Hi,

I just bought a new bike, and I have configured the geometry (saddle height, handlebar position etc), and I am happy with it. Now I have a bit of steer tube sticking out (see attached picture). The question is should I cut it or should I leave it sticking out? I realize it's probably a personal preference thing, but what would you do?

On a tangential note, the steer tube is carbon. Should I cut it flush to the stem, or leave a little bit on top? I think I read somewhere that for carbon steer tube you don't want to cut it flush to the stem because it will deform the steer tube or something, but I can't remember where I read it.

Thanks

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

ride it for a month, if you like it where it is, cut it.

If your steer tube sticks out for four hours, seek medical attention.

Ride it for a while, then cut it.

When you cut it, you remove the compression plug (I hope you didn't use the star nut!), then cut it a few mm below flush with the stem. Since the compression plug has the lip on it, you need to have that a couple mm below the top of the stem. If it's above or equal with the stem, you can't actually get any compression between the plug and the headset cap, and then your headset isn't actually tight.

Most people just leave a 5mm spacer...

As far as cut or not, cutting limits the sizing options if you sell it, and therefore could potentially decrease the resale value. I cut mine anyway.

Well, yeah, I leave a spacer on top, but he sounded like he wanted to go all the way, which there's no problem with, mechanically.

There is the answer I was looking for (provided it is the correct information). Thanks. I don't like the look of any spacers being left on top, and I realize cutting it flush to the stem leaves no more adjustment, but I have no plan to sell the bike.

As long as you used the compression plug, and not the star nut, there is no problem. Well, and you don't overtorque any bolts, but that's always a concern.

I'd ride it for at least a month then if im comfortable with the position i'd cut it. But i hate, absolutely hate the look of the steering tube sticking out like that. It's just egh......

I thought part of the point of the compression plug was to add some integrity to the carbon steerer so you would want to make sure that your stem is clamping around the plug , so if you plug is way above your stem then it is not fully doing its job

Hmm.. good point jonestr. I am using a compression plug, and not a starnut, and the plug is probably sitting somewhere way above where the stem is at the moment.

I would ride for a month if necessary, but from my experience with my bike before, a stem height change of <1cm is not going to make a huge difference in my comfort or aerodynamics (I have a reasonable stem-saddle drop as well).

I've never heard that, but I don't think it's true.

Mainly, the steerer should be strong enough to allow the stem to be clamped (with proper torque), without damaging the steerer. Otherwise, it's just poorly designed.

the compression plug doesn't do what jonestr described.
the compression plug allows the headset bearings to be compressed or 'pre-loaded' so that it does not result in a loose fork.

almost all strength in a tube comes from the minimum outside diameter.
the spacers also add some strength to the steerer tube by making the outer diameter larger.

Just one more question: Why do most people leave a small spacer on top?

Leonard Zinn answers the question here.
I left enough for a 5mm spacer myself.
https://www.velonews.com/article/9654...g-for-the-trip

Adjustability.

I prefer to leave a spacer on top and one below. Just personal preference even if they're 2.5mm spacers.
I feel like it's a little more secure. That's about it.