Pardon the dumb question, but is the steerer tube way too short of the top of the stem? Is it unsafe this way? Also when putting the cap on it seems to never get really tight and eventually pulls the star nut out of the steerer. Can you help with either of these?
by Madcolt13
4 Comments
Can’t ride that! Have you made a recent change, or just picked up a used fork, or what?
You’ll either need a different fork, or look for a low-stack stem. The Origin 8 stems are kind of high-stack. I’m not sure exactly what stems will work, other than I’m pretty sure that a BMX stem would fit, though that would mean new bars.
You’ll need a new star nut.
That starfangled nut does not look like it was ever set correctly. Unless you have installed a bunch and have a feel for them they typically require a driver tool to keep it straight and square to the steerer.
The upper pinch bolt should never be at the same height as the top of or above the steerer. Ideally only ~2mm of stem or spacer should be above the steerer.
So I just ordered a stem with a 30 mm stack height (the one on there is 40) and a new star nut and driver tool. Hopefully that gets it all situated.
The steerer tube was likely cut too short, I see the star nut is skewed and not fa enough in, it should be in the middle of the stem clamping area, there should be 3mm clamping clearance, above steerer tube so if stem is at the top only 3mm clearance, if stem is below so the steerer tube pokes trough, you need a spacer. But anything past these two options are not acceptable.
I recommend to install a compression plug as it’s reusable. It looks more like past half cm. This is not safe.
Maybe if you install V-brakes you could get rid of the cable guide for the front brake. Maybe they cut it for the stem to be slammed then installed this thing or fork is from another bike, does not matter.
If it’s a one piece fork you need a new fork. With suspension forks you can usually send it to a service centre and the can replace the steerer tube. Bu tin your case that’s not possible.