Originally Posted by
Andrew R Stewart
Various reasons I don't suggest it. You can screw up and really badly scratch the frame from the saw/file. You might not have the patience/skills to get the HS bearings parallel to each other (the goal of facing), If the frame were a lugged one and having stamped (not cast) lugs you can open up a cavity in the crotch of the joint. If the headset cup skirts are long or you cut off too much the skirt might bottom out before the cup was seated. Because if you're the original owner any warranties will be voided. And because of the general philosophy in the repair business of not going to non reversible results if at all possible. I'm sure others could add their reasons.
Try the low stack height headset. Depending on the OEM VS the possible replacement HS you might gain as much as 7mm, on paper. If this isn't enough let us know. Andy
thanks, andy.
it's a tig welded trek 850 antelope from the early 90's, so not lugs to screw up. and, i'm not the original owner and for sure there's no warranty to void, anymore. now, judging by the photos, the headtube has atleast 1cm of extension before the top tube and down tube joints. think it safe shaving some length off the ht would still allow the races to seat properly? i understand what you're saying by that, btw....though it hadn't even occurred to me before your mention of the issue
otoh, if a steer tube/shim idea would work (ie...nova cycles), i will blow this shaving business off entirely. heck, might just do it, anyway. i've sent three messages to the guy with the steer tube and i've not heard back from him. he's actively posting on the forum, so i would guess he knows i've messaged him. whatever, though