[mantispf2000]

I haven't had to do so in some time, and now with a new fork, was trying to recall how far below the top of the stem clamp do I cut the steerer tube. I recall it being 3mm, yet have been told up to 5mm below is ok, depending on the stem clamp.

Please help!!! Yes, I will do a Norm Abrams and measure twice/cut once. I just want the measurement to be right.

Thanks for your input.

 

[Nick]

not less than the shoulder on your top cap.
also, if it isn't short enough you can just throw a spacer on above your stem.

 

[maxyedor]

You should be running a small spacer on top of your stem anyway. Cut 2mm above the stem, and run a 5mm spacer.

 

[kickstand]

I prefer to keep my steer tube a click long and add spacers as necessary, gives me room to make adjustments to get the bars/stem where I like them, as noted, leave 2-3mm after you stack some spacers on to give room for the top cap

 

[IH8Rice]

take it to your bike shop

 

[denjen]

You should be running a small spacer on top of your stem anyway. Cut 2mm above the stem, and run a 5mm spacer.

This is the best way I have found. Gives you some room to adjust the stem up and down also.

 

[OGRipper]

Totally agree, always leave a little over the top and use an extra spacer. Aside from the other reasons, if you get another stem at some point, it might have a bigger clamp, in which case you'll be happy to have a little more. Plus, longer is better if you need to sell it at some point.

 

[johnbryanpeters]

take it to your bike shop

The last and only time I did that they cut it half an inch short.

 

[canadmos]

The last and only time I did that they cut it half an inch short.

Da faq. Are these the same guys that put the black poop in your tires that won't seal?

Half an inch is a long way off!

 

[johnbryanpeters]

No. Service at bike shops always seems to be a crapshoot. Had some work done at a bike shop in the Adirondacks this weekend that was essentially useless.