Anyone ever cut a carbon fork while it's still on the bike?

[mdeth1313]

I just did it. I found it easier than using my fork cutting guide in a vise.

It's a disc brake bike that came assembled and I really didn't want to have to start with removing the fork because the hydraulic brake line runs internally.

After finding my ideal spot I used some "throwaway" alloy spacers, figured out where I wanted to cut and then stacked on other spacers to the top of the fork and used a long steel bolt to attach to the expander. Tightened down enough that it allowed a hacksaw blade to cut and went at it from different angles so I didn't cut the bolt. Took about 2 minutes once I had it set at the ideal height. I wish I had taken pictures before I started.

[weisan]

Don't let the Adjudicator who goes after people who clamp their top tubes on bike stand know,...they will hunt you down to your 4th generations...

[jasonification]

Originally Posted by weisan

Don't let the Adjudicator who goes after people who clamp their top tubes on bike stand know,...they will hunt you down to your 4th generations...

Potd

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[Clean39T]

Have done. And I'll do it again too..

Usually with a saw guide though.

I once cut a steel steerer with a Dremel too inside a studio apartment kitchen. Wifey was not happy for some reason.

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[Bici-Sonora]

Haha—never cut a fork on a bike, but have degreased a whole bunch of parts in spouse’s foot soak tub in the kitchen. Didn’t go over really well with her for some reason?


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[mktng]

I do it in a pinch.
But getting carbon dust or metal dust all over the steerer and inside the HT isn't something I like dealing with.
So if I have no choice. Yes haha.

[wallymann]

Originally Posted by Clean39T

Have done. And I'll do it again too..

same here!

[ahumblecycler]

Done it as well and will again.

Nice Paralane! I’ve been looking at that bike and would appreciate a ride report after you put in some miles.

[ntb1001]

I’ve done it on a few bikes.

I usually put a cloth rag over most of the bars and brakes to keep clean and I use a mini grinder with a thin fibre disk...cuts smooth and clean. I also do the same as you and use an old alloy spacer as a cutting guide


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[R3awak3n]

Have done it but with a saw guide. Put some tape to cover stuff so that the dust would not go into the bearings and worked great.

[mdeth1313]

Originally Posted by ahumblecycler

Done it as well and will again.

Nice Paralane! I’ve been looking at that bike and would appreciate a ride report after you put in some miles.

I've had it for a little over a year now. Position changed significantly so I became necessary to cut the fork. I love that bike. I ditched the crap zipp202's that came with it and opted for farsport wheels (novatec hubs) which are significantly lighter, tubeless and far less expensive. I now have 2 wheel sets - one for wider gravel tires and one with slicks for more paved road riding.

It has a monster head tube and with the endurance geo it's super stable. I can get tucked in on a downhill and just let it fly. Love their fenders as well. I've found the bike can handle up to a 35 mm width tire. With fenders the rear can take about 32-33 mm.

The gravel king SK's I have are 35's - they go out to about 37-38 mm on these wheels which is probably why I had some clearance issues with the fenders on there. I had to switch the rear to a 32 and have no issues with that.

Otherwise the bike handles well, is light enough and mine is the etap version (all 3 of my bikes have etap). I switched the bars/stem and went for a FSA crankset for 46/30 gearing as some of the dirt roads around here run up to 20% grades.

I can't complain about anything on this bike. Definitely one of my better purchases.

This is a picture of it from last Sunday before I cut the fork.

[robt57]

Originally Posted by wallymann

same here!

+1

Even done steel threadless with a Sawsall on the bike. Lots of tape and rags in case.

Don't recommend the heavy machinery for those too lite for heavy work or too heavy for light work... 30 year of renovation sawsall use/experience helpful.

But don't count out Dirty Harry: “A man's got to know his limitations.”

[charliedid]

As long as you cut it the right height for it's future owner...

[robt57]

Like the tooty fruity accents!! how are you BTW?

Originally Posted by mdeth1313

I've had it for a little over a year now.

[mdeth1313]

Originally Posted by robt57

Like the tooty fruity accents!! how are you BTW?

Having a good time riding. Waiting to hear what our reopening plans are for school!