How to Cut a Fork Steerer Tube

Bicycle maintenance know-how can save an owner significant amounts of time and money over the life of a bike. Understanding how to cut the fork steerer tube is an important component of basic bicycle assembly. The tube attaches to forks that pass on either side of the front wheel and hold the wheel axel, while the top of the tube attaches to the handlebars.

Things You'll Need

  • Masking or duct tape
  • Pen
  • Steerer tube cutting guide
  • Fine-tooth (36 teeth) saw blade or carbon-specific saw blade
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Instructions

    • 1

      Test fit the fork into the head tube, including all headset components, spacers and the stem. Tighten the stem's steer tube clamp bolts just enough to mark their midpoint positions with a pen. Disassemble these parts, and place a cut line mark on the fork steerer tube 4 millimeters below the bolt marks.

    • 2

      Place a strip of masking or duct tape directly below the mark to reduce the chances that the fork steerer tube will splinter while being cut. Several wraps around the tube may be necessary to ensure that the tape is securely in place.

    • 3

      Slide a cutting guide onto the tube so that the cut line is visible through the slit on the guide. Tighten the guide in place to prevent slippage. This is an important step to ensure a square cut that will allow the fork steerer tube to fit properly into other components.

    • 4

      Place a fine-tooth saw against the cut line on the fork steerer tube visible through the cutting guide. Using light pressure, saw at a 45-degree angle. Once the saw has made a solid divot in the tube, turn the saw so that it is perpendicular to the tube, and continue cutting.

    • 5

      Stop sawing once the saw approaches the bottom of the tube. Loosen the cutting guide, and turn the tube 90 degrees. Tighten the guide again. Resume cutting until the tube is cut in two pieces. Remove the cutting guide and tape before connecting the newly cut steerer tube to the rest of the bike assembly.