SRAM ProAdjust Headset & Stem - First Ride
SRAM's ProAdjust press release graphic doesn't mince words.
Races, especially gravity venues, can be won or lost if the handlebar height does not suit the rider and the conditions at hand. To address this dilemma, SRAM's World Cup mechanics have been secretly using a prototype threaded headset that allows independent adjustments of the stem's height and the headset's bearing preload. The headset proved to be so effective that SRAM instigated a mid-season production change to adopt the patented mechanism to present and future RockShox forks.
 | The new standard was deemed necessary because it solves a critical flaw with the present threadless headset systems, which require that the stem and headset adjustment be compromised each time the rider needs to alter the height of the handlebar. It's a crucial performance issue that we simply could not ignore. |
ProAdjust Details:
• Independent stem height and bearing preload adjustments
• Threaded steerer, one millimeter per rotation
• Specially threaded stems are backward compatible
• Up to 50 grams lighter than threadless
• Standard on all RockShox forks beginning May '18
• Open-source patent allows other makers to adopt standard
• MSRP: No change from threadless pricing. (ThreadHead kit: $99.95 USD)
• Contact: SRAM
• Independent stem height and bearing preload adjustments
• Threaded steerer, one millimeter per rotation
• Specially threaded stems are backward compatible
• Up to 50 grams lighter than threadless
• Standard on all RockShox forks beginning May '18
• Open-source patent allows other makers to adopt standard
• MSRP: No change from threadless pricing. (ThreadHead kit: $99.95 USD)
• Contact: SRAM
Spacerless Stem System
ProAdjust headsets require that the steerer tube be threaded to accept the threaded upper race and its companion locking nut. To simplify the system and reduce weight, the clamp area of the ProAdjust stem is also threaded. The stem is simply screwed down to the exact height that the rider desires, after which, the clamp bolts are cinched in the traditional manner. One revolution equals one millimeter of vertical adjustment. Stem spacers are eliminated, which offers significant weight reduction for ProAdjust users. To ensure that ProAdjust stems are backwards-compatible, the thread depth is reduced to 50%, so they will also clamp old-school threadless steerer tubes. Truvative, Enve, and Chinese component giant Won Hung have signed onto the program, which is anticipated to garner wide support within the industry.
SRAM's ThreadHead tool kit includes an Eze-start die set, two ProAdjust wrenches and a full set of depth gauges for various sized fork steerers and stem combinations.
ThreadHead Tool Kit
OEM forks will be shipped with steerer tubes cut to length and pre-threaded to fit specific frame sizes, while aftermarket forks will be offered in the three most popular lengths. RockShox plans to sell a "ThreadHead" tool kit that includes two ProAdjust wrenches, precision thread-depth measuring devices, and a special threading die to custom fit forks to non-compliant frame designs. Rigney says ProAdjust is an "open-source" standard, available to any manufacture that agrees to maintain RockShox's guidelines for the system.
First Impressions:
| I never had any issues with the present threadless steerers and headsets, so I had low expectations that SRAM's ProAdjust system could render anything useful in the name of performance. I couldn't have been more wrong. The ah-ha moment came after my Strava times were falling off on a technical gravity trail. I was sure I was losing time in the corners, but my tires were fresh, and I had I tried raising and lowering tire pressure one psi with no positive results. I switched to a ProAdjust headset and Descendant stem, then did a succession of timed runs, screwing my stem one revolution higher until my Strava times were back in line with my skillset. Turns out, weather conditions had changed to dry, which translated to a 4mm higher handlebar position. The brilliance of ProAdjust is that, armed with only an Allen key, I can maintain my KOM with just four turns of the stem when the moisture returns. No guesswork means consistent performance. I'll call that a win. |
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