Lengthening a fork tube
02-28-21, 09:17 AM
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Lengthening a fork tube
I have a Colnago C40 I’m rather fond of but wish the fork tube was a bit taller. Is there a way to add a section back ? I can imagine using an internal sleeve between the tube and the extension as a brace but really have no idea if this subject has already been laid to rest.
02-28-21, 10:16 AM
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In theory one could extend a steerer. However steel steerers are the usual (for an uncommon job) material considered due to it's workability compared to AL or carbon. I suspect a C40 has a carbon steerer. I assume you've explored all the other options like a different stem, steerer risers, different handle bars first. I suspect you'll do better with a different fork altogether if those other options don't do it. I also assume you have enough time in the saddle to know about fit and body flexibility stuff. Andy
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AndrewRStewart
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02-28-21, 01:42 PM
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Depends on how much. I have a method that would fill most or all of the stem clamp area with solid epoxy and extended the length by 15mm, maybe 20. Any more would required a machined aluminum extension that would be epoxied into the original steering tube, probably to a depth of 50mm.
02-28-21, 01:55 PM
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If it were a steel steerer, not much of a problem to cut it and splice in a section and braze it up. However if it's carbon, it depends on whether you have the knowledge, skill and tools to DIY it. Or someone you know that does carbon lay up and will do it for you cheap.
Not sure what to think of brazing a steel steerer in a carbon fork though. Is that excess heat from brazing going to affect the carbon parts? But for an all steel fork or steel tube with aluminum forks, I'd not worry.
I used to do a bunch of fiberglass repair on my boat and other fiberglass stuff. It's pretty easy to do once you have a little experience. Fiberglass and epoxy don't require a lot of special tooling and brain. Carbon on the other hand does require some special stuff to make it a little more than the average DIY'er will handle.
Maybe not though. My only experience with carbon was for aircraft and I wasn't doing it. So maybe I was in an industry that just naturally goes overboard in fabrication precision.
Not sure what to think of brazing a steel steerer in a carbon fork though. Is that excess heat from brazing going to affect the carbon parts? But for an all steel fork or steel tube with aluminum forks, I'd not worry.
I used to do a bunch of fiberglass repair on my boat and other fiberglass stuff. It's pretty easy to do once you have a little experience. Fiberglass and epoxy don't require a lot of special tooling and brain. Carbon on the other hand does require some special stuff to make it a little more than the average DIY'er will handle.
Maybe not though. My only experience with carbon was for aircraft and I wasn't doing it. So maybe I was in an industry that just naturally goes overboard in fabrication precision.
02-28-21, 06:08 PM
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Ive used those on my gravel bike and tour bike, they look right at home. One on a C40 might look kind of odd but it would undoubtedly do the job for the fewest dollars.
Last edited by Tomm Willians; 02-28-21 at 06:38 PM.
02-28-21, 06:16 PM
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Are Stem Risers Safe?
Absolutely yes! Unless you want to use them on a carbon steerer…
Absolutely yes! Unless you want to use them on a carbon steerer…
But admittedly I have no experience with them. So this might be just unsubstantiated opinion or dated material. Might not be an issue on a road bike not used in rough terrain as are mountain bikes.
03-01-21, 02:43 PM
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As mentioned above, there are adaptors available to mount a stem up higher than the current top of your fork. Many forks (with carbon steerer tubes), have a published limit of how many spacers you can have between the headset and stem, and I don't know if a riser adaptor can be used without violating this limit. Might be a good idea to contact the manufacturer
