When it comes to setting up your bike, one of the most important things to get right is the stem height. This is especially important if you are a competitive rider as even the slightest change in stem height can affect your riding position and therefore your performance.
One question that often comes up when setting up a bike is whether or not to cut down the steerer tube. This is usually necessary if you are running more than two spacers on top of the stem, as otherwise the steerer tube will stick out too far and look unsightly.
So, should i cut down my steerer tube? In general, it is a good idea to cut down the steerer tube if you need to, as it will tidy up the look of your bike and help you to achieve the perfect stem height.
However, there are a few things to bear in mind before you go ahead and cut the steerer tube.
Should I Cut Down My Steerer Tube?
When it comes to deciding whether or not to cut down your steerer tube, there are a few things you need to take into account.
Firstly, it is important to make sure that you have the right tools for the job. Cutting the steerer tube is not a difficult task, but you will need a good quality hacksaw and a sharp file to make sure that the job is done properly.
Secondly, when you are cutting the steerer tube, it is important to make sure that you leave enough of the tube above the stem so that it is still strong and secure. If you cut too much off, it could affect the performance of your bike and even be dangerous.
So, in summary, cutting down your steerer tube is usually a good idea if you need to do it to achieve the perfect stem height. Just make sure that you have the right tools for the job and don’t cut off too much of the steerer tube.
What Is A Steerer Tube?
A steerer tube is the part of the bicycle that connects the handlebars to the fork blades. The steerer tube is located inside the head tube and is held in place by the headset.
The steerer tube extends from the bottom of the head tube to the top, where it is threaded. The handlebars are attached to the top of the steerer tube using a stem.
The steerer tube is one of the most important parts of the bicycle, as it plays a crucial role in the steering function. The length of the steerer tube affects the handling of the bicycle, so it is important to get the correct length for your bike.
If the steerer tube is too short, the bike will be difficult to control, and if it is too long, the bike will be unstable.
The steerer tube is usually made from steel, aluminum, or carbon fiber. Steel steerer tubes are strong and durable, but they are also heavy.
Aluminum steerer tubes are lighter than steel, but they are not as strong. Carbon fiber steerer tubes are the lightest and strongest option, but they are also the most expensive.
When choosing a steerer tube, it is important to consider the type of riding you will be doing. If you are planning on doing a lot of off-road riding, then a steel or aluminum steerer tube is a good option.
If you are mainly going to be riding on the road, then a carbon fiber steerer tube is the best choice.
Why Should I Cut Down My Steerer Tube?
When most people think about cutting down their steerer tube, they usually think about doing it for one of two reasons: either they need to save weight on their bike, or they want to make their bike look more aesthetically pleasing.
However, there is another very important reason why you should consider cutting down your steerer tube, and that is to ensure that your fork is compatible with different-length headtubes.
If you have a fork with a long steerer tube, it is likely that it will not be compatible with a frame that has a shorter headtube. This can be a serious problem if you are ever in an accident and need to replace your frame.
By having a fork with a shorter steerer tube, you can be sure that it will be compatible with any frame on the market, regardless of headtube length.
In addition, a shorter steerer tube will also make your bike more aerodynamic. This is because there will be less material for the wind to catch and slow you down.
If you are a competitive cyclist, or even if you just want to be as fast as possible, this is a very important consideration.
Finally, cutting down your steerer tube is simply good maintenance. Over time, steerer tubes can become damaged or bent, and by cutting them down you can remove any damaged or bent sections.
This will help to keep your fork in good condition and working properly for many years to come.
So, if you are looking to save weight, improve your bike’s aerodynamics, or just make sure that your fork is compatible with different frame sizes, then cutting down your steerer tube is a great option.
Why Shouldn’t I Cut Down My Steerer Tube?
When you cut down your steerer tube, you are essentially changing the geometry of your bike. This can have a number of consequences that can make riding your bike more difficult, especially if you are not used to riding with a shorter stem.
One of the main effects of cutting down your steerer tube is that it will make your bike’s handling more twitchy. This is because a shorter stem will decrease the wheelbase of your bike, making it more agile but also more difficult to control at high speeds.
Another consequence of cutting down your steerer tube is that it will make your bike less stable. This is because a shorter stem will decrease the amount of weight that is over the front wheel, making it more likely to wander off course.
Finally, cutting down your steerer tube will make your bike less comfortable to ride. This is because a shorter stem will put your weight forward on the bike, making it more difficult to keep your balance.
So, while cutting down your steerer tube may save you a bit of weight, it is not worth the trade-off in terms of handling, stability, and comfort.
How To Cut Down My Steerer Tube? (Method 1)
If you’re looking to install a shorter stem on your bike, you may need to cut down the steerer tube.
Tools needed:
- A saw (hacksaw, pipe cutter, etc.)
- A file
- A measuring tape
- A marker
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cut down an alloy steerer tube:
- Step 1: Determine where to cut
- Step 2: How to cut the steerer tube
- Step 3: Clean the steerer tube
- Step 4: Re-install the stem
Step 1: Determine where to cut
Before you start cutting, you’ll need to determine how much of the steerer tube you need to remove. To do this, measure the length of the steerer tube that will be exposed once the stem is installed. Then, subtract the length of the stem from this measurement. The result is the amount of steerer tube you need to remove.
For example, if the exposed steerer length is 10cm and the stem is 6cm long, you’ll need to remove 4cm of the steerer tube.
Step 2: How to cut the steerer tube
Once you know how much steerer tube you need to remove, it’s time to start cutting. There are a few different ways to do this, but we recommend using a hacksaw, pipe cutter, or similar saw.
When cutting, be sure to measure twice and cut once! You don’t want to remove too much steerer tube, as this could weaken the structure of the fork.
Step 3: Clean the steerer tube
Once you’ve cut the steerer tube to the desired length, it’s time to clean up the edges. Use a file to remove any sharp edges, then use a measuring tape to double-check that the steerer tube is the correct length.
Step 4: Re-install the stem
Now that the steerer tube is the correct length, you can re-install the stem. Be sure to use the appropriate size bolts, and tighten them to the manufacturer’s specifications.
And that’s it! You’ve now successfully cut down an alloy steerer tube.
How To Cut Down My Steerer Tube? (Method 2)
Tools Needed:
- A sharp blade (hacksaw, utility knife, etc.)
- A measuring device (ruler, tape measure, calipers, etc.)
- A clean work surface
Safety:
- Wear gloves and eye protection
- Use caution when handling sharp objects
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cut down a carbon steerer tube:
- Step 1: Determine Where to Cut
- Step 2: How to Cut a Carbon Steerer Tube (Cut Once, Measure twice)
- Step 3: Clean Steerer Tube
- Step 4: Re-install
Step 1: Determine Where to Cut
- Measure the length of the steerer tube you need to remove.
- Mark the cutting line with a permanent marker.
Step 2: Cut a Carbon Steerer Tube (Cut Once, Measure twice)
- Using a sharp blade, carefully cut along the marked line.
- If using a hacksaw, make sure to use a new blade with sharp teeth.
- Cut slowly and evenly, applying light pressure.
Step 3: Clean Steerer Tube
- Remove any burrs or sharp edges with a file or sandpaper.
- Wipe down the steerer tube with a clean cloth.
Step 4: Re-install:
- Cutting down a steerer tube is a permanent modification, so be sure to install it correctly.
- Follow the instructions for your specific headset or fork.
Is It Okay Not To Cut Steerer Tube?
When it comes to deciding whether or not to cut your steerer tube, there are a few things you need to take into account.
First and foremost, you need to make sure you have a long enough expander bolt that extends deep enough in line with the bottom of your stem.
If not, then you risk the expander bolt not being able to properly grip the inside of the steerer tube, which could lead to disastrous results.
Another thing to consider is the amount of travel you need for your particular setup. If you’re running a suspension fork, for example, you’ll need to make sure you have enough steerer tube length so that the fork can fully extend without bottoming out.
On the other hand, if you’re running a rigid fork, you can get away with cutting the steerer tube a bit shorter since there’s no worry about suspension travel.
Is My Steerer Tube Too Long?
When it comes to your steerer tube, one key question you might have is whether or not it is too long. This is an important question to ask, as having a steerer tube that is too long can be dangerous.
After all, if the steerer tube protrudes from the top of the stem, it could potentially come into contact with another object and cause an accident.
There are a few things you can do to determine whether or not your steerer tube is too long. One is to simply measure the steerer tube and compare it to the length of the stem. If the steerer tube is significantly longer than the stem, then it is likely too long.
Another thing you can do is to look at the position of the handlebars. If the handlebars are too close to the top of the stem, that is another sign that the steerer tube is too long.
If you determine that your steerer tube is too long, there are a few things you can do. One option is to simply cut off the excess length.
However, before you do this, it is important to make sure that you have the right tools and that you know how to properly cut the steerer tube.
If you are not comfortable doing this, it is best to take it to a professional. Another option is to buy a new stem that is the appropriate length for your steerer tube.
How Short Should I Cut My Steerer Tube?
When cutting your steerer tube, it is important to take into account the length of the top spacer. The top spacer should be positioned 3-4mm below where the top of the steerer tube sits. This will ensure that the spacer does not interfere with the movement of the stem.
Can You Replace A Steerer Tube?
It is entirely possible to replace a steerer tube on a traditional steel fork. This process is typically done in order to repair a damaged or bent steerer tube.
Conclusion
In conclusion, If you find that you need more than 2 spacers to achieve your desired stem height, then cutting down your steerer tube may be a good option.
