GT Grade - Page 113

113
PART 2
Carbon Fiber Forks & Stems
Section A. Important Safety Information
GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual
What You Have To Know When
Installing Or Adjusting Any Handlebar
Stem
The steerer tube length for any GT carbon fiber
fork with a carbon steerer is limited to the
MAXIMUM STACK HEIGHT of 55mm. This affects
the height adjustment of the stem. No spacers
may be used on top of a stem. The stack
measurement method is shown on the following
page. If the steerer tube is cut to accommodate
a lesser spacer stack height, please observe the
following:
1. Cutting must be done by a professional bike
mechanic experience d with carbon
components.
2. To produce a straight cut, use a fork cutting
jig (e.g., Park Tool SG-6). See http://www.
parktool.com/tools/SG_6.shtml.
3. Do not clamp steerer tube directly in vice
jaws and/or cut the steerer free hand. Vice
jaws can crack or damage the surface of the
steerer. Locate the jig on the cut off end of
the steerer tube to avoid placing a clamping
force on the steerer tube which could
produces cracks. Alternatively, you can
clamp the steerer in grooved wooden blocks
positioned in vice. Do not over-tighten the
vice.
4. Additionally, when cutting a carbon steerer
tube, use composites hacksaw blade
(tungsten carbide gritted) or a very fine
toothed (36 toothed) new blade. To
minimize fraying of the carbon fibers, wrap
the area of cut with masking tape. Make only
one clean complete cut. Do not scratch,
score, or mark the steerer tube surface other
than the complete cut. Scratching, scoring
or making other marks on the tube surfaces
other than the complete cut, or cutting the
steerer tube to an incorrect length for a
specific stem/headset can compromise the
strength of the steerer tube. After the
steerer tube is cut, round the cut edges
smooth and remove any burrs with fine sand
paper (220 is ideal).
WARNING
We urge you to consult closely with your
local Authorized GT Dealer. This will help to
make sure that any aftermarket choices you
make are compatible with your bike’s OEM
parts and will not cause serious damage to
your bike.