Hi. Long time reader of the forum and first post.

I bought a Pacer frame recently and have been building it up and learning alot in the process. I made a big mistake and cut the steerer tube too short (tough lesson learned) Now this is where I need help: Should I buy a new stock fork or just upgrade to a carbon one now?
Any advice on carbon ones that are a good deal and similar dimensions to the stock pacer fork?
I will mostly use the bike for commuting short distances and longer weekend rides.

Thanks for the advice, ill post some pics once its all finished up.
Take care.

How short did you cut the steerer tube? Are you just not able to run enough spacers to get the bars the desired height, or did you cut it so short that it's impossible to install the stem. If it's the former, you can buy a more steeply angled stem to make up for the lack of spacers.

What size tires do you intend, and are you planning fenders/mudguards? Most carbon forks are going to be tighter fitting than the Pacer steel fork, but if that doesn't matter, go for it. Match rake on the new fork, and realize that the same long reach brake might not be usable front and back.

Another option is something like a Tange chromed fork. Great look on certain builds, and should be lighter than the stock Surly fork.

If the too-short fork is unrecoverable, just go for a replacement Pacer fork. It was designed for the bike, and won't cost you a mint. I am not totally convinced that carbon forks are necessarily and upgrade.

If you decide to go with something other than stock, check Nashbar and Pricepoint, they usually have some cheap forks. Be sure to have all of the proper dimensions like steer tube diameter/length, tapered or non tapered, rake, wheel size, brake compatibility, etc... before you decide.

Wow thanks for the advice!!
I made the mistake of measuring where to cut the steerer before putting the stem on
Great idea of getting a more angled stem. I will check to see if I can squeeze the stem on as soon as possible.
Thanks everyone, this site rules.

if the stock Pacer fork is meant to have clearance for fenders (clearance above tires not just width) then one would change to a more tighter carbon fork, will it also change the whole frame geometry (head tube and seat tube degree angle)

It will, and you can compare axle to crown stats to know for sure. STA doesn't matter (IMO) if you fit by KOPS, and increased HTA would make slightly faster (more twitchy steering). But you need to figure magnitude to know for certain. It would also lower your BB ever so slightly.

On a Pacer, I don't think it is a large amount, as I have seen some comments that you can get away without long reach brakes. I have no first hand confirmation of this though.

Thanks for all the help!
I ended up getting a sweet deal on a color matched stock fork for $50
Cant wait to get it on and start riding
Take care and thanks again!!