Flatbar trimming
10-26-22, 01:52 PM
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Flatbar trimming
Any downside to shortening an aluminum bar with a hacksaw?I’ve got a short wingspan and the 640mm is just too wide.
10-26-22, 01:57 PM
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As long as you keep it straight it'll be fine. I use a pipe cutter. As always, measure twice, cut once.
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10-26-22, 01:59 PM
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No issues, but unless you have a guide for the saw it‘s hard to cut it straight. I use a rotary pipe cutter.
And you might be surprised at how easy it is to take off too much. Start with a smaller reduction than you think you need.
And you might be surprised at how easy it is to take off too much. Start with a smaller reduction than you think you need.
10-26-22, 02:05 PM
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Excellent tip about the pipecutter. I even have one,thanks guys.
10-26-22, 02:16 PM
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Make sure you move the brake shift levers to the new position before marking/cutting. You don't want to find out you cut a bit too much.
You'll need a file or emery cloth to remove the burr. My tubing cutter leaves a knife sharp one. Not large, but VERY sharp.
You'll need a file or emery cloth to remove the burr. My tubing cutter leaves a knife sharp one. Not large, but VERY sharp.
10-26-22, 02:20 PM
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/ yea \
Loosely mount grip, levers & bar end before you cut. Be sure it all mounts just outside the bend radius.
Loosely mount grip, levers & bar end before you cut. Be sure it all mounts just outside the bend radius.
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10-26-22, 03:05 PM
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640 is too wide? These days those are handcuff handlebars.
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10-26-22, 03:20 PM
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No matter whether yo use a hacksaw or pipe cutter, use a reamer or deburring tool on the cuts. I usually prefer the reamer. It’s faster than using a file.
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Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
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Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
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10-26-22, 08:11 PM
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It’s the Windsor Tourist I bought for mostly pavement fitness riding and some bikepacking with gravel.I’m a short old guy(5’4)and they use the same bar length for all their bike sizes plus I mistakenly bought a size larger than I should have. I took 1” off each end giving me 23”(585mm).
10-27-22, 01:18 PM
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“I cut my handlebar three times and it’s still too short!”
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