gearbasher

Years ago I got a good deal on an NOS frame with TSX tubing. The only problem was the fork (matching color) was for a larger frame. I need to thread and cut down the steer tube to fit. Then I got to thinking about the butting and it interfering with the stem. I have an SLX fork that is the exact size I need for this frame. So I did some measuring. The fork that is the proper length has a 175 mm steer tube and the butted section starts at 65 mm above the fork crown race. Giving 110 mm before a stem will bottom out. The fork I want to cut down has a 225 mm steer tube and the butted section starts 75 mm above the fork crown race. So, if I cut it down to 175 mm, I will only have 100 mm before the stem will bottom out. This is not a problem for me, because I use only Cinelli 1A stems and I keep them at their maximum height. Also, a 1A stem can only be inserted 95 mm if you account for the headset lock nut. But, in case the bike doesn't stay with me, I don't want the next person to have trouble.
The question is: Am I just being too anal and It won't be a problem if I cut it to the length I need? (Whats 10 mm?) Or, should I cut it 10 mm longer and use a spacer in the headset?

Thanks for any input.

gugie 

An old mechanics trick is to write down the irregularity of a frame on a piece of paper and put it in the frame. Typically this was when some English BB threads were bunged up on one side, and the BB was rethreaded to Italian - so the cups wouldn't match.

I typically don't like to see a big spacer on a headset, since you can get the expander wedge in a threaded position. If your Cinelli 1A stem can max out and still have the wedge below the threads, I think you're ok - those stems aren't very tall at all, right?

At any rate, that's some great forward thinking on your part.

smontanaro 

I didn't think head tubes were butted. I would think interaction with the threading would be the potential issue.

Bianchigirll 

cutting a lot of threads, like more than 1/2 inch can be a tough time consuming job. Most cutters you see in bike shops are more for chasing and cleaning up threads or only putting a turn or two on. For something that requires more than a 1/2 inch your better off looking for a frame builder or a machine shop that can do the work.

I seldom cut a steerer the exact length of the headset, especially is there is less than inch to cut off.

gearbasher

I have a Park threader. Gonna do the job myself. I'm going to just cut enough threads for a Campy Record headset. I've done facing and chasing on a number of frames. This is going to be my first try at adding threads. "No guts, no glory."

gearbasher

I'm using a modern Record headset. The frame came with 130 mm spacing, so I'm going 10 speed on it also.

gugie 

Steerers are, which can be an issue with smaller frames and slammed stems.

Wileyone 

With a hacksaw it takes about 30 seconds.

cannonride15

@Wileyone, you cut threads with a hacksaw? Damn you're good, most of us have to use a cutting die!

Wileyone 

Lol my mistake. Should have dug a little deeper.

gearbasher

So, since it was snowing today, I decided to work on the frame.
First, I reamed and faced the head tube. That paint chip on the down tube was there from shipping. Already have a decal to cover it.



While I had the cutting oil out, I chased and faced the BB shell. I only faced the drive side since I'm going to be using a Campy square taper cartridge BB. The entire shell was chromed. I had to file the chrome off the face before I used the cutter.

gearbasher

I ran a tap through the bottle bosses, adjusters and the rear hanger. Only took a pic of the hanger:




Cut the steer tube threads:



I cut just enough threads for the headset. Maybe three/four threads before it bottoms out. I cut the steerer tube at the point where the entire slotted section of a Cinelli 1A stem is below the last thread when the stem is raised to the max. line. I can put 13-15 mm of spacers in. This is going to be my long distance bike. So, I want a slightly more upright position. My back ain't what it used to be,



No pics. But, I cut the crown race seat and honed the seat tube. My only mistake was losing some paint on the fork crown. I wrapped it in rags, but I guess it wasn't enough.

Hopefully, this will be the last frame I ever have to prep. And, I'll never do a silver bike again. With my eyesight, I couldn't tell if it was paint or steel I was seeing while facing the head tube.

Bianchigirll 

Very nice. I miss having the opportunity to do this type of work.