Steerer Tube Failures: Trek Responds

After a rash of steerer tube failures, Trek has responded blaming incompatible stems and incorrect installation. Trek advises:

1) Always use a torque wrench, and never over-tighten stem clamp bolts.
2) Always use spacers above and below the stem. Although less obvious than correct torque, a minimum of 5mm and a maximum of 40mm spacers under the steerer, plus a 5mm spacer above the stem are required. Riders should factor in these spacers when sizing their bike.
3) Use only the stem brand and model that came with the bike, because not all stems will work with carbon steerers. Often the lighter the stem, the less chance it will be compatible with a carbon steerer. Weight-relieving cutouts on the stem clamp and steerer interface can create stress risers.

You can read the full article on VeloNews. I'd rather just have a slightly heavier bike and be able to change my stem without fear of crashing.

Busted Steerer Tube

From Colin:

I recently bought a frame that came with a full carbon fork (my first fork with a carbon steer tube!) Just got done building it up, and on the test ride the handlebars felt wiggly, so I took out the fork and removed the warning sticker to find this nasty crack. The seller and I missed it because it was under the sticker but it was obvious while riding. Anyone have a fork with a steel steer tube?

Hmm... the seller missed it because it was under a sticker? You are more trusting than I.

Ridley Excalibur

From Den in the Ukraine: JRA.

Ster Elektrotoer

This photo from Pez Cycling News is from stage 3 of this years Ster Elektrotoer in the Netherlands. Amazing photo, we can all image what happens next.

Easton Carbon Fork

Alexander sent me these photos that he took of a friends bike after some sort of unspecified incident the occurred during a race. I'm not sure what you do to break your steerer tube, but the Spinergy Rev-X wheel is fine. Still, I'd triple check that Rev-X before riding it again.

Broken Steerer on a Trek

Meat Toothpaste forwarded me this thread from roadbikereview.com:

Last year I witnessed a spectacular carbon fiber steerer failure which I believe may have been caused by a too-heavy rider on an OCLV. The steerer abruptly snapped apart just above the fork crown, smashing the rider face-first into the pavement. He was seriously injured and had to be hauled away by the EMTs. I took photos . . .

Bunny Hop Disaster

If you are going to bunny hop a ditch, you had better make it. Otherwise you may break your steerer and DNF.

Busted TT Bike

Ted send me a good write up about the Missouri State Time Trial. He ended up with heat stroke and crashed a few times, unfortuneatly his bike didn't survive.

Cervelo Steerer

Another broken steerer tube. Thanks to Quentin for the picture.

Poor Hincapie

He broke his steerer. He looks so sad.

Carbon Steerer

Once again, the steerer breaks. I'm guessing a crash in a race, judging by the number on the bike.

The steerer, again!

After a crash resulting in a broken steerer, this fork found a new life as a desk ornament.

Race Report: Cameron Cross

Damage report: One seat post, one steerer tube.

Quote from Stephen Kilshaw: ...pre-ride the course. On my way up one of the steeper climbs I literally pulled the handle bars right off, cracking the carbon steer tube in half. No joke. Just pure torque from the arms managed to crack this thing climbing the hill.

Oh Snap

Oh Snap! Snapping a steerer tube can't be good. Every outcome I can think of is unpleasant.