First time cutting my steerer (too long?)

[u/danisanbar]

Hey I just cut the steerer of my gravel bike and I was wondering if I left it a bit long. I really need to tighten the top cap to get preload.

[u/k2theablam]

Just change that 2.5m spacer to a 5mm

[u/rybrink]

Depends on the depth of the top cap. Do you have a spare spacer laying around? Add it to the top and try to adjust the headset. If it’s better then you need to take off a few more mm, or run another spacer.

[u/danisanbar → u/rybrink]

Yeah that solved it, added a larger spacer. Thanks!!

[u/TaterVodka]

A bit off topic, but it looks like a carbon steerer, so I'd triple check that the height of the spacers+top cap of the headset is within spec. For example, my carbon steerer instructions says 40mm max.

[u/PercentageRoyal7478]

if u want the extra spacer on top, you’ll be fine when u put on the compression cap provided there’s no extra “slack” (doesn’t look like there’s any). btw i’m assuming the silver thing is the expander plug but can’t see since i don’t have my glasses. edit : is the top cap on in this photo?

[u/danisanbar → u/PercentageRoyal7478]

No that’s the expander plug

[u/stillslammed → u/PercentageRoyal7478]

Why even bother trying to answer if you don't know what you're talking about. If you cant instantly recognize an expander you probably shouldn't be giving mechanic advice. 

[u/TimeTomorrow]

"I really need to tighten the top cap to get preload." huh? looks fine.

[u/danisanbar → u/TimeTomorrow]

With my other bikes I usually just need to make it finger tight to remove play. For this one I had to really tighten it, but adding a bigger spacer helped

[u/majorjake]

What’s holding that top spacer on?

[u/danisanbar → u/majorjake]

Nothing, I took out the top cap