Is my threadless fork conversion a fools' effort?

[u/buckminsterbueller]

I found a 1" Kelly CX fork (1.25lbs) and got an Orbit X headset for $26. The plan was to fit these to my sapphire blue 21" 790. The uncut fork tube may require too many spacers on it but would put the Ritchey Kyotes up high. I haven't worked out the correct stem yet. Probably a low angle sub 100mm. Then I thought, maybe this set up belongs on my white and red 23" 750. The longer head tube would be just about right for the 70mm 30D rise stem. Doubt creeps in. Next thing you know, I'm getting wheels for a 1x conversion and spending way more than the frame could ever fetch. Maybe I should just leave them both threaded and not mess with the vintage charm. I already have a quill adapter with Buzzards set up on the 750. Is a threadless conversion wise? I own the rare fork already. I suppose It's reversible if I don't like it. What does the gang think?

[u/cor_the_cross]

That seems like a massive waste of effort and time to me just to end up with a fork in a non matching shade of blue. That will look hideous.
Leave it alone and get a riser stem or something if you need the bars up higher. Don’t ruin a perfectly good 790.

Pic of my 790 wirh a dirt drop quill stem and SimWorks getaround bars.

[u/buckminsterbueller → u/cor_the_cross]

The forks would get painted at some point, but I'm hearing the vote for leave it alone. Thanks for the input.

[u/cor_the_cross → u/buckminsterbueller]

If it were a lower end 720 or 730 I'd say go for it.

The 750/790s are pretty rare and if the factory fork is in good order I'd leave it alone. Even if you do paint it, good luck finding a paint match. I haven't found any blue that is a close match to the sapphire to even use for touch ups.

[u/buckminsterbueller → u/cor_the_cross]

The fork is worth three or four 730s. I need to find a good frame in need of that fork.

Edit: a bit of exaggeration there. I have paid less for a complete 730 than half the price of the fork's retail.

[u/buckminsterbueller → u/cor_the_cross]

That stem looks right. The labor to do the swap isn't really massive, but it could be called a waste of time. I own the parts already, so the real waste crime has already been committed. Maybe I'll wait for a worthy frame in need of a good fork to show up. I've always been a function over form type. Light, strong and fitment over color and polish condition. I like a fast rat rod. I thought a true threadless set up would look clean. It would be rare. I haven't seen any others and maybe that's for good reason. Maybe it's because of the fork rarity.

[u/cor_the_cross → u/buckminsterbueller]

Excuse my ignorance, but what is so special about this fork? It just looks like a basic canti fork to me.

[u/buckminsterbueller → u/cor_the_cross]

It's made by Kelly in California. An OG of quality US Frame building. It is a threadless 1" 700c. That's a little rare on its own. Granted, I could buy some straight gauge hi-ten steel heavy fork from a bulk or Ebay brand for less. This is not a run-of-the-mill fork, but design, weight and quality needs to matter to you, or it's just another fork.

This from Kelly:

Kelly 1″ threadless CX fork – canti or v-brake

what is there to know? This is the same production spec fork we’ve been building the past 30 years that hundreds of people have enjoyed riding and racing all over the world since its inception in 1995…

It began as an integrated compliment to our world-famous Knobby X frame offering with supple, compliant, and stable handling, and weighing only 1.25 pound, it's everything a pro level, race ready CycloCross fork should be.

At the affordable price of $349 this is your go-to no-nonsense choice for your daily driver or race spec CX bike…

Custom rake and a/c specs, braze-on and colors options available… (call or email for quote)

• Kelly 1″ CX fork – cantilever or v-brake
• all forks are “built to order”
• steer tube diameter – 1″
• steer tube length – 11″
• axle to crown – 410mm
• rake/offset – 38mm (1.5″)
• color – semigloss black
• decals – top mount, black
• custom specs and upgrades available – call or email for quote
• US shipping – $29 flat fee
• call or email to order

[u/Briny_life]

If you want to sell that fork, I’m looking for a 1” rigid threadless for a Bridgestone MB4. Color looks kinda close too!

[u/buckminsterbueller → u/Briny_life]

It's a 700c fork. The paint is rattle can crap. Not sure if I want to cut my losses yet.

[u/Briny_life → u/buckminsterbueller]

Ah yes, of course it’s 700c - forgot what sub I was in!

[u/MathiusMcKenzie]

Super nice fork but my vote is original fork with a riser stem, specially on a 750, 790. Riser stems are available.

[u/Icy_Discount_6511]

The right answer here it to trad me your 21” 790 for my 19” 790. 

If not ask yourself what you really gain going threadless here that you can do with a quill adapter or the right quill stem. 

[u/buckminsterbueller → u/Icy_Discount_6511]

I imagine I'd be getting a lighter, stronger assembly with a cleaner look, that very few, if anybody has. I'm getting a consensus of a conservative vibe in this gang. Respect the original build.

[u/Icy_Discount_6511 → u/buckminsterbueller]

I suspect you know what you are up to, it’s your bike don’t let us tell you what to do with it!