How to replace stem & steering tube

I thought the steering tube was an integral part of the fork (i.e. once it's cut, you can't make it longer again?)

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by desmondhs
Hi everyone:
I would like help on replacing the stem & steering tube (which is one component) with a longer stem. I will be using separate stem & steering tube replacement.
I need help with removing the brake/ derailler control & handle from the handlebar; i cannot get access to the screw in the handle because the derailler cartridge in the brake handle is in the way.
Thanks for your help.
desmondhs,
[email hidden]

Instead of stem & steering tube lets say stem assembly (older type).
My question was help on removing brake/derailler control which is an integrated unit screwed to the handle bar.
I got info from the cycle shop Thursday night, but was out of the city Friday/Saturday biking to Niagara Falls.
Removing brake/derailler control on handle bar involves unscrewing a hex nut hidden under a rubber guard located on the outer side of brake/derailler assembly located on the handle bar.
Thanks for your reply,
desmondhs.

To start, you may want to use "shifters" instead of "deraileur controls". I gather that you have intgrated shifters/brake levers. Normally, the unit incorporates a ring-shape segment that grabs the handle bar, and then, is secured in its place with a screw ( could be a hex). The removal should be as easy as undoing the screw. There's nothing to it, so don't worry, your assembly wouldn't fall apart.

But tell me, why would you need to undo your shifters if you want to change the stem? Besides, it'd help if you specify whether you have threaded or unthreaded steering tube. That's because the headset set-up will be different. It's much easier to replace the steering tube on an unthreaded headset setup.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by desmondhs
Instead of stem & steering tube lets say stem assembly (older type).
My question was help on removing brake/derailler control which is an integrated unit screwed to the handle bar.
I got info from the cycle shop Thursday night, but was out of the city Friday/Saturday biking to Niagara Falls.
Removing brake/derailler control on handle bar involves unscrewing a hex nut hidden under a rubber guard located on the outer side of brake/derailler assembly located on the handle bar.
Thanks for your reply,
desmondhs.

It'd depend on the type of fork. Your comment is generally valid, but many suspension forks, for instance, do not have an integrated tube. I happen to have one of them.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by rek
I thought the steering tube was an integral part of the fork (i.e. once it's cut, you can't make it longer again?)

I am way behind in bike parts terminology, although i can do most repairs to the bike. I am replacing the stem assembly because i need 1 to 2 inches extension of the stem length for comfortable biking. When i say stem assembly i mean an aluminium stem welded to an aluminium rod which has a long bolt at the end of which is a specially shaped nut, which when tightened by the bolt makes forced contact with the inside of the steering tube allowing the handle bar to control steering. Removing the handlebar from the stem requires removing a bolt from the stem, prizing or opening up the clamp of the stem to allow the handlebar to slide out but not off yet. To remove handlebar from stem the brake/shifter assembly located on the handlebar will have to be removed from handlebar (maybe this is a rare case, but, ther is no other way).

Gotcha! So you have threaded steering tube (and threaded headset). You are right, in that set up stem bends and goes inside the steering tube, and now I know why you need to remove the shifter/brake lever on one side. Well, as I said last time, if your brake lever and gear shifter are in one piece (integrated), there will be one hex screw to undo. If they are separate (two independent pieces), then there will be two screws to undo. It will be simple. If you have difficulty removing your rubber grip, just apply some methylated spirit to slide it out (and similarly to put it back on again).

Good Luck!

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by desmondhs
I am way behind in bike parts terminology, although i can do most repairs to the bike. I am replacing the stem assembly because i need 1 to 2 inches extension of the stem length for comfortable biking. When i say stem assembly i mean an aluminium stem welded to an aluminium rod which has a long bolt at the end of which is a specially shaped nut, which when tightened by the bolt makes forced contact with the inside of the steering tube allowing the handle bar to control steering. Removing the handlebar from the stem requires removing a bolt from the stem, prizing or opening up the clamp of the stem to allow the handlebar to slide out but not off yet. To remove handlebar from stem the brake/shifter assembly located on the handlebar will have to be removed from handlebar (maybe this is a rare case, but, ther is no other way).