shortening mtb steerer tube

[spano]

I have a Reba Race on my mtb

 

but the steerer is too long,, when the spacers are on top of the stem it sticks out like almost 2 cm and this looks sh*%...

 

how do I shorten it?

what happens to the piece on the inside that the bolt grips to (the threaded hole?)

 

because by the looks of things I'm gonna have to cut it below that point??

 

or should I just leave as is and try and look past it?

[flats4life]

You need to knock the star nut down further and then chop off the required amount. If you are good with a hacksaw then you can trim it yourself, otherwise take it to a bike shop and they will do it.

[droo]

When cutting, use a saw guide. You can make an improvised one using 2 old stems, but a saw guide is the way to go. Otherwise - LBS. They'll also have the tool to put the star nut in straight.

[wesf]

Put the spacers below the stem. Will change the bar height but will not look as crap.

[TNT1]

Saw guide? Really, unless you have Alzheimers, or don't have a hacksaw, do it yourself. If  you take it to a bike shop, I will tell uncle JB, and he will cut n paste the intwerbs here...

[Johan Bornman]

Step1: Make sure that is what you want to do.

Step 2: Now that you're committed, see if you have a star nut or expander bolt inside the steerer. If it is the latter, remove it, if it is the former, push it down a bit to just below the cutting line by gently hammering a dowell or such.

Step 3: Make the cut using a plumber's pipe cutter - the big one designed for steel pipe. That way you don't need a cutting guide. If you don't have one of those handy or don't have any plumber friends, hang around outside a plumbing supply shop and ask at the first bakkie that pullls in.

Step 4: Resist the urge to saw it without a guide. It needs to be nice and square and there is no way you'll do that without a guide. You only have one chance.

 

Step 5: Be patient and find a pipe cutter. I see you live in a dorp somewhere. You guys know everyone in town. One of your friends has to be a plumber. Alternatively, phone 444-4040. Tell them your steerer is naughty.