Tapered head tubes are designed to work with tapered handle bars, with the steerer designed to be used with a 1.5” headset at the bottom and 1 1/8” at the top. The primary advantages of a tapered headtube are to allow for the greater bearing surface and firmness of a 1.5” steerer and lower bearing surface while reducing weight and allowing the use of conventional 1 1/8” threadless stems. More girth at the bottom of the head tube better distributes shock force, prolonging the bearing life of the headset. Also it allows a stronger steering position and improved balance, giving the rider more control in rough terrain.