Bicycle Mechanics - How do I adjust my adjustable stem, do I need shims?

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tonyc
07-10-04, 05:08 AM
I read that my Cannondale H300 has an adjustable stem, I'm 6'7" so I want to raise quite a bit. When you raise the stem do you need extra shims to fill the space? Where would I get some?

Thanks

Grampy™
07-10-04, 06:40 AM
You may need to go see your dealer. Did they fit the bike to you when you bought it? If you bought it used, it may never fit you no matter what modifications you make. There are a whole bunch of other variables too...... go see your/a dealer.
madpogue
07-12-04, 10:33 AM
Depends on what's meant by "adjustable". First, we need to know if you've got a quill stem / threaded headset or a threadless stem/headset. If it's the former, then no, there are no shims involved; you can raise the height of the stem up to the limit marked upon it (DON'T go past it; this is a safety factor). If it's the latter, and there are spacers above the stem on the steerer tube, you can raise the stem by putting the spacers below it. Unless you know what you're doing, though, this is something I'd leave to the fellas at the LBS. Maybe that's what you were thinking of wrt. "shims".

Second, "adjustable" wrt stems often means that the angle of the stem wrt. the headtube can be adjusted on a pivot. This affects both the rise and [i]reach of the stem (as it's angled up, the rise increases, but the reach decreases). For this adjustment, there's no shimming; generally, you lossen an allen bolt, set the position and tighten.