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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.

IMG_9660 by you.

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. 

IMG_9678 by you.                            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.

IMG_9681 by you.                          ODI Lock-on rings as a guide.

IMG_9703 by you.

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