Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - cutting fork

so i finally got my new bike built up. just gotta cut the fork and put some bar tape on.
completely broke now, so i need to do it myself....

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e157/erpdat/rrrrrrrrrrr.jpg

so, do i just cut the excess fork directly above the headset or what?

thanks

ps: looks like the handlebars are way higher than the seat post by they're actually a bit under the seat post level, perfect fit.. just took this photo from a low angle.....

http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=115

Thanks!!!

http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/output/motivator4670248.jpg

also, that part of the fork is called the 'steerer tube' and if you say 'fork' it usually means the fork below the crown race.

but yes, follow park's instructions.

http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/output/motivator4670248.jpg


how so?

http://www.bikecult.com/works/archive/07bicycles/fujiFGIrs.JPG

http://www.bikecult.com/works/archive/07bicycles/fujiFGIrs.JPG

oh ****, dur. thanks for pointing that out before i embarrassed the **** outta myself on the streets

Haha, it's OK.

oh yeah one more thing.. so i took this out for a test run, rides great.. but am obviously waiting to cut steering tube before i ride anymore. going over the bars and impaling myself sounds pretty ****ty...

anyways, the toe overlap is something im not used to. ****'s pretty scary. i guess its inevitable on smaller frames, eh?

You'll get used to the toe overlap really quick.

^ whats the BH stand for?

1.) Buy a hacksaw. Cheapest way to take care of the excess. Remember, measure twice, cut once. Use that Park Tools link above for help.
2.) Your bars are upside down.
3.) Buy some brakes. Really.

This post started really snarky, but I guess I should tone it down.

1.) Buy a hacksaw. Cheapest way to take care of the excess. Remember, measure twice, cut once. Use that Park Tools link above for help.
2.) Your bars are upside down.
3.) Buy some brakes. Really.

This post started really snarky, but I guess I should tone it down.

OP, you should not cut your post with a hacksaw unless you also have a cutting guide to ensure a square cut. A pipe cutter a la "Cool Hand Luke" will also do the job (see pic). Practice first though because it can go squirrely if you don't know how to use it.

http://www.electronicsnmore.com/images/ELB401_Tubing_Cutter.gif

Take the fork out first.

The headset is the part under the stem.

The steerer tube doesn't get cut exactly at the level of the top of the stem, but 1/8" or so below. This is so that the top cap has some room to add preload to the headset. Afterwards you need to install a star fangled nut.

If you don't understand what I just said, just take it to your LBS or go to a bike co-op where someone who knows what they're doing can walk you through it. You will need access to a shop for their star fangled nut installer anyway. I cut a head tube down when i was a noob and although it worked out OK, in retrospect i shudder for the poor bike that was subjected to my ignorance and poor metal working skills.

It's also good to leave a spacer or two above your stem in case you ever get a stem with a larger stack height or want to bring your bars up a bit. An extra 1/2" or so is usually ok.

I found a LBS that does real good work and has great service.

They're cutting the steering tube for me for $12.

Also, fixed the upside down bars. Can't wait to ride this tonight!

And for the front brake, next paycheck ;)

No offense, but how can you feel comfortable riding without brakes, when you didn't even know your bars were upside down?

I found a LBS that does real good work and has great service.

They're cutting the steering tube for me for $12.

Also, fixed the upside down bars. Can't wait to ride this tonight!

And for the front brake, next paycheck ;)

You can buy a pipe cutter at your local hardware store for $12. You can use it for cutting other things like really long riser handlebars. Its a really handy tool I think is worthwhile to invest in.

I found a LBS that does real good work and has great service.

They're cutting the steering tube for me for $12.

Also, fixed the upside down bars. Can't wait to ride this tonight!

And for the front brake, next paycheck ;)

Good choice! This was not the kind of job for a novice to attempt. Once you know how it's a piece of cake but you should start with something simpler. Enjoy your bike.

No offense, but how can you feel comfortable riding without brakes, when you didn't even know your bars were upside down?

let darwin work.

YES, cut it DIRECTLY above the headset.

Make sure you measure this with the stem OFF.

Before you do anything to it, what's with the bottom cup/crown race?

Something doesn't look right.

^ whats the BH stand for?

Bucket Head
Berkshire Hathaway
Bounty Hunters
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Buddy Holly
Boss Hogg

Before you do anything to it, what's with the bottom cup/crown race?

Something doesn't look right.

I was wondering the same thing.

the crown race is probably not properly seated. but if he takes the bike to a LBS they'll sort him out.

http://www.electronicsnmore.com/images/ELB401_Tubing_Cutter.gif



i use one of these to cut my handlebars its really clean and fast. gotta try it on a little steerer tube sometime