cutting steerer to size

age136
age136 Posts: 9
edited February 2009 in MTB workshop & tech
hi, new to the site. i've got a kona kahuna 2003 and the forks have seen better days. i have been given some magura 2stroke front forks but the steerer is a lot longer than the oe bombers. is it just a case of cutting down the steerer? what about the nut inside the tube etc? any help would be grateful. otherwise , can anyone recommend any forks that would suit my bike. thanks

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    have a read http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=115
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • age136
    age136 Posts: 9
    brilliant. thanks for the swift reply
  • age136
    age136 Posts: 9
    is it safe to attempt to cut the steerer without the saw guide?
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    i would not.

    find something to act as a guide.

    Or markit out and then take your time.

    measure twice, cut once.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • Rockhopper
    Rockhopper Posts: 503
    The steeres doesn't need to be cut square though, just as long as its below the top of the stem. How its cut makes no difference.
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    Rockhopper wrote:
    The steeres doesn't need to be cut square though, just as long as its below the top of the stem. How its cut makes no difference.

    it does. if the angle is that far off that it come out below the top stem bolt the steerer is scrap.

    Measure twice and cut once then remove the burrs and have fun.

    Oh and i have seen a fair few stems that have be wasted due to people not taking due care.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • age136
    age136 Posts: 9
    ok. may take it to a shop and get a quote for them to do it. or maybe price up a suitable replacement fork thats the right size.
  • age136
    age136 Posts: 9
    ok. may take it to a shop and get a quote for them to do it. or maybe price up a suitable replacement fork thats the right size.
  • hucking_fell
    hucking_fell Posts: 1,056
    Tape an old headset spacer securely to the steerer and use it as a guide for the hacksaw. Finish the edges with a file.

    I wouldn't pay a shop to do it. No special tools required. Just take yor time like Nick said.
    More freerange chicken than Freeride God
    Bighit , 5 , BFe
  • buzz1
    buzz1 Posts: 374
    age136 wrote:
    ok. may take it to a shop and get a quote for them to do it. or maybe price up a suitable replacement fork thats the right size.
    Most forks will need cutting down to size, good :idea: about headset spacer though
    http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=10017&t=12851595
    http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7271/6918572594_e574d744c9_z.jpg
    http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6097/7006194041_1bbb3e3ede_z.jpg
  • Rockhopper
    Rockhopper Posts: 503
    nicklouse wrote:
    Rockhopper wrote:
    The steeres doesn't need to be cut square though, just as long as its below the top of the stem. How its cut makes no difference.

    it does. if the angle is that far off that it come out below the top stem bolt the steerer is scrap.

    Measure twice and cut once then remove the burrs and have fun.

    Oh and i have seen a fair few stems that have be wasted due to people not taking due care.

    You'd have to cut it incredibly badly for that to happen!

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