Mountain Biking - Can I put spacers over the stem?

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croscoe
08-03-07, 09:54 PM
I'm playing with the adjustments on my new bike. I've never had a bike with this type of setup before (only the quill style), so please excuse my ignorance. This is how my bike came stock:

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a260/Volks66Wagen/Random/stem1.jpg

The bars are way too high for me. Would it be safe to move the stem under some of the spacers? Like this:

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a260/Volks66Wagen/Random/stem2.jpg

Also, the stem is a 6 degree rise, could I reverse the stem so it would be a 6 degree drop? I figure this could be a short term solution until I settle on something or switch to a flat bar for example. I do not want to compromise integrity of the parts, but more importantly, saftey. Please post your thoughts on this. Advice from veterans in the know is especially appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Oleanshoebox
08-03-07, 10:03 PM
put the spacers wherever you want. when you get it dialed, cut the steer tube to the right length and be happy.
cyccommute
08-03-07, 10:09 PM
put the spacers wherever you want. when you get it dialed, cut the steer tube to the right length and be happy.

I concur. With the spacers on top of the stem you still need about 3mm above the top of the steerer to get the proper bearing loading.

croscoe
08-03-07, 10:46 PM
Thanks guys. I went for a quick spin and it made a world of difference with the flipped and lower stem.