[pwdrskr]

First off, apologies if this is the wrong place to post - didn't see a "fork" specific forum.

So, I had to remove a Chris King crown race (see my other post for why) from a new RockShox Pike fork. And since I can't pick up a tool without damaging something, I managed to over tighten the crown race removal tool I was using. This caused the the inner edges of the tool to score the tapered portion of the steerer tube.

The damage is noticeable and can be felt when touched. I can't really say how deep the scoring actually is.

Yes, I AM AN IDIOT.

Question, is this still safe to ride?

 

[dompedro3]

Should be fine. I’ve ridden forks with worse damage for years.

 

[fmendes]

You mean that scratch on the paint? Should be fine.

 

[pwdrskr]

It’s a little more than scraped paint. There are grooves along the scraped areas. Not deep but can be felt.

 

[dreys]

You're fine, go ride.

This is a mountain bike, not a precision Swiss watch

 

[Lone Rager]

It's fine.

 

[keen]

Take a razor blade and run a pass across the scratch then follow up w/ a black sharpie. The placebo effect will satisfy your mind.

 

[pwdrskr]

Thanks to all for your responses.

It does seem that minor scratches like these shouldn’t pose a safety issue on a non-carbon steered tube.

This all came about due to my adventures in upgrading my headset from the stock FSA unit. I bought a Chris King Dropset 2 based on the Chris King online fit tool and information that it would fit my Specialized.

What is NOT apparent in the online sources is that the upper bearing of the Dropset 2 must extend above the height of the frame head tube. However, Specialized designed the frame such that the bearing sits well below the edge of the frame. So, bottom line, Dropset 2 won’t work. However I figured this out after I’d installed the crown race leading to the need to remove it.

Ordered a Cane Creek that will fit with the use of addition of spacers. Should’ve gone this route in the first place!