick release and a tapered with thru-axle. I ride pretty aggressively and honestly dont notice alot of difference.

[blautens]

Good demo. Now...explain the "faper" some bikes have. (evil laugh....)

[chriam]

Is this a teaser for the New Project Boundary....the one green spacer?🤫

[Mogalize]

How do you tell without removing the forks from the bike?

[Gamebit]

well now that was short and to the point lol !!!

[pauldc]

What are the benefits of a taper over straight and visa versa?

[MarkJanmelAboy]

Do tapered forks have different sizes? Or do all of them have the same size? I'm just curious because some tapered headset has different sizes like some have a 44 55 and some have 42 51 or a 42 52, do all tapered forks work with those headsets?

[andrewhunter]

I believe my rad rover fat bike fork has a straight tube. I am considering swoping it out with a 29 inch mountain bike fork to run xl tiers on. So how do I measure the right length for the new forks. Thanks ♥️🚴‍♂️🚴‍♀️🚴‍♂️🚴‍♀️🚴‍♂️🚴‍♀️

[collinscarbro]

I have a tapered head tube and a straight fork but all it is is a weird piece and want to get sealed bearings but idk what to order without changing fork

[joegesulgon]

nice, I was planning to buy mtb-fork and thanks a lot for the info, now I know the difference.

[gatoreye]

So what is the advantage for the big box store bike rider?

[fatbikearcticnomad]

Hey Kevcentral, I wanted to know what’s the best straight steerer fork I can buy. I currently have a Sr Suntour XCM 120mm fork and wanted to upgrade. Do have any suggestions?? Thanks again and I love your channel. Keep up the good work bro!

[christianbach]

Hi, thanks for the video. My fork tube seems to be tappered, but much less than the one on the right. It goes from 28.6mm (top) to 30mm (bottom). Is it considered as a straight tube ? Thanks !