UPDATE: HELP! Remedies for a too short steerer on a CX bike?

[Lewis Moon]

Changed the title

This is what happens when you buy a frame THEN do the math. The steerer is too short to fit a cable hanger and a stem. I'm hosed. I'd really like to avoid linear pull brakes (they feel like limp spaghetti and are too grabby) and will probably eventually buy another fork, but for the time being, are there any good quality stems with integrated hangers? ...besides the Enve/Speedvagen? What about really short cable hangers? I basically have nothing to work with. Low stack (35mm) stems? Low stack semi integrated headsets?

I'm desperate and I've spent my wad.

[buldogge]

Does the fork have a brake/center hole?

If so, use one of the hangers that mounts there...they work well and reduce chatter.

Otherwise, you can choose a shortstack stem...Deda SuperLeggero, comes to mind...must be others.

-Mark in St. Louis

[choke]

There's always this - http://ritcheylogic.com/cross/headsets/threadless/wcs-logic-cross-threadless-headset.html

[Lewis Moon]

There's always this - http://ritcheylogic.com/cross/headsets/threadless/wcs-logic-cross-threadless-headset.html

The Ritchey is still too tall. No drilled fork, either.

[eddief]

through the stem and stick a ferrule in it and run the cable through that?

[Lewis Moon]

through the stem and stick a ferrule in it and run the cable through that?

My teeth hurt just thinking about that.

[cinema]

http://harriscyclery.net/itemdetails.cfm?ID=2515

or hang this from one of the stem bolts between the faceplate and the stem. I think they might make ones specifically for this but it should be okay if you know what you're doing http://harriscyclery.net/itemdetails.cfm?ID=2722 you might have to find the right bolt that will fit in/over it

i bookmarked this page awhile ago when i had the same problem lots of good solutions http://weightweenies.starbike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=76219

[Lewis Moon]

http://harriscyclery.net/itemdetails.cfm?ID=2515

or hang this from one of the stem bolts between the faceplate and the stem. I think they might make ones specifically for this but it should be okay if you know what you're doing http://harriscyclery.net/itemdetails.cfm?ID=2722

i bookmarked this page awhile ago when i had the same problem lots of good solutions http://weightweenies.starbike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=76219

The first one would leave no room below the stem to route the cable and I'm running a 12 cm stem so the second one would be way awkward.
I've seen some hangers mounted on the canti mounts. Anyone know anything about these?

http://fcdn.mtbr.com/attachments/vintage-retro-classic/708147d1341382922-favourite-canti-brake-caramba-front.jpg

[cinema]

here you go. these work. a 12cm stem would be fine, i think, i mean your options are limited at this point.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/400958213400?ul_noapp=true&chn=ps&lpid=82

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1258/916786770_400b8d4e5c.jpg?v=0

[eddief]

sounds like some folk believe drilling would work:

http://www.velocipedesalon.com/forum/f2/drilling-hole-your-stem-3538.html

Maybe out of context, so watch out:

"The stress in the stem is near the ends of the strut..... not in the middle. It's like plunking a hole in a down tube to put in a bottle boss. Frames don't break at the bottle boss and your stem won't fail at the hole of it's not near the ends of the strut."

Dave

[Lewis Moon]

Kevin Pauwels' hanger...where can I get?
http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2013/02/DSCN0603.jpg

Lars Boom:
http://cdn.media.cyclingnews.com/2012/04/08/2/boom_pr_hanger_600.jpg

[buldogge]

I thought you didn't have room for a steerer/spacer mounted hanger?

-Mark

[eddief]

http://www.bricklanebikes.co.uk/via-canti-cable-hanger-stem-mount

[sokyroadie]

Kevin Pauwels' hanger...where can I get?
http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2013/02/DSCN0603.jpg

Lars Boom:
http://cdn.media.cyclingnews.com/2012/04/08/2/boom_pr_hanger_600.jpg

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/cable-hardware-brake.html

The BRH27 one.

Jeff

[Lewis Moon]

I thought you didn't have room for a steerer/spacer mounted hanger?

-Mark
I think if I minimize the stack height of everything else I could get a 5mm hanger in there.

[eddief]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stem_(bicycle_part)#/media/File:Threadless_stem_with_hole_for_front_brake_cab le.JPG
https://www.google.com/search?q=bicycle+stem+drilled+for+cable&es_sm=93&biw=1422&bih=677&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAmoVChMI1tq5yL3gxwIVATaICh1oWwJz#imgr c=8XvpSlmDJr1mDM%3A

[Lewis Moon]

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/cable-hardware-brake.html

The BRH27 one.

Jeff

Yeah, that'll be the Hail Mary alternative. It looks like the Pauwels and Boom hangers are aluminum.

[Lewis Moon]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stem_(bicycle_part)#/media/File:Threadless_stem_with_hole_for_front_brake_cab le.JPG
https://www.google.com/search?q=bicycle+stem+drilled+for+cable&es_sm=93&biw=1422&bih=677&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAmoVChMI1tq5yL3gxwIVATaICh1oWwJz#imgr c=8XvpSlmDJr1mDM%3A

...grits teeth...

If nothing else works.

[thirdgenbird]

It might looks silly and may not work but...

How about a old 90s brake booster with a crown mounted cable stop bolted to the back side?

The issue will be clerance between the booster and brake for the cable stop and potential flex. The good news: it would be cheap. Those boosters can be had for under $10 all day long.

[Lewis Moon]

It might looks silly and may not work but...

How about a old 90s brake booster with a crown mounted cable stop bolted to the back side?

The issue will be clerance between the booster and brake for the cable stop and potential flex. The good news: it would be cheap. Those boosters can be had for under $10 all day long.

I worry about the stud distance being incompatible. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Answer-Pro-Forx-fork-brace-brake-booster-1992-/221867709505?hash=item33a8589441

[thirdgenbird]

Not one off a fork. I'm talking about one of these aftermarket jobs:

http://patineto.smugmug.com/Bicycles/Rickys-tandems/Purple-IBIS-Tandem/i-V2XpkVj/0/L/IMG_6107-L.jpg

[Lewis Moon]

Well, I think I'm going to have to wait til the frame arrives to get exact measurements. I'm thinking if I minimize the stack height on everything else I might be able to get something in there. In the mean time, any suggestions on minimum height stems, hangers, integrated headsets....would be appreciated.

[thirdgenbird]

ITM melinium stem (26mm bars) has a stack height of like 34mm. Not sure if I've seen anything lower.

I take that back, some of the steel stems probably get pretty low.

[buldogge]

Stems:
Deda Superleggero
Thomson X2
FSA OS-XXX (various models)

Hanger:
Not elegant, but 5.23mm height: http://www.randombikeparts.com/products/kalloy-cycle-cross-front-brake-bike-cable-hanger-28-6mm-alloy-black-mtb-new

-Mark

Well, I think I'm going to have to wait til the frame arrives to get exact measurements. I'm thinking if I minimize the stack height on everything else I might be able to get something in there. In the mean time, any suggestions on minimum height stems, hangers, integrated headsets....would be appreciated.

[Lewis Moon]

Stems:
Deda Superleggero
Thomson X2
FSA OS-XXX (various models)

Hanger:
Not elegant, but 5.23mm height: http://www.randombikeparts.com/products/kalloy-cycle-cross-front-brake-bike-cable-hanger-28-6mm-alloy-black-mtb-new

-Mark

I've been looking all over the web and can't find a FSA OS stem with a stack less than 40.

[Slow Eddie]

Splurge on a custom stem? Either get one with a minimal stack height, or have the builder incorporate a cable stop/roller/hole through the extension...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[kramnnim]

I guess this Basso stem probably costs more than a new fork...

http://s-tec-essence.eshop.t-online.de/WebRoot/Store4/Shops/Shop38023/5292/204A/F221/81FE/650A/AC14/5051/6649/Basso-Diamante-1.jpg

[Lewis Moon]

OK: I'm going to crowd source this because I KNOW that some of you have MUCH stronger Google Fu than I do.
I'm just not finding this at a remotely reasonable shipping price to Arizona:

Fourier Cable Hanger (http://www.fouriers-bike.com/en/pro.php?m=d&pid=45&cid=21&f=4)

It's the same as the "Brick Lane" model...VO even toyed with importing it but Brick Lane is charging out the wazoo and sticking it to you on the shipping.

[oldpotatoe]

Kevin Pauwels' hanger...where can I get?
http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2013/02/DSCN0603.jpg

Lars Boom:
http://cdn.media.cyclingnews.com/2012/04/08/2/boom_pr_hanger_600.jpg

But, but, but, how do they even enter the race w/o disc brakes???

Sorry, being a smart ass, early, tired and snarky.

[Lewis Moon]

But, but, but, how do they even enter the race w/o disc brakes???

Sorry, being a smart ass, early, tired and snarky.

You'll get no argument from me. Did you notice what JPow raced yesterday?
http://www.cxmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/IMG_9414_1-750x500.jpg

[sparky33]

The first one would leave no room below the stem to route the cable

Setting the hanger off to the side for better cable routing usually works just fine. At the worst it would be an inexpensive experiment.

[A1CKot]

This- http://www.competitivecyclist.com/fsa-sl-k-mtb-stem?ti=UExQIFJ1bGUgQmFzZWQ6TGFib3IgRGF5IENvbXBvbm VudHMgU2FsZToxOjM5OmNhdDEwMDIwODA3MA&skidn=FSA000V-ONECOL-S80MM. 28mm stack hight

[thirdgenbird]

Nice find. It might actually look pretty cool all said and done.

Fit will be the concern. The tops will end up where they end up but you could dictate hood and drop height with your bar choice.

[David Kirk]

Changed the title

This is what happens when you buy a frame THEN do the math. The steerer is too short to fit a cable hanger and a stem. I'm hosed. I'd really like to avoid linear pull brakes (they feel like limp spaghetti and are too grabby) and will probably eventually buy another fork, but for the time being, are there any good quality stems with integrated hangers? ...besides the Enve/Speedvagen? What about really short cable hangers? I basically have nothing to work with. Low stack (35mm) stems? Low stack semi integrated headsets?

I'm desperate and I've spent my wad.

How much longer is the steerer compared to the head tube?

dave

[Lewis Moon]

That is a sweet option, but I need to raise the bar a bit.

[Lewis Moon]

How much longer is the steerer compared to the head tube?

dave

These are the measurements I got from the seller (AFTER I had hit the buy button...mea culpa)

HT= 197
Steerer= 241
So basically I'll have ~ 40mms to work with. The previous owner slammed it and rode with V brakes. #notaroadbike

[Lewis Moon]

Sanne van Paassen's work around. I think I may do this.

http://cx.cxmagazine.com/wp-content/gallery/2012-cross-vegas-sanne-van-paassens-giant-tcx/thumbs/thumbs_crossvegas-2012-cxmagazine-clee-dsc_0232_1-e_1.jpg

Better pic here (http://www.cxmagazine.com/giant-tcx-advanced-cyclocross-bike-sanne-van-paassen-crossvegas) but I can't link directly to it.
This is the "Brick Lane"/Fourier option. I just need to find it w/o spending half the price of the frame.

[Lewis Moon]

What would be truly cool is:
Take one of these:
http://wisecrackerltd.com/collections/bicycle/products/wisecracker-lite-stainless-natural Drill a couple of holes and braze in one of these:http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0535/9005/products/WC180_grande_89917385-04c4-4455-9db9-adba692856bb.jpg?v=1416281656
https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQcV896uGX-Bckg96B4_8x3AXUQrEystn4OAIMX32Qf-HqE5tKz

[thirdgenbird]

Get a short section of steel rod that fits through the surly hanger and bridges across the bottle opener. They you just have to weld the rod on each side.

[Lewis Moon]

Get a short section of steel rod that fits through the surly hanger and bridges across the bottle opener. They you just have to weld the rod on each side.

But but but....think of the beer!

[fogrider]

Changed the title

This is what happens when you buy a frame THEN do the math. The steerer is too short to fit a cable hanger and a stem. I'm hosed. I'd really like to avoid linear pull brakes (they feel like limp spaghetti and are too grabby) and will probably eventually buy another fork, but for the time being, are there any good quality stems with integrated hangers? ...besides the Enve/Speedvagen? What about really short cable hangers? I basically have nothing to work with. Low stack (35mm) stems? Low stack semi integrated headsets?

I'm desperate and I've spent my wad.
When it's all said and done, you will go with mini Vs...there's a reason the previous owner used them.

Sent from my XT1053 using Tapatalk

[Lewis Moon]

When it's all said and done, you will go with mini Vs...there's a reason the previous owner used them.

Sent from my XT1053 using Tapatalk

I'll get a new fork before I touch mini Vs. I've owned 8.4s twice. Hated them both times. Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice..
They feel sloppy and vague. No mud clearance and you have to mount the pads so close to the rim there's no room for any wobbles. Really, a nicely tuned set of modern cantis are the nads. No reason to go with anything else.

[bcroslin]

Lars Boom:
http://cdn.media.cyclingnews.com/2012/04/08/2/boom_pr_hanger_600.jpg

Is that a one off or is that something that you can actually buy? I would like one if so.

[Lewis Moon]

Is that a one off or is that something that you can actually buy? I would like one if so.

It looks like a one off, but then again, it's anodized. Probably need to speak some European language to find one (unfortunately I do not). Maybe I'll use Google Translate to find one...

[thirdgenbird]

But but but....think of the beer!

Use your pedal (assuming spd)

[Lewis Moon]

Use your pedal (assuming spd)

That's another hell no...although I think Candies will do the same thing.

[Lewis Moon]

It looks like a one off, but then again, it's anodized. Probably need to speak some European language to find one (unfortunately I do not). Maybe I'll use Google Translate to find one...

I just found out Cable Hanger in Dutch is...
Cable Hanger.

[choke]

You could buy this (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Weinmann-Bicycle-Brake-Center-Pull-Front-Cable-Hanger-NOS-/321812595409?hash=item4aed8682d1) and enlarge the hole.

[pbarry]

^^^ And, the winner! :beer:

[Peter P.]

"The stress in the stem is near the ends of the strut..... not in the middle. It's like plunking a hole in a down tube to put in a bottle boss. Frames don't break at the bottle boss and your stem won't fail at the hole of it's not near the ends of the strut."

Dave

Geez; if Dave Kirk says it's not a problem, then what's the problem?

I would have suggested this for the same reasons Dave mentions.

Slow Eddie mentioned a custom steel stem. I agree; forget a short stack height; just have the builder drill and sleeve the stem for the cable and ferrule. Probably cheaper than a fork, too.

Elsewhere on the V-Salon forum thread (http://www.velocipedesalon.com/forum/f2/drilling-hole-your-stem-3538.html), someone else had 2 samples of drilled stems that survived just fine under legit abuse.

I don't see a problem.

[Lewis Moon]

^^^ And, the winner! :beer:
Nah, I'm going to order one of these. Same one Sanne Paassen uses. $53 shipped but that's only about $10 more than a Paul. I'm going to wait until the frame arrives just in case the seller didn't measure correctly.
http://www.bricklanebikes.co.uk/content/images/thumbs/0002030_via-canti-cable-hanger-stem-mount.jpeg

[shovelhd]

That's sweet.

[eddief]

how many mm's is that expensive one. how about these ones:

http://www.randombikeparts.com/products/kalloy-cycle-cross-front-brake-bike-cable-hanger-28-6mm-alloy-black-mtb-new
http://www.ebay.com/itm/BRAKE-CANTILEVER-CABLE-HANGER-FRONT-NEW-BICYCLE-PARTS-/370307462144?hash=item56380b7400

[oldpotatoe]

I'll get a new fork before I touch mini Vs. I've owned 8.4s twice. Hated them both times. Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice..
They feel sloppy and vague. No mud clearance and you have to mount the pads so close to the rim there's no room for any wobbles. Really, a nicely tuned set of modern cantis are the nads. No reason to go with anything else.

Unless you can't find a hanger...

[oldpotatoe]

Geez; if Dave Kirk says it's not a problem, then what's the problem?

I would have suggested this for the same reasons Dave mentions.

Slow Eddie mentioned a custom steel stem. I agree; forget a short stack height; just have the builder drill and sleeve the stem for the cable and ferrule. Probably cheaper than a fork, too.

Elsewhere on the V-Salon forum thread (http://www.velocipedesalon.com/forum/f2/drilling-hole-your-stem-3538.html), someone else had 2 samples of drilled stems that survived just fine under legit abuse.

I don't see a problem.

I've done this, twice, in the shop. drilled two holes in the stem...like they used to be. Big burly one steel and one aluminum, stems..Bigger 5mm hole in top, wee cable sized hole on bottom..YMMV,...

[weisan]

I'm going to wait until the frame arrives just in case the seller didn't measure correctly.
[/IMG]

wwwwhhhattt??? And you woke up the whole neighborhood, incited a riot, got us all aroused...for?

= Side-effects of flu medications.

[Lewis Moon]

wwwwhhhattt??? And you woke up the whole neighborhood, incited a riot, got us all aroused...for?

= Side-effects of flu medications.

Nah, it's definitely short. How much too short will be the issue. If it's too short to get a 35 stack stem and the carbon cable hanger, I'll have to bite the bullet, slap on a cheesy mini V and start the search for an appropriate fork. If I can get the CF cable hanger on it, that should be OK but I may still casually look for a new fork to get a cm more rise. If the steerer is long enough, then I'll put the Ritchey top cap on it and call it good...but I don't think that is going to happen. BTW: that's a slammer cap on there. I figure the former owner either rode it as a road bike or bought it too big.
http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTE0M1gxNjAw/z/VwYAAOSwPcVV04ht/$_57.JPG

[Lewis Moon]

Just wanted to update this. The frame arrived last night. The seller estimated the steerer length at 241mm, which is ugly short. The actual measurement turned out to be 247, which is a HUGE difference, because it allows me to use the taller FSA integrated cable hanger if I opt for a 35mm stack stem. So all is well.