I was determined to fit this Tektro Long Drop Front Cable Hangar: 1-1/8'' onto my (threadless) steerer tube. The cable hangar was too small to fit, so I sanded all the paint and primer off of my steerer tube. The cable hangar fit, but I could not use it after all (it did not fit over the headset bearing). I had to go back to the other cable hangar that I did not like so much (because of the tight cable turn under the stem).

Now I have a bare steerer tube. I can attest that Kona puts a great paint job on their forks. Should I try to restore the paint job? I would expect some Krylon primer and top coat would do the trick.

(I don't know what got into me for me to strip the paint. Blame it on the cold virus in my head) And it occurred to me that I could have just sanded the inside of the cable hangar.

Yes, usually better to modify a component than the frame. And painting? Just spray anything on it. It's not visible and you're just trying to keep the rust off. Don't waste a lot of time and effort.

Thanks Bob. I put a few layers of clear acrylic on it. I will let it dry for a few days before I clampdown the stem.