M_FactorX19

So I'm tired of looking at the stack of spacers on top of my stem (its flipped by the way). Should I cut my steerer tube down or not. I'm a bike tech and have the skills and tools to do the job. So what do you guys think? Who has cut theirs? Any regrets ?

sbxx1985 

Cut it.

skol

pics? how high is your stack and are you sure your have dialed in your fit?

datlas 

I almost thought you were asking if you should circumsize your kid.

Anyway if you are 100% certain you will not be selling the bike, cut it.

If there is a chance you may sell it down the road, do NOT cut it, as that might affect your ability to sell it

/end thread

DScott

Cut it. It's time.

If it's slammed down on the headset, I'd leave enough room to allow for different stem height if you decide to change it out later.

RacerOne

Cut it with enough room for 1cm spacer you can leave on top but switch out if needed.

tagaproject6

Once you've dialed in the proper fit, cut it.

roadiejorge 

I cut the steerer on my bikes once I've dialed in the fit, but keep in mind that if you want to sell the frame it might lower the resale value since the buyer might not be as flexible.

calamarichris

Is there a specific tool to do this job properly?
I've been thinking about doing this too, but don't want to use a hacksaw.

rouleour

you might need one of these

umd

Skills and tools? You just need an arm and a hacksaw.

The only issue with cutting it down is if you ever need to raise it again. I.e. to sell it or something...

DScott

A little blue tape to mark the cut and a new-ish blade helps, too.

lpolliard

Eight bucks to cut a steer tube at this shop around the corner from me. I am in the same boat. I want/need to cut but want to drop even further. Problem is I am at the bottom but may be able to change the headset and drop further.

https://orangecountybicycleservicegarage.com/rates.html

For eight bucks...why take a chance of putting a crooked cut on your carbon tube. You should use the right tools for the job.

Quel

I just use an old stem as a guide. Works well enough for the 3 times I've had to cut one.

umd

You really don't need a perfectly straight cut. Unless a person is completely incompetent, they should be able to cut it straight enough without a guide.

tagaproject6

If it is an aluminum steer tube, you can get a pipe cutter from Home Depot. I've cut a few steer tubes without issues. Measure twice, cut once.

rufvelo

Cut it.

ptle

I would keep it. You never know if you plan selling the bike or have to move the stem up. Also, stem stack heights are a bit different and if you were to change stems, you may not have enough space if you cut it right at the stem.

How much space above the stem do you have?

sbxx1985 

This is BF.

BarracksSi

Right. The top cap shouldn't be pushing on the top edge steerer tube itself anyway; it should be pressing on the top spacer or the stem. Those pieces are what hold the headset in the frame, after all. That's why the steerer should be cut to leave gap of a millimeter or two between its top edge and the top of the stem or highest spacer.

And, fwiw, I've only recently found out that some manufacturers (Easton, for one) recommend using one spacer on top of their carbon steerers.

M_FactorX19

Sorry for the late reply guys. I planed to leave 1 cm spacer above the stem but I have 12mm above it now (0 below) so its got to go. If I ever sell it, even though I doubt I will, they could still flip the stem up or buy a stem with a greater angle (+/-7 now).

M_FactorX19

You are correct the top cap should not be pressing against the steerer tube it should be cut about 2mm bellow stem or top spacer.

About using a pipe cutter on Alu tube. You can do this and it does a clean cut but u should increase the pressure slowly so you do not flare the tube. Honestly I think a hacksaw is better and they male a guide the size of a stem with a slot where you should cut that insure a flat cut. These are pretty cheap ( around 15-20 bucks) so it might be a good idea for the first time do it yourselfer that nervous about messing up. Although marking with a pen and using that as a guide works very well. Don't try to measure and cut even if u measure twice u can still mess up. Marking with a pen insures u cut in the right spot.

c.miller64

I'd leave it alone- but only because it would annoy so many.

M_FactorX19

Including myself and it is my bike after all. I would have done it today at work but had to many bikes to build and was to busy to work on my own. If I get time I guess ill do it tomorrow but wanted to get the consensus here since I had to wait anyways.

Grimlock

So you're asking the internet whether to cut 2mm off of your steerer?