Cutting Steerer Tube - Twice.

dilatory

Is there any reason not to do this? I currently have a ridiculously large conical spacer above my headset so have my stem as low as it can go until I can source a new one. At the moment I have a decent stack of spacers above my stem, not only does manual say I shouldn't, it looks fugly.

If I cut the tube to fit now and when I can source a better headset spacer cut it shorter again if I like the new fit, is this okay? I can't fathom why it wouldn't but would like to check before I start chopping tomorrow.

Matthewfalle

Yup - no problem at all with that.

Ensure to set fire to the bit/s that you chop off.

dilatory

Awesome. Hacksaw primed and ready!

sungod

what is the steerer tube made of?

if it's alloy, standard hacksaw is fine, you'll probably need to knock the star nut lower down before cutting

if it's carbon fibre, read up on technique and appropriate blade types first

Bozman

Wrap some insulation tape around the steerer before you cut it, this will stop the carbon from splintering.

Matthewfalle

dilatory wrote:

Awesome. Hacksaw primed and ready!

Excellent stuff.

Re h/saw blade: I use a new standard metal one - cuts the fibre fine, finish off by filing smooth.

I know that some say carbon specific saw only but so long as it's not a rusty blunt old thing it'll be fine.

You can also use a jubilee clip or old stem as a cutting guide.

Remember to set fire to all the old bits and the blade afterwards.

mitchgixer6

Just out of interest, what's the best way to set fire to carbon?

sungod

heat it to above 700c

if you can supply a flame, lower temp will do

Matthewfalle

PE7 and some super unleaded.