I bought a Bianchi e-impulso ironically on impulse. Went in to browse e bike options for commuting (showing up to work sweaty is getting old and so am I) and saw and fell in love with the bike. For a commuter it’s just what I wanted.
However. After getting home and riding it for a week I couldn’t figure out why the stem and handle bars looked weird. Then I realized why. Can anyone explain why it protrudes like this??? Can it be changed? I can’t unsee it now! It in no way affects riding or operation so it’s not a big deal. I always swap out my handle bars and seat posts with carbon fiber since I feel like it really helps in the city so I’m ok with modifying it.
by NYCTank
8 Comments
the steering tube is longer than needed so you can modify the height. once you are happy with it, cut off the extra on top.
You can figure out the correct stem height for you and then ask a lbs to cut the stem down. Or keep it as is
Steer tube too long, so need the extra spacers above the stem to enclose it. If the stem height/location fits your riding position, then you cut the tube short using a tube cutter or bring the bike to a LBS and have them cut it.
Stem? What I’m seeing circled is the top of the steerer tube with several spacers. Ive done the same thing not wanting to cut down the steerer tube on the change I may change frames but keep the fork in the case that the new frame has a taller head tube. You can cut it down to get it closer to the stem with a simple saw guide and a hacksaw. Hope that’s a help if that’s what you are asking
https://preview.redd.it/00ioly2ljuze1.jpeg?width=1600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b0acb490fecdc6361c96cc9c20100c403956e27f
It’s just a case of the original owner lowering the bars and moving the spacers to the top. If you think you’ll ever want to raise the bars, leave it; if not, just cut it off and toss the spacers.
Like others have said, it’s an uncut steerer tube. The stem attached to the steerer tube is what attaches to your handlebar.
There are spacers above and below the stem—those black round rings. You usually find this on new bikes that haven’t been customized to the rider yet.
Basically you have the option to raise or lower the stem to your preference, by removing the top cap on top of the stem and stacking the spacers above or below the stem to raise or lower it to your preferred height.
You can also flip the stem upside down (notice it’s angled down), to raise the handlebars. Or you can replace the stem altogether if you want a different angle to raise/lower your bars. Cyclists sometimes prefer stems (like yours) that don’t have large angles, largely for aesthetic reasons. Instead, they usually raise or lower the stem on the steerer bar as you have the option to do with spacers.
So try out different positions to see what’s comfortable for you. Then you can cut the steerer tube as others have mentioned.
I would advise not cutting your steerer tube right away, and maybe not for a while. The reason being, once you cut a steerer tube, you can’t add it back. There are workarounds, like replacing your fork or special stems that can work with shorter steerer tubes, but in general, it’s best to cut it to where you want it permanently.
If you don’t have tools already, you can buy your own tools to cut it, but in my opinion, this isn’t something cyclists do often unless they are frequently getting/building new forks/bikes, so I think paying a small fee to a bike shop to have them do it for you might be worth it, and it gives them a little business.
Hope that helps.
honestly i would try the steam at it’s highest point esp before cutting it . I prefer a higher riding position myself ,. also it looks like the stem ( the thing attached to the steering tube) is slanted down, most people have it slanted up
Because those spacers aren’t stacked on the other spacers
Your stem is just a spacer. Put it wherever you want
Choose wisely before cutting the steerer tube
Choose wisely grasshopper . . .