How to Cut a Carbon Steerer Tube

Proper bike fit and comfort go hand in hand. Attaining comfort sometimes means customizing the parts of your bicycle to suite your needs. Your bicycle's steerer tube allows the handlebars and front wheel to act as a single unit. Cutting the steerer tube to a suitable length customizes the height of the handlebar and provides the bike with a "cleaner" profile. Using the proper tools and techniques to cut the tube prevents damage to the delicate, and often expensive, carbon material.

Things You'll Need

  • Marker
  • Saw guide
  • Bench vise
  • Hacksaw, 32 tpi
  • Sandpaper, 200- to 400-grit
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Instructions

    • 1

      Mark the point on the carbon steerer exactly where you wish to cut. Ensure the mark is plainly visible to prevent a misplaced cut.

    • 2

      Clamp a saw guide between your bench vise. Insert the steerer between the opening in the saw guide.

    • 3

      Align the cut mark on the steerer between the plates on the saw guide. Tighten the saw guide clamp to lock the steerer in place.

    • 4

      Saw the steerer at the cut mark. Apply a light but steady pressure when sawing. Cut halfway through the steerer before stopping.

    • 5

      Loosen the saw guide clamp and turn the steerer 180 degrees inside the saw guide. Check that the cut mark is still aligned between the saw guide plates and tighten the saw guide clamp once again.

    • 6

      Cut entirely through the other side of the carbon steerer.

    • 7

      Loosen the saw guide clamp and push the steerer tube forward just enough to expose the freshly cut tip. Tighten the saw guide clamp once again.

    • 8

      Sand the outer edge of the cut, using the sandpaper to smooth any burrs. When sanding the edge, work away from the steerer. Loosen the saw guide clamp and rotate the steerer for better access, if necessary.

    • 9

      Sand both the end and inner edge of the cut. Rotate the steerer again, if necessary.

    • 10

      Loosen the saw guide clamp and remove the steerer from the clamp.