When to cut steerer tube?
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 38
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
When to cut steerer tube?
How long are folks ridding around with their new setup before taking the saw to their steerer tube? Figuring 300 miles or so would give me enough road time.
CT
CT
Last edited by cth6; 01-11-15 at 07:56 PM.
#2
Should Be More Popular
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Malvern, PA (20 miles West of Philly)
Posts: 43,052
Bikes: 1986 Alpine (steel road bike), 2009 Ti Habenero, 2013 Specialized Roubaix
Mentioned: 560 Post(s)
Tagged: 2 Thread(s)
Quoted: 22598 Post(s)
Liked 8,925 Times
in
4,158 Posts
When you are confident about your setup and fit.
Also, you should be sure you won't be selling it, as it may hurt resale value.
Down periscope!
Also, you should be sure you won't be selling it, as it may hurt resale value.
Down periscope!
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 28,682
Bikes: 1990 Romic Reynolds 531 custom build, Merlin Works CR Ti custom build, super light Workswell 066 custom build
Mentioned: 109 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6556 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 58 Times
in
36 Posts
If we are talking about a carbon steerer (I will confine my remarks to that), it is not usually appropriate to cut the steerer tube all the way to 2-3 mm below the stem top however. Many if not most stem and fork makers these days recommend leaving a 5 mm spacer ABOVE the stem. That assures that the stem clamp grips the steerer somewhat below the open top and crushing the steerer is less likely. If things are set up properly, the top of the steerer will be about 2-3 mm above the top of the stem. Then when you put the 5 mm spacer on, the steerer will sit about 3-2 mm below the top of the spacer. As long as the top cap sits fully above the top of the steerer and can pull up on the steerer, all is good. Then I also like the look. Be sure to allow for that when you do decide to cut the steerer. If the expander has a lip that sits on top of the steerer, be sure to allow for its height when figuring everything out.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Long Beach
Posts: 765
Bikes: Fitz randonneuse, Trek Superfly/AL, Tsunami SS, Bacchetta, HPV Speed Machine, Rans Screamer
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 100 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
Two stages. First after a shakedown so it is not dangerously long, leaving an extra 2-3cm, then a final cut after a couple months having not changed anything. Never leave less than 1cm of spacers, either above or below the stem, or risk having to buy a new fork to fit a new stem or headset.
#5
Should Be More Popular
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Malvern, PA (20 miles West of Philly)
Posts: 43,052
Bikes: 1986 Alpine (steel road bike), 2009 Ti Habenero, 2013 Specialized Roubaix
Mentioned: 560 Post(s)
Tagged: 2 Thread(s)
Quoted: 22598 Post(s)
Liked 8,925 Times
in
4,158 Posts
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 28,682
Bikes: 1990 Romic Reynolds 531 custom build, Merlin Works CR Ti custom build, super light Workswell 066 custom build
Mentioned: 109 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6556 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 58 Times
in
36 Posts
#7
Should Be More Popular
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Malvern, PA (20 miles West of Philly)
Posts: 43,052
Bikes: 1986 Alpine (steel road bike), 2009 Ti Habenero, 2013 Specialized Roubaix
Mentioned: 560 Post(s)
Tagged: 2 Thread(s)
Quoted: 22598 Post(s)
Liked 8,925 Times
in
4,158 Posts
Plus, a little closer to 10K?
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Above ground, Walnut Creek, Ca
Posts: 6,681
Bikes: 8 ss bikes, 1 5-speed touring bike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 86 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
i usually tell myself i don't care that the steering is sticking up too far, but after a ride or two i always end up with my hacksaw in my hand and carbon dust on my face and a steerer tube 2-3mm below the cap.
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: California
Posts: 1,300
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I did about 3 rides with new new set-up, this being I had 5 little spacer so I could play around with the positioning. I tried slammed, but did not quite like it at the time, rode with 2 spacers below, and liked that a lot more. I cut it so I could have 2 spacers of play, now I run 1 above and 1 below the stem. I could cut it again, but the weight savings and aesthetic appeal is a minimal gain for the second cut.
Summary: 3 rides with a set-up that I could cut more if I needed to.
Summary: 3 rides with a set-up that I could cut more if I needed to.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: SoCal
Posts: 6,496
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 276 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
3 Posts
Last two times I cut mine down I ended up selling the bike/frame about six months later. Make sure you really plan on keeping it especially if you cut it to slam the stem. Negotiating the sale any smart buyer is going to say they are going to need to buy a new fork to drive your price down.
As far as spacers above and below, most frame and fork manufacturer have specific rules especially for full carbon. Read the instructions. I've seen some say leave spacer below, above or both but it's best to listen to the manufacturer unless you want to buy a new fork
#12
Still can't climb
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Limey in Taiwan
Posts: 23,024
Mentioned: 25 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
6 Posts
whats wrong with leaving a 10mm or so above the stem?
__________________
coasting, few quotes are worthy of him, and of those, even fewer printable in a family forum......quote 3alarmer
No @coasting, you should stay 100% as you are right now, don't change a thing....quote Heathpack
coasting, few quotes are worthy of him, and of those, even fewer printable in a family forum......quote 3alarmer
No @coasting, you should stay 100% as you are right now, don't change a thing....quote Heathpack
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 28,682
Bikes: 1990 Romic Reynolds 531 custom build, Merlin Works CR Ti custom build, super light Workswell 066 custom build
Mentioned: 109 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6556 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 58 Times
in
36 Posts
10 is probably okay. 5 is usually thought ideal. A really tall section above the stem is thought to be a safety hazard, however. Besides looking funky.
#14
Still can't climb
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Limey in Taiwan
Posts: 23,024
Mentioned: 25 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
6 Posts
i have 2.5 above.
__________________
coasting, few quotes are worthy of him, and of those, even fewer printable in a family forum......quote 3alarmer
No @coasting, you should stay 100% as you are right now, don't change a thing....quote Heathpack
coasting, few quotes are worthy of him, and of those, even fewer printable in a family forum......quote 3alarmer
No @coasting, you should stay 100% as you are right now, don't change a thing....quote Heathpack
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 28,682
Bikes: 1990 Romic Reynolds 531 custom build, Merlin Works CR Ti custom build, super light Workswell 066 custom build
Mentioned: 109 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6556 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 58 Times
in
36 Posts
As said above, different manufacturers recommend differently depending upon the design and position of their expander and what is required to protect the top edge of the carbon steerer tube from damage. Of course aluminum steerers have no issue. I have concluded that a little steerer above the stem can't ever hurt, and I have actually come to like the look.
#16
Still can't climb
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Limey in Taiwan
Posts: 23,024
Mentioned: 25 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
6 Posts
As said above, different manufacturers recommend differently depending upon the design and position of their expander and what is required to protect the top edge of the carbon steerer tube from damage. Of course aluminum steerers have no issue. I have concluded that a little steerer above the stem can't ever hurt, and I have actually come to like the look.
__________________
coasting, few quotes are worthy of him, and of those, even fewer printable in a family forum......quote 3alarmer
No @coasting, you should stay 100% as you are right now, don't change a thing....quote Heathpack
coasting, few quotes are worthy of him, and of those, even fewer printable in a family forum......quote 3alarmer
No @coasting, you should stay 100% as you are right now, don't change a thing....quote Heathpack
#18
Senior Member
#20
Banned
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,664
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
If we are talking about a carbon steerer (I will confine my remarks to that), it is not usually appropriate to cut the steerer tube all the way to 2-3 mm below the stem top however. Many if not most stem and fork makers these days recommend leaving a 5 mm spacer ABOVE the stem. That assures that the stem clamp grips the steerer somewhat below the open top and crushing the steerer is less likely. If things are set up properly, the top of the steerer will be about 2-3 mm above the top of the stem. Then when you put the 5 mm spacer on, the steerer will sit about 3-2 mm below the top of the spacer. As long as the top cap sits fully above the top of the steerer and can pull up on the steerer, all is good. Then I also like the look. Be sure to allow for that when you do decide to cut the steerer. If the expander has a lip that sits on top of the steerer, be sure to allow for its height when figuring everything out.
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: New Rochelle, NY
Posts: 38,716
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
Mentioned: 140 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5787 Post(s)
Liked 2,580 Times
in
1,430 Posts
+1
Cutting the steerer is like the difference between dating and getting married. You cut it if and when you're ready to commit, not before.
Cutting the steerer is like the difference between dating and getting married. You cut it if and when you're ready to commit, not before.
__________________
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
#22
Senior Member
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 28,682
Bikes: 1990 Romic Reynolds 531 custom build, Merlin Works CR Ti custom build, super light Workswell 066 custom build
Mentioned: 109 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6556 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 58 Times
in
36 Posts
What's going on with the forum etiquette instructions? OP got his answer in 3 minutes. Perhaps you need to think about the meaning of forum: "a place, meeting, or medium where ideas and views on a particular issue can be exchanged". Why NOT broaden a discussion to include other information than was at first envisioned? You can stop reading whenever you want.