Headset Head-Scratcher
 

I picked up this tandem yesterday from a CL seller who offered it very cheaply in an as-is, come-and-get-it, I’m-moving-and-don’t-feel-like-lugging-it-around-anymore sort-of-situation. I had done some research based on the listing photos, so I knew it was something special, but I was so distracted by cool frame details as I loaded it in the car, that I had to force myself to pay attention on the icy road home!

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...9986b3112.jpeg

Here’s one that I’ve never seen. I’ve done some sleuthing, and I’m pretty sure I know what’s going on here, but I haven’t cracked it open yet. I thought I’d throw it out there and see if anybody can predict what I’ll find.

Any guesses?

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...da8538f82.jpeg


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...b3ea1503c.jpeg


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...8c752d293.jpeg

Reference American Classic, they made a number of different components. Reasonably well engineered, obscure.

1” threadless? I have an A-C headset in the bin for that configuration, waiting for the right project. Different shape than the OP’s, less bulbous!

It’s an American Classic Trilock, but that’s part of the head-scratcher.

The top nut should not ever loosen at least!

Top nut and threadless stem?

I am very jealous! That is an amazing looking bike. The only reasonably priced tandems I see near me are Schwinn twin$$ and the occasional Columbia.

Nice headset but I am not a big threadless fan, perhaps simply from lack of experience.

This was cheaper than most Twinns listed!

It’s not a threadless headset (head-scratcher).

Or is it threadless? Crap, maybe not as big a mystery as I thought!

Threaded with fancy quill adapter setup?

Yes, it is threaded.

You could be correct!

I have three AC Tri-lock headsets. All threaded. I love them. Sealed bearings. BikePro.com / Buyer's Guide / American Classic Headsets - Bicycle Parts at discount prices / the Buyer's Guide / Bicycle Parts at their finest! / Professional Bicycle Source / Bike Pro

Edit: The crown "race" is very delicate. Be gentle if you want to remove it.

Show us pics when you take it apart. I am interested in how it works.

Sort of worst case scenario!

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...5e08f3e4e.jpeg

What the heck is happening there??

kinda looks like a plug was epoxied in

It’s brazed in.

Who can guess the measurements of these components?

And then, who can surmise why it was done this way?

That’s a brazen statement.

strange if intriguing set up. Perhaps the builder thought this was the best bullet proof longest life thing going. Unfortunately it totally lacks versatility unless you replace the fork.

BTW any info on the builder?

1-1/8 headset with 1" plug?
I guess it looks cleaner than a big threadless adapter....

You are correct, Sir!

Did you look in the bottom of the fork? I wonder if that has a wedge and bolt on the bottom?

Yes, no adjustment necessary (possible). I guess that's the mark of a true custom; get the fit right the first time. This thing is clearly a work of art: fillet-brazed, matching stems, racks with fender supports, color-matched Silca. Maybe this was in the threaded/threadless transition period when everyone had even stronger opinions about them? Built by John Cutter in San Luis Obispo, California. I was born there, and I love blue bikes, so I couldn't resist. My wife fits great in the stoker position, and I'm going to figure out whatever type of handlebar will work with that stem for me. Hey, for $300 I can make it work.

in case this helps.. a quick shot of the info in my copy of the Bike Pro catalog (possibly the most informative bike catalog ever printed!)


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...40e92dedf1.jpg

Steve in Peoria

Nice looking bike, sad how the value of a custom tandem plummets.