A-/quill hybrid headset?

[SA_SA_SA]

The lack of non-stepped adjustability (like a quill) on a threadless (A) headset seems a flaw:

why not use clamped spacer to lock headset, rather than star-nut, then allow quill like expander stem to set handlebar height.

Also, isn't having 'sticky up' fork above lowered bars (before fork cut down to size: brutal!!) a bit dangerous: a spiky thing pointed a chest.....

[Phil_Lee]

The lack of non-stepped adjustability (like a quill) on a threadless (A) headset seems a flaw:

why not use clamped spacer to lock headset, rather than star-nut, then allow quill like expander stem to set handlebar height.

Also, isn't having 'sticky up' fork above lowered bars (before fork cut down to size: brutal!!) a bit dangerous: a spiky thing pointed a chest.....

There is nothing to prevent you using a quill stem in a threadless steerer, or a clamp as the bottom spacer.
You can even do both, to provide an additional mounting for lights, computer, gps, or even an alternative hand position.

See Sheldon Brown's 1974 Brown Bicycle http://sheldonbrown.org/brown/index.html just over half way down the page.

[Freddie]

The lack of non-stepped adjustability (like a quill) on a threadless (A) headset seems a flaw:

Especially considering most people buy a bike two sizes to small to try and reclaim some misspent youth or some such, only realising time hasn't been as kind as hoped once reality hits.

why not use clamped spacer to lock headset, rather than star-nut, then allow quill like expander stem to set handlebar height.

I suppose it might be more liable to come loose than a star nut or quill for that matter.

Also, isn't having 'sticky up' fork above lowered bars (before fork cut down to size: brutal!!) a bit dangerous: a spiky thing pointed a chest.....

Yes, you'd imagine so, but still there's a company who base their whole design ethos around such a thing, Thorn (apt name, no?).

[drossall]

There is nothing to prevent you using a quill stem in a threadless steerer...

The other way around is quite good - a threaded headset with an adaptor and a stem designed for threadless headsets. The adaptor can be moved up and down like a quill.

[CREPELLO]

The BBB Extender/adaptor does it all IMO. It's certainly the solution for Ahead equipped bikes that have little steerer tube to attach the stem to. It does allow you to screw the (standard design) top cap down, thereby compressing the bearings, something that other A-head adaptors can't do AFAIK.

[gilesjuk]

The thing with bar height is you set it up once and that's it. It doesn't move like a quill stem can.

By moving the spacers above or below the stem you get plenty of adjustment. Yes it's a bit more faff, but it's more solid.