Originally Posted by The_Mickstar

A few quick questions on getting my front end set up correctly. The fork in question is carbon with an aluminum steer tube. Assuming that I have my position dialed in...

1) Is there any advantage to keeping a very slim spacer between the headtube cap and stem, or is it better to put the stem directly against the headset cap? Spacers allow you to adjust the degree of drop from your seat to your handlebars.

2) What about spacers above the stem? Is it better to keep one above the stem or to trim the tube such than no spacer is above the stem? See answer to #1 above. It is a good idea to move spacers around above and below the stem until you have dialed-in your fit. Then you remove all spacers above the stem and cut your steerer accordingly. Spacers above the stem should only be temporary.

3) How difficult is it to install a new star-fangled nut? What's the procedure? How do you secure the fork/steer tube when installing the nut? Do I need a specialized tool to do the job correctly? Parktool has step-by-step instructions, with pictures:

http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=111

4) What do you use to cut the steer tube? I know a hacksaw will work, but it seems that hand-held "pipe cutter" would produce a cleaner & straighter cut. But, will it cut a steer tube? Seems like it's much thicker than what the tool is designed for. See answer to #3 above.

Thanks.

Steve