View Full Version : Chopping of a HT extension
Tailwinds
10-19-2006, 11:03 AM
I'm looking at a ti Serotta that would need to have the headtube extension removed for it to fit me. Who would I contact (preferably in the Denver area) to do this, and how much might it cost?
Ken Robb
10-19-2006, 11:19 AM
I don't know about the head tube butI know it will have some nice wheels. :) :banana:
Smiley
10-19-2006, 02:41 PM
steel or Ti , steel being the easiest to chop off , go see anybody at Wheatridge or Chris Jacobson's shop , my bet though is take it to Lennard Zinn and he'll do it for you .
billrick
10-19-2006, 03:25 PM
If you can't find anybody local, try Ti-Cycles.
The ideal way to handle it is to have the extension sawn or milled off (best method if the headtube can be fixtured in someone's mill), then the top refaced with a headset facing tool, and the inside refinished to ensure it's nice and round, etc. I was quoted $50 to have this done on a frame, regardless of whether it was steel or ti. Paint isn't an issue if it's done well -- it doesn't flake off the paint or anything like that. You could check out builders from
http://www.handmadebicycleshow.com/
just to get some names. A dedicated custom builder is the safest way to go, but if you have a good referral on a local builder or high-end shop, I've had good experiences that way as well.
saab2000
10-19-2006, 06:31 PM
I did this to my CIII. I did it with an experienced mechanic who really knew what he was doing. We just milled it down with a facer and lots of cutting oil. It is steel.
Let an experienced mechanic or framebuilder do this because having it done wrong could well ruin the frame.
David Kirk
10-19-2006, 07:18 PM
2 Minutes with a hacksaw and 5 with a facing tool and it's a done deal.
Dave
obtuse
10-19-2006, 07:23 PM
2 Minutes with a hacksaw and 5 with a facing tool and it's a done deal.
Dave
what dave said....
obtuse
plus one atmo.
it's a low tech operation.
e-RICHIE
10-19-2006, 07:25 PM
plus one atmo.
it's a low tech operation.
agreed atmo
David Kirk
10-19-2006, 07:31 PM
2 Minutes with a hacksaw and 5 with a facing tool and it's a done deal.
Dave
This guy knows his poop. Listen to him atmo.
Dave
Lincoln
10-19-2006, 09:22 PM
This guy knows his poop. Listen to him atmo.
Dave
Don't you have to have multiple personalities to do that?
Benjamin
10-20-2006, 12:36 AM
my friend lopped a couple of cm off his peg love 3 with a hacksaw and then took it down to the shop to get faced.
i was horrified watching him do it, but it worked out fine.
measure twice...
Smiley
10-20-2006, 06:59 AM
A hacksaw wont cut it with Titanium though , I think you'll need a special blade and some power behind that force. Go see Lenard Zinn , he's in your neck of the woods .
Redturbo
10-20-2006, 07:36 AM
This guy knows his poop. Listen to him atmo.
Dave
For us unskilled labor types, how do you make sure you get a straight cut? I have a fork steering tube guide cutter thing. :bike:
turbo
Tailwinds
10-20-2006, 07:43 AM
Thanks for all your responses.
Next question... do you think $2000 is a reasonable price for a '00 Hors Categorie w/full 9-spd. Dura Ace and Dura Ace wheels? It has low miles & looks to be in great condition. I'd pay someone like Zinn to cut off the HT extension...
David Kirk
10-20-2006, 08:04 AM
A hacksaw wont cut it with Titanium though , I think you'll need a special blade and some power behind that force. Go see Lenard Zinn , he's in your neck of the woods .
Actually...... I beg to differ. A standard hack saw blade will go through it just fine. Titanium tends to gall (ball up and get gooey) but it cuts fine. Use a course blade and have at it. For most folks the hard part will be finding a way to hold the bike tightly enough so it doesn't move all over the place when doing the cutting. If held rigidly it will be fine. Back in the early days at Serotta we were worried about how we might be able to cut this "high tech" material. In the end we used the same exact cutters and blades as we had used on steel for all those years. Funny stuff.
Making a straight cut can be a tad tricky. Two things will help. One is to take some tape....masking tape works fine and lightly wrap it around the tube using the edge of the tape to mark the cut line. So when you cut you just follow the tape line. Secondly ....go slow.
Dave
William
10-20-2006, 08:33 AM
Give me a few peanuts and it's done.
http://www.crowwing.com/images/Paul%20Bunyan%20statue.jpg
William ;)
Tailwinds
11-04-2006, 09:57 PM
Schwab Cycles in Denver said they'd do it for about $35, so the bike is at the shop now. There are many great shops in the city, but I always know exactly who is working on my bike at Schwab -- and they do excellent work. I don't know why I didn't just call them first.
I called Lennard Zinn -- he is too busy building bikes. I called other places -- some people don't even know what a headtube extension is -- stay away from my bike. :no: Other places didn't know how or didn't want the liability.
Anyway, I'll have pix and a ride report soon.
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