Bicycle Mechanics - Just got a new stem - steerer question

Hi all,

I have just got a new stem and it fits on the steerer ok, however there is a bit of steerer left above it. I don't want to cut it so is it ok to just put a spacer on it and then replace the cap?

Thanks

Daven

yes.

Yes, but I always put my spacers under the stem first. So in this order I do it, spacer, stem, top cap.

Hi all,

I have just got a new stem and it fits on the steerer ok, however there is a bit of steerer left above it. I don't want to cut it so is it ok to just put a spacer on it and then replace the cap?

Thanks

Daven

A spacer above the stem doesn't hurt anything. Just make sure the spacer is about 3mm above the steer tube...just like a stem would be.

Oh so a stem is MEANT to be above the steerer slightly? I thought that it shouldn't as then one screw would only have 1/2 a grip on the steerer. Thanks for the help, I just went for a test ride and all seemed well :)

Oh so a stem is MEANT to be above the steerer slightly? I thought that it shouldn't as then one screw would only have 1/2 a grip on the steerer. Thanks for the help, I just went for a test ride and all seemed well :)

The stem should be slightly above the steer tube. 3mm is about 1/8". If the steer tube is flush with the top of the stem, the top cap can't compress the bearings in the headset properly. You'll end up with a loose headset...not a good thing.

The stem should be slightly above the steer tube. 3mm is about 1/8". If the steer tube is flush with the top of the stem, the top cap can't compress the bearings in the headset properly. You'll end up with a loose headset...not a good thing.
Not quite. Something has to be above the steerer but it doesn't have to be the stem. A spacer will do fine as long as the top edge of the steerer is 2-3 mm below what ever is up there.

In fact, for carbon steerers, having the steerer project above the stem is desirable to assure the steerer fully supports the stem. Then a spacer above the stem is used to achieve the needed headset adjustment gap.

Cool :) it is around 3mm above I think. Can't be bothered to start changing around spacers right now so I will see how it goes - if I need more height to the bars I will have to change them around!

But more importantly, are you happy with the height of the stem? Spacers can be placed anywhere, above or below, or combination of both.

The stem should be slightly above the steer tube. 3mm is about 1/8". If the steer tube is flush with the top of the stem, the top cap can't compress the bearings in the headset properly. You'll end up with a loose headset...not a good thing.

Especially if it's a carbon steerer NO part of the stem should be above the steerer. The red line is draw where the uppermost pinch bolt rests - not above the steerer. On a pro assembled floor bike there is nearly always a 5mm spacer on top of the stem before the cap.

Yeah height of stem seems to be ok :) it is lower than the old one, however it has a steeper incline so I think it may level out!