Bicycle Mechanics - Installing a new road STEM

Is it hard to install a road stem on a threadless fork?
I'm planning to install the easton EC70 on my Bianchi.

Any feedback appreciated.

Corsaire

Is it hard to install a road stem on a threadless fork?
I'm planning to install the easton EC70 on my Bianchi.

Any feedback appreciated.

Corsaire

I'm actually amazed that this topic has not come up before. Improperly installed, a new stem can ruin your headset (ask me how I know).

The stem will apply the downward pressure required to keep the headset together. Notice that the stem cap is beveled on the bottom so that when it is tightened it will apply this pressure. Here's the order I follow when making changes to my stem;

1. Assemble all spacers and the stem on the post (be aware that you can put spacers above the stem if you want the stem to be mounted lower and the fork is a bit too long).
2. Screw the cap onto the fork and continue screwing just until the wheel meets resistance when moved from side to side.
3. Clamp the stem securely onto the fork.
4. Loosen the cap slightly (no need for it to be too tight once the stem is clamped to the fork).
5. If the wheel does not move freely, you need to readjust by stepping backward and repeating the process with less downward pressure from the cap.
6. Check to see if the headset is loose by clamping the front brake and rocking the bike back and forth making notes of any sounds of clunking.
7. After you have ridden a few miles on the road, check for looseness in the headset again.

All of these adjustments pertain to an aluminum stem. I can't image they're much different for a cf one.

Best of luck!

-mark