[WAZCO]

Are there any side affects of filing carbon handlebars and steertube? Will it damage the carbon fiber? Basically I want to trim my Mtn bike handbar and my carbon steer tube for my road bike. My chances of cutting a straight line is very low and want to know if I have filing as an option. Thanks in advance.

 

[Insight Driver]

Use a dust mask. Carbon fiber is very abrasive so you wouldn't want to file a lot of it. Better to use a miter box to cut a straight cut or use a pipe cutter to start a scribe line you can follow with a fine metal cutting saw blade, then finish up with a fine file and emery paper to smooth the edges.

 

[dom3333]

Insight driver is right on the money, I have used carbon fiber in the hobby industry for years and cutting is always better than filing or sanding, also wrap the bars in masking tape, helps to not tear the carbon fiber as much.