Shortening a steerer?

[661-Pete]

If I get replacement forks in which the steerer (aheadset type) is too long, is it OK to cut it? I've already E-mailed SJS (from whom the forks came) asking for advice, but maybe someone has the answer sooner? Advice welcome.

 

[TheDoctor]

Yes, cut it. Be careful not to cut it too short, as it's very difficult to stick bits back on...
I'd assemble the forks with a load of spacers on, and move the stem about till you're *sure* it's the right hight, then cut.
The top of the steerer needs to be a couple of mm below the top of the stem.
use a new blade in the hacksaw, and *don't* use a pipe cutter if it's a carbon steerer.

 

[TheDoctor]

Aha - I cross-posted with Lee!!

 

[661-Pete]

Thanks. I might get the LBS to do it in any case (and then assemble the headset), not sure I trust myself!

 

[Fattman]

use a new blade in the hacksaw, and *don't* use a pipe cutter if it's a carbon steerer.

An ancillary question from someone who reckons they may have to do just this one day (but hasn't yet)... how critical is it that it is a perfectly square cut? Hacksawing across a pipe is tricky for the unpractised... I imagine that if it's a little bit off it won't matter that much as it's the stem that ultimately holds everything together, but there might be hidden issues?

 

[TheDoctor]

I did it by assembling everyting, marking a line with a pencil and then cutting a bit inside it, using a mitre block. Just because I happened to have one.
It's not critical to get it square as Mr P says.

 

[TheDoctor]

[QUOTE 1151774"]
But your post is a better description, ultimately Pete just make sure you have the steerer set up as you want before hacking away.
[/quote]

Awwww. Thanks!
*gets warm feeling*

 

[Fattman]

Thanks! Future confidence obtained...

 

[Sheffield_Tiger]

Don't use a hacksaw.

A tube cutter is what you need and I've cut down two steerers successfully and perfectly with a tube cutter from poundland. (Also available from machine mart the self same tool but in red for £8 http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/cht242-heavy-duty-tube-cutter)
After the second steerer I did thrown the tool away..it's not a daily-use tool but it will cut a steerer for a quid which is cheaper then an LBS. And the fact that it will do at least 2 cut allows you to make a practice cut higher up before you make the "real" cut

 

[Tim Bennet.]

Use a headset spacer.
You can get them 25 or 30 mm long and the edge makes a perfect guide.
Tape it in place leaving the cut guide edge clear.

 

[TheDoctor]

Don't use a hacksaw.

A tube cutter is what you need and I've cut down two steerers successfully and perfectly with a tube cutter from poundland. (Also available from machine mart the self same tool but in red for £8 http://www.machinema...uty-tube-cutter)
After the second steerer I did thrown the tool away..it's not a daily-use tool but it will cut a steerer for a quid which is cheaper then an LBS. And the fact that it will do at least 2 cut allows you to make a practice cut higher up before you make the "real" cut

Use a tube cutter by all means IF AND ONLY IF it's a metal steerer.
You'll total a carbon steerer with a tube cutter. It'll delaminate and be generally wrecked.
Why do you say don't use a hacksaw? It worked perfectly well for me.

 

[661-Pete]

Use a tube cutter by all means IF AND ONLY IF it's a metal steerer.

That's OK, it's steel (Thorn, 531 forks). Maybe I'll try a tube cutter if I can find one that'll go through steel. Thanks for the tips everyone.

 

[Sheffield_Tiger]

Use a tube cutter by all means IF AND ONLY IF it's a metal steerer.

Why do you say don't use a hacksaw? It worked perfectly well for me.

Good point, my bad, should have mentioned the metal steerer (kind of stating the obvious but perhaps not to everyone)

I say "don't use a hacksaw" because I don't know anyone's metalworking and tool handling abilities. I've cut them down with a hacksaw plenty of times, including threaded (easier to do, just screw two old headset cups onto threads and use as a saw guide) but as a rule, assuming no experience cutting tube with a hacksaw, it is good advice to use a tube cutter rather than learn an expensive lesson in saw handling.

Nothing inherently wrong with using a hacksaw but more scope for disaster

 

[fossyant]

Just take it steady. One little tip, always worth having a small spacer on top of the stem (between stem and top cap) - maybe 5mm - 10mm, this means that the stem fully tightens on the steerer and stops any creaks.....

It's also what the likes of Trek recommend on carbon steerers

 

[Stephenite]

You should try to make the cut as square as you can, i reckon. It'll be easier to insert the star nut.