Bicycle Mechanics - Spacers

Okay, a quick question about spacers. I have a threadless style set up on my new road frame (always have had a quill, before). What's up with the spacers? I know that they're supposed to raise the handlebar height, but what if you would have the proper height without using any? Is it possible not to use any spacers at all?

Thanks,
velo

You can use as few as you would like, but to use fewer would probably mean cutting down your steerer tube. The top of your stem should always be no more/no less than about 1/8 inch above the top of your steerer for proper grip. Once you cut it down, the only way to regain the bar height is to go to a stem with less drop. Hope that answered your question

Yes, that's good, thanks. So it is possible to use none ?

Velo, yes, but its only possible if there is no room for any.

Yes, it is OK to use none, IF your headset is properly adjusted when the headcap is tightened to provide no play, and when the stem is properly tightened to hold everything in place. The purpose of the spacers is 'to take up space' underneath the stem when everything else is adjusted and tightened correctly.

So...what you're saying is that it's best to at least go with one very small one. I'm just saying, I can get the best geometry with none at all, so why add some when I don't have to? But, for performance's sake, it would be good to have one.

"So...what you're saying is that it's best to at least go with one very small one. I'm just saying, I can get the best geometry with none at all, so why add some when I don't have to? But, for performance's sake, it would be good to have one."

No, go back and re-read my post. You don't NEED any spacers IF, without them, all adjustments are correct. Let's say that the top of your stem is below the top of the steer tube. You would not be able to tighten the top cap to take the play out of your headset. In that case you would need to put a spacer underneath the stem tall enough to raise the stem approximately 1mm above the steer tube. Then the top cap could be correctly tightened.

If, without spacers, the top of your stem is the 1mm above the steer tube, then no spacers are required. That said, there are some threadless headsets, Chris King among them, that require a supplied very thin spacer (I would call it a washer) between the top of the headset and the bottom of the stem.

Whew! With all that, I hope I've made my point clear.

Velo,
Many pros don't use spacers at all. There is a school of thought that a properly fitted frame should not need any spacers (which I disagree with because body types are so different).

Anyway, NO spacers is pretty common. I would suggest that you use one either above or below your stem. The only reason is that if you decide to buy a different stem later on, the height of the clamp may be taller. So, if ithe steerer is cut "perfect" now it will be too short for that different stem. Maybe a 1/4" or 1/8" spacer just in case--for future changes.

The spacer does not have to go UNDER the stem, if you get proper fit without any spacers under the stem, you can place a spacer on top of the stem, only if needed for proper bearing adjustment.

This thread is starting sound like the seen from the Castle Argh in Monty Python, The Search for the Holy Grail. "You stay here until I get back ....." :D

Alright! I got it now. Thanks, guys. :D

Originally posted by RacerX
... I would suggest that you use one either above or below your stem. The only reason is that if you decide to buy a different stem later on, the height of the clamp may be taller. So, if ithe steerer is cut "perfect" now it will be too short for that different stem. Maybe a 1/4" or 1/8" spacer just in case--for future changes.

Great advice, i wish i would have done this when cutting my steerer tube on my mtn bike.

If you take a look at "stock" road bikes, they will include any where from 3 to 4 spacers of various thickness. They allow the rider/owner to adjust stem height by stacking spacers above or below the stem to acquire the desired bar height. As has been previously mentioned, a rider can also cut down the steerer tube and eliminate the use of spacer stacked above the stem. This how ever will eliminate the ability for any future rider who may to raise the stem height. The only alternative is to replace the fork to gain additional length on the steerer tube.

Velo,
It's not a bad idea on a new bike or new fork to leave the steerer long and use some spacers. You can then experiment with stem height by moving spacers one at a time from below the stem to above the stem to play with the stem height until you are pretty certain you have dialed in the stem height. Then you can have the LBS trim the steerer tube to final length, allowing space for as many spacers as you have decided on, or none, whatever provides the best fit. As someone said you can always trim the steerer shorter, but you can't make it longer once you have cut it.
Regards,
Raymond

Originally posted by Cipher
As has been previously mentioned, a rider can also cut down the steerer tube and eliminate the use of spacer stacked above the stem. This how ever will eliminate the ability for any future rider who may to raise the stem height. The only alternative is to replace the fork to gain additional length on the steerer tube. Riser stems???

Originally posted by pokey
Riser stems???

Thats definitely an option if you were to cut down your steerer tube and later wanted to raise the bar height. I personally would not want to go that rout because of the aesthetics of a riser stem or stem adapter, on my bike hence I would not take the chance and cut down my steerer tube.