Why build your bike?

Step 4 Cut the fork

Mark excess fork stem with a sharpie, take off the stem and put the fork in a vice grip (make sure to pad the forks).

Cut to size with a hacksaw with an even cut.

Comments

[grespol]

Backyardwrench is right: don't cut the fork right away. Additional spacers can also be used above the stem. You can experiment with different heights by moving spacers above or below the stem. Start with a fork length about two inches higher than your saddle. Just cut the steerer longer than you think you'll need. You can always make it shorter later.

A better way to cut the fork steerer tube is using a pipe cutter. It's fast, clean, and makes a perfect 90 degree cut in the steerer.

[backyardwrench]

Don't rely on a formula like '2 spacers on the fork' to size the steerer. This is an important part of bike fit, and the length of the steerer will determine how high you can place the bars. Cut the steerer too short, and you may have to resort to sharply up-jutting stems for comfort. I strongly recommend *not* cutting the steerer on any new bike build until you've had a chance to fine-tune the stem height and overall fit.