

I recently got a fork replacement which is ever so slightely taller than the old one. I didn‘t have to cut the old one since it was exactly right for 3 spacers and the top cap. The height is ok so I was glad I didn‘t have to cut the tube.
The new one already sits slightly above the stem with just the expanding nut in and the top cap leaves a little gap (see photos). When I tighten the top cap, the spacers are still moving.. probably because it‘s too long?
Since we‘re talking about 2-3 mm too much tube I doubt I can cut that small piece off. Would it be okay to file the end flush?
by SomeFalling
10 Comments
Just add a small spacer on top of the stem.
Just add a small spacer on top of the stem.
Just get a 2mm spacer between the stem and the top cap. You’ll be filing that forever.
Yeah just file it down. Its fine to do so.
Strongly recommend you just buy some spacers of different sizes to get the right combination. You can also buy a stem cap the integrates a small spacer that would likely work here. Something like this: https://www.wolftoothcomponents.com/products/stem-cap-with-integrated-5mm-spacer?variant=797678357
Pipe cutter
https://www.harborfreight.com/no-2-pipe-cutter-62243.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=21901739213&campaignid=21901739213&utm_content=173216763071&adsetid=173216763071&product=62243&store=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21901739213&gbraid=0AAAAADAHb4cPwTdVMJNMC_zmNvRk5zc11&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlMfABhCWARIsADGXdy85KYnawiA3PEJeFETT9iXC0npSuiaO-3fSs-aosLqlKNcYDPkqAzEaAjiXEALw_wcB
If you don’t know the answer to this question. All you need is an appropriately size spacer. You should really take this to someone who knows what they’re doing to help you.
Go to a hardware shop and by a pipe cutter, pretty cheap and guaranteed square cut
*steerer tube. Don’t cut the head tube.
I would say either get another spacer to add at the top or take it to a shop to have them cut the steerer.