Steerer too long???

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by dannyfrankszzz
I'm currently in the process of replacing my front forks.

The steerer tube I have is slightly too long by about a 10-20mm. No bother I thought - I'll just leave it, and place the stem clamp over the steerer and leave the excess 10-20mm of space between the top of the stem clamp and the top cap.

However, when I lift the front of the bike up, the steerer is loose inside the head tube (lateral movement), which I assume is because of the excess length on the end of the steerer.

So I guess the top cap fastens the stem clamp and steerer into the headset??although I'm not exactly sure how.

I had fastened the stem clamp just above the headset, which I thought would be sufficient securing of the steerer - if you know what I mean.

I suppose I should just go ahead and saw off 2cm from the steerer tube, but I'm hesitant.

Yeah,do it right. Otherwise,you wdould have to put spaacers between the top of the stem and the top of the steerer to take up the space. Then someone will call the spacer police. Check www.parktool.com on how a threadless HS works and how to adjust it before you bugger something or hurt yourself.As you are tryng to do it,you are not even preloading the HS bearings.

At a quick glance, it sounds like your headset is just dramatically loose, which can happened regardless of where you position your stem, or how long your steerer is.

The bolt threaded through your topcap feeds into the starnut, a funky looking flange wedged into your steerer (you should be able to see, looking down into the tube, it when the cap is removed). Tightening the bolt into the starnut essentially pulls the steerer assembly upward, compressing the headset. It's not too difficult a concept once you're familiar with how it all works -- doing a little homework before you dive in is key.

Go to Parktool.com's repair page and read the section on headset adjustment/installation. Walk yourself through it carefully. Should be ok.

...and what Boudreaux said about the bearings.

I think all I need is an extra spacer and I'm sorted.

Thanks.

dannyfrankszzz said:

I think all I need is an extra spacer and I'm sorted.

Thanks.

Maybe so, but do read through the Parktool page. There's a little more to it all than simply stacking the stuff together in a way that looks right and feels snug.

It'll only take 6 minutes to go over, and you'll be better equipped in the time to come.

Good luck!