Facing down head tubes was really common for a while - along with 800mm flat bars - gotta get low! Then folks sized up their frames & Reach started growing.
Kudos to you for getting the headtube flush/square enough with a hand file. I’ve seen some impressive sections of daylight between cup and headtube on some DIY jobs but the tools to do it properly are expensive.
I’ve cut three seat tubes now with a hacksaw. Drill a hole and use a stacked pair of hacksaw blades to make a new slot. Clean up with a file and a deburring tool. Every time it achieved an extra 2cm of drop.
Actually thinking I may do a follow up piece on the less common and more use specific tools that I love. My debburing tool, Hayes Feel’R gauge, Shimano T-30/5mm T-tool, and why. I think the Feel’R gauge at $35 is the most expensive thing in the group. Nothing I technically need, but all things that make working on bikes more satisfying.
April 12, 2022, 9:10 a.m. - Andrew Major
Facing down head tubes was really common for a while - along with 800mm flat bars - gotta get low! Then folks sized up their frames & Reach started growing. Kudos to you for getting the headtube flush/square enough with a hand file. I’ve seen some impressive sections of daylight between cup and headtube on some DIY jobs but the tools to do it properly are expensive. I’ve cut three seat tubes now with a hacksaw. Drill a hole and use a stacked pair of hacksaw blades to make a new slot. Clean up with a file and a deburring tool. Every time it achieved an extra 2cm of drop. Actually thinking I may do a follow up piece on the less common and more use specific tools that I love. My debburing tool, Hayes Feel’R gauge, Shimano T-30/5mm T-tool, and why. I think the Feel’R gauge at $35 is the most expensive thing in the group. Nothing I technically need, but all things that make working on bikes more satisfying.