Misshapen CAAD steerer tube
I recently bought a second-hand Cannondale CAAD7 to use when I don't want to use my best bike (i.e. in circuit races). Putting it together, I noticed that the top of the alloy steerer tube is a a bit out of shape, as if the stem has been over-tightened at some point. Here are a couple of photos, which aren't great but give you an idea of how it looks: http://sdrv.ms/Y1eS0U and http://sdrv.ms/11p9fbM.
There don't appear to be any cracks in the steerer, but should I just not risk it and chuck the fork?
There don't appear to be any cracks in the steerer, but should I just not risk it and chuck the fork?
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Comments
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Bit out of shape!?!? Looks like someone's taken a hammer to it! I'm surprised you can get a stem over that - though a photo from the side (and a little bit more in focus if you don't mind me saying) would help. If there's a fair bit of steerer, then I suppose you could cut some off and slam the stem but I would get to your LBS for some advice.0
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I'll get my proper camera out this afternoon and take some more photos. Sorry for the lack of focus, but the camera on my phone didn't want to play ball.0
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Here are some better photos:0
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If there is enough steerer when assembled on the bike I would be inclined to cut it down, it looks like it's taken a knock rather than excessively tightened stem bolts.0
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Agreed.
Looking at the grease marks, I'm guessing there's a fair bit protruding out of the head tube - so cut the deformed top off and slam the stem. If there's not enough length to do that - or the bars will be too low for you, I think it's time for a new fork.0 -
There's enough tube to cut it down a fair bit. I've got a bike fit booked in a few weeks, so will probably wait until I've had that done to see how low I can get away with having the stem.0
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In fact, if it needs to be replaced if I want the bars kept at the current height, I might as well cut it down anyway and see how I get on with lower bars.0