Pipe cutting guide - Bike steerer tube

Hi all,

I am buying a bike and the steerer tube will need cutting down.

I want to cut it down myself and wondered if:

A) anyone has done this before
B) we have a cutting guide like the one in the link below, or
C) someone has any other suggestions?

My favourite cost effective suggestion so far is using an old stem, which I have, and using that as a guide.

Hack saw sounds like the cleanest way but we might also have a machine for this type of cutting as well but I’m not sure.

https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/p/lifeline-saw-guide

Any tips or ideas much appreciated.

Cheers,
Luke

We have a chop saw (slow mitre saw for metal) at the Makerspace that most likely can achieve what you want.

The guides are better than a stem but a stem works in a pinch. I have that guide and have used a few others and it’s ok as they go. I’m a bit far from the makerspace (Stratford) but if you can wait a bit I’m sure we could arrange something if you wanted to use it or help.

Take it slow as you can still go wonky even with the right guide and blade. It doesn’t take long to do with a hacksaw so I wouldn’t bother with anything electrical.

If using a guide, make sure it is secure but not clamped too tight as this can sometimes make the cut not square depending on the style of guide.

If cutting carbon, ideally use a carbon hacksaw blade, but a very fine toothed hacksaw blade will work. If cutting carbon be extra careful about dust, it’s super nasty and can be quite hard to clean up.

Importantly make sure you cut your stem slightly short, as you need the headset cap to compress the stem, spacers, frame and crown race to the fork. Front end will be quite wobbly and potentially dangerous if not. It’s also generally recommended a max of 4cm if spacers below the stem and 0.5cm above but there’s lots of deviation from this.

Actually if it’s a new bike, definitely read the manufacturer’s recommendations as you don’t want to void any warranty or support if you have issues

Thanks @Jrhe90 this is very helpful. The stem is steel so hacksaw sounds like it could be a great shout.

When I pick the bike up I’ll take a few pics and share.

Cheers!

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