There are many parts of bikes that you may never think about unless you are a devout bike rider. One of them is the fork steerer tube. This small part connects the handlebars to the blades of the bike frame.
Even though it is a small part, it is an important part of the bike as it keeps the frame and handlebars connected so that you can steer your bike. Unfortunately, it gets a lot of wear and tear put on it, and you may be in need to replace it.
If you are, you may wonder if all fork steerer tubes are the same size. Unfortunately, the answer is no although the lengths will be fixed, there are many different sizes as they tend to be designed for particular bikes during the assembly process.
So if you want to do a little work on your bike and one of the pieces you need to fix is the fork steerer tube, this guide is for you. So keep reading, and we will answer a lot of the questions we are sure you have on your mind.
How Do I Know What Size Steerer Tube I Need?
For any part to work right, it has to be the right part, and the size of the fork steerer is crucial. This is because, on the whole, the fork itself is designed for specific bike frames. So you want to ensure you are using the right one.
The best way to figure out what size you need is to either take it to a bike shop and have them measure it or you can look at the manufacturer’s website. There you should be able to find the specific metrics to ensure you are getting the right size.
What is the Diameter of a Fork Steerer Tube?
The good thing is that the diameters do not vary too much. Most of the steerer tubes will be 1 1/8″. That is, if you are dealing with newer bikes. If you happen to have an older model, you can sometimes find them measuring 1″ or even one ¼.”
Knowing the diameter is the same means that the length of the fork steerer is a very important metric to have on hand. This will make it much easier to ensure you are purchasing the right tube for your particular bike.
How Do You Measure a Fork Steerer Tube?
Of course, if you are a more hands-on bike enthusiast, you can always measure the tube yourself. This can be done by taking a set of calipers and measuring the diameter of the fork itself. To ensure everything is good, you will need to measure one other thing.
You will need to measure the length of your steerer tube. This can be done with a simple tape measure. You will want to measure from the bottom of the crown to the top of the stem.
Can You Put a New Steerer Tube On a Fork?
It might be challenging with some bikes because of their construction to put a new steerer tube on if you don’t have certain tools. However, it is not impossible. It will be a process, and you will need to be patient, especially if you are not super handy with tools.
You will need to loosen the ring nuts at the top of the fork and then pull apart the tube. Then all that is left is to pull out the tube and replace it with the new one. If you are unsure, we highly suggest you take it to a professional.
Why Do Fork Steerer Sizes Vary?
So we have covered the fact that there are different fork steerer sizes. But why are there different lengths? The answer has to do with the frame and wheel size of the bike you are riding.
The bike’s design relies on you being able to steer properly and with the clearance of your stride as well as the ground. The carrying sizes are what make the need for different fork steerer sizes.
Final Thoughts on Are All Fork Steerer Tubes the Same Size
Not all fork steerer tubes are the same size. Though there are little variations when it comes to the diameter, you will find many different lengths.
Knowing which one will work for your bike is important as with the wrong size you may find steering your bike quite difficult and that could lead to many problems.