Bicycle Mechanics - spacer between headset and stem?

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JeroldLopez
09-04-07, 07:39 PM
Does the stem need to sit on a spacer or can it sit right on top of the top of the headset? I want to lower my stem on the steerer tube. If I do need a spacer, I'll go out and get a 1mm so I can get it as low as I can.

Thanks,
Jerold

orange leader
09-04-07, 08:00 PM
Does the stem need to sit on a spacer or can it sit right on top of the top of the headset? I want to lower my stem on the steerer tube. If I do need a spacer, I'll go out and get a 1mm so I can get it as low as I can.

Thanks,
Jerold

I'm assuming you have a threadless stem system?
Your stem does not have to have spacers below it. The spacers are there because it's cheaper for the bike company to make steerers of fewer lengths, and just put spacers in if a steerer tube is too long; and also maybe so you can lower your stem if it's higher than you like (but more likely the previous reason pulls more weight with a large bike company).
But DON't toss out your spacers, you'll still need them to hold your stem/headset assembly tightly together. Just flip flop the order of your spacers and stem until your stem is at the height that you want (appropriate spacers above the stem, then put the cap back on and retighten.

If you want to cut your steerer tube down shorter, THEN you can get rid of those spacers, but not before.