>Specifically there's a smooth patch about 1 cm by 5 mm where the threads
>are completely worn away. What I'm wondering is how seriously this
>undermines the fork? I realize it's important to make sure the stem
>expander doesn't press against the weakened section, but if I use a stem
>with a cone-type expander (no localized pressure point) and keep it well
>inserted (no problem since the frame is on the large side for me) will
>it be OK? Or should I just bite the bullet and have the steerer
>replaced when I get the frame painted?
I'm not sure how bad the "stripping" is but I've flowed brass over the worn area and a couple of threads above and below then chased the threads. I've done this maybe 5 or 6 times and never had a problem. This is an easy fix but depending what you're trying to do with the bike over all a steerer replacement may be in the cards.
enjoy, Brandon"monkeyman"Ives
Brandon and Mitzi's-- "Wurld uv Wunder"
http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/
Monkeyman's on going bicycle part garage sale
http://www.uweb.ucsb.edu/
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nobody can do everything,
but if everybody did something
everything would get done.
-Gil Scott Heron-
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!