FAQ Scapula

1. What is the weight limit for Scapula CT?

   Maximum permitted weight for Scapula CT is 110 kg (rider, bicycle, and luggage). This is for safety reasons. Past experience shows that with this loading, the fork performed as designed after covering the equivalent of 100,000 km. 

2. Does Scapula change my bike’s steering geometry?

   Scapula’s geometry is similar to that used on most high-end racing frames, with a 371 mm dropout-to-crownrace dimension and 44 mm rake. Unless your bike’s frame is quite unusual, any change in steering geometry will be negligible.

3. Can I fit any stem to Scapula’s carbon steerer?

   You can use any stem with an internal diameter of 28.6–28.7 mm and a sufficient large clamping area for carbon steerer. Note however that it’s essential to de-burr all clamping surfaces before fitting, and not exceed the stem manufacturer’s maximum torque limit. . When there are any doubts about the suitability of you stem, please contact THM. THM recommends using a high-grade carbon fiber assembly compound, which may help reduce the clamping torque required.

4. How do I shorten the steerer tube?

    Before attempting this operation, be sure you have suitable tools — and be aware that it’s     possible to make a costly error! If you are not certain of your skill level, have this done by a professional bike mechanic. Determine the correct fork tube length (see instruction manual). Wrap area for cut with electrical tape to contain dust. Mark the cut line clearly and check your measurement again! Cut fork tube at right angles using a hacksaw with a fine-tooth blade (32 tpi or greater) — the result will be more accurate if you use a saw guide such as Park Tool SG-8. Remove all burrs from the cut edge using a fine abrasive paper, and seal with instant glue. At all stages, take care not to inhale hazardous carbon dust.

5. Why does the Scapula not need a star-fangled nut?

   Scapula has no need of this crude clamping mechanism. The upper section of the steerer tube is threaded. Once the fork is cut to length and offered up to the head tube, insert the supplied adapter. You then adjust the headset pre-load using an ordinary M6 bolt.

6. Can I retrofit my bicycle with the Spina Scapulae?

   Yes you can, but you will need to dismantle the headset. The Spina Scapulae is secured with the lower cone ring.

7. Why does Scapula have a limited service life?

   In my instruction manual I read that the Scapula’s service life is limited in the first instance to 80,000 km or 8 years. You say it is absolutely necessary to ask THM for information on how to prolong service life when this limit is reached. Why must I do this?

   The limitation on service life is made for safety reasons. As a manufacturer, we need to be able to determine service life based on practical experience as well as laboratory tests. Recently we expanded the service life to 12 years or 120,000 km. We don’t expect the useful life of the Scapula to end after this period in service. However, we do need to inspect the forks so as to understand better how they perform over an extended timeframe. This may help us set the limit higher in future.

8. Can I race on my Scapula fork?

   Yes, it’s designed for that! We believe Scapula’s outstanding technical features will help you achieve a better performance.