Rigid Single Speed Update, Right-Sizing
This week I worked on right-sizing the steerer tube on my carbon fork and the width of my handlebars. On my last update (#1) I wasn’t quite sure which handlebar/stem to use. I’ve decided to give the KORE Torsion Bar and B52 stem a try. Stock length of the Torsion Bar was at 800mm, so I’ve got some work to do in shortening it.
The FORK: I finally got the courage to cut the steerer tube myself. As I mentioned on the last post, the steerer is also carbon fiber. Not having cut a steerer tube in the past I was hesitant in doing so. For awhile I was debating on whether I should do it or take to my LBS. Always trying to be self-sufficient I did a little research then bought a hack saw at Home Depot. Following Richard Cunningham’s (Mountain Bike Action, issue July 2007) instructions, I measured the desired length then taped a spare aluminum spacer to use as a cutting guide. I added an extra 10mm spacer to my desired length to give myself a little room for error. Fortunately all worked well and the steerer tube was cut evenly. I reinstalled the fork, added my carbon spacers, tightened the stem then installed the compression plug.
Spacer taped on as a cutting guide.
NOTE: do not use the regular star-nut with carbon steerers; it will damage the insides. Use a compression plug which will expand inside the steerer tube.
The HANDLEBARS: Using the same method above, I proceeded to shorten the Torsion bars. Original length is 800mm. I decided to take off 3/4” on each end. After measuring the desired length, I marked the handlebar, clamped on an old set of ODI Lock-on rings for a guide, tightened the screws then cut away. Final length is 30.25″.
Once I’ve mounted the stem and handlebars to the appropriate position, I installed the red Oury grips.
ODI Lock-on rings as a guide.
Above is the end result. Not bad ehhh? Here is where I’m at w/the build. Almost there…
Frame: ZION EBB
Fork: SASO Carbon fork
Skewers: SASO Carbon Levers
Single speed cog: 16t Wheels Mfg SSK-3
Stem: B52s
Handlebars: KORE Torsion bars
Grips: Red OURY Lock-ons
Wheelset: Sun Ringle laced to XT hubs
Crankset: Race Face Deus, silver
BB: Race Face ISIS spline
Tires: Maxxis Larsen TTs 2.1(f)/1.9(r)
Headset: Woodman Axis SL COMP
Tubes: various brands
Spacers: Carbon
Misc: FSA Compression plug
Current weight: 19.74 lbs
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