Hello,
I cut the steerer tube of my fork today, but did a terrible job. The cut is not very even and now I am afraid that I cut it too low. It is about 4mm below the top of the stem. The top of the higher stem bolt is just peeking above the cut, is this safe? Please let me know if this looks ok or if it is dangerous is some way. Thank you for your time.
steer1.jpg
steer2.jpg
the star nut positioning probably helps.
that wouldn't bother me, but knowing BFers, there will be differing opinions.
if you decide that it indeed bothers you, (it's hard to see what you've got under the stem) you may be able to find a shorter upper bearing cover, and i wouldn't be surprised if the stack height of stems vary somewhat too. so THAT may be an option.
Last edited by hueyhoolihan; 05-05-12 at 09:51 PM.
It isn't ideal, but not bad enough to worry about in any way, unless you're a professional mechanic expecting to charge for the job. The evenness doesn't matter since the issue is for the steerer to be cut sub-flush. The evenness of the gap doesn't matter since nothing touches on the end of the steerer.
As to the height, 2mm longer would have been better, but what you have is functionally OK. Finish the job, assemble the top cap, adjust the headset and tighten it all up and don't let anyone look at it. Next time, measure twice, cut once, and plan on one 3-5mm spacer below the stem, so you have a fall back position if it comes out short.
FB
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That is fine. I would not worry about it. Like the other poster said, its not acceptable for a professional mechanic but it is functionally fine and usable as is. Just looks ugly. When the cap is in place, you won't even know.
Hard to tell from the pics but looks like the top of the steerer tube is just below the threads of the stem pinch bolt. If it were below the pinch bolt I'd be concerned.
Mythical Creatures Touched Me in my Bathing Suit Area.
Truvative AKA stems run shorter than usual stack heights. Crank Brothers headsets also have short stacks. I have used both in the past as solutions when a steering tube has been shorter than I wanted. Either one would probably gain you enough for a second go at cutting that steerer -- if that's what you wanted.Originally Posted by hueyhoolihan
Just pointing out that all is not lost in the event you don't like that gap. You do have some options.
Thank you very much everyone!
This is a metal steerer so it's pretty forgiving. If it was a carbon steerer, I'd be much more concerned.
LOL, I've had mine halfway down the stem..maybe more. Not a problem; you'd have to be superman to twist off the stem or deform that steerer tube even with one securing bolt. A metal steerer tube and stem with decent pinch bolts...you're talking about a component that is majorly overbuilt.
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