How to determine if fork is cut correctly?

[makbike]

There seems to be some concerns as to whether the fork on my Orbea Diva is cut to the proper length. I've now taken it to three different shops (2 orbea dealers and one non orbea) and have gotten three different opinions. Non-orbea shop told me it is cut too short. Shop where I purchased it says it is cut within specs and third Orbea dealer in another city/state says it is too long. Could someone please tell me how I can determine which is true?

Thanks!

[Trek-chick]

I would think that if you are comfortable on the bike, it is cut just fine for length.

[DebW]

I'm assuming you have the spacers you want on it and the bar height is correct for you. If so, the fork should be cut such that the top of the steering column is 3-5 mm below the top edge of your stem or spacers (if there are spacers above the stem). You can determine this by removing the top cap from your steerer tube (if your stem is securely tightened, this won't change your headset adjustment) and looking to see if the top of the steering column is recessed 3-5 mm. If it's not recessed, then the headset can't be adjusted properly. If recessed too much, then the stem attachment might not be safe.

[cattygrrl]

I'm assuming you have the spacers you want on it and the bar height is correct for you. If so, the fork should be cut such that the top of the steering column is 3-5 mm below the top edge of your stem or spacers (if there are spacers above the stem). You can determine this by removing the top cap from your steerer tube (if your stem is securely tightened, this won't change your headset adjustment) and looking to see if the top of the steering column is recessed 3-5 mm. If it's not recessed, then the headset can't be adjusted properly. If recessed too much, then the stem attachment might not be safe.

All good if it's an alloy steer tube. Park Tools (and others) are saying that for carbon steer tubes, it's better to have a couple millimeters of steer tube above the stem, and a 5mm stack spacer to keep the headset bearing preload correct.

I'll trust Park Tools on this one.

[ridebikeme]

I would agree with the others that if you are comfortable, then it should be fine. I'm wondering if the shop where you purchased the bike either cut the fork to be compatible with others that you had test rode, or perhaps it came from the manufacturer that way. But that is simply my personal curiousity

AS far as length of forks, that method has changed a bit. In the past, we always cut forks in the manner that Deb mentioned. In the past couple of years, shops have been leaving them a bit long and putting spacers on top of the stem. This simply leaves room for the owner/LBS to adjust the height as needed. The headset is adjusted in the same manner... all in all it's simply a convenience for the owner.

If you are still concerned, you could always check with a fitter to see what is the correct height for you. And you could also check on the specs from the manufacturer themselves.

The most important part of this equation is that you are comfortable!