Ream headset race or machine fork?

[mravery]

Im looking a the kona project 2 1" fork for an older mtb ive been using as a touring/commuting bike. The fork is almost perfect, has the length I want + lowrider rack mounts, and it's reasonably cheap. Only problem is the takes a 27.0 headset race. I just put a nice cane creek 100 headset on the bike that uses a 26.4 race, and dont want to swap that out for a cheepie caged bearing lower headset (only 27.0, 1" headsets I can find).

So, should I have the cane creek 26.4 bearing race machined to fit the fork, or should I have the 27.0 fork machined to fit the race?

Also, anyone in frame builder land wanna take on this project for me?

Thanks guys, and happy new year!

[Glide the Clyde]

I wouldn't turn a steer tube down to fit a bearing size. Catastrophic failure potential goes way up. Sounds like machining the race is the safest bet and although it could still fail, it likely won't mean a pile-drive into the ground due to a broken steerer. Unless there are other headset options someone is aware of, the cheapy caged style is the safest route.

[bluestarbikes]

You are not cutting down the steerer to cut the crown race seat. The steerer is 25.4mm in diameter. Any good LBS can do this. Call around and find a shop to cut your fork crown race down to 26.4mm. If you are in southeast Michigan, call my shop in Ypsilanti.