end cap on stem
07-21-06, 04:58 PM
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end cap on stem
I bought a new stem for my redline monocog. I have everything switched out but the hex bolt that goes through the stem cover to hold it in place isnt long enough. I can't purchase a new one tonight. My questions are: Is it safe to ride without it being on, what does it do, is buying a longer bolt the simplest solution? Thanks for the help
07-21-06, 05:02 PM
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Once you have the stem / fork / headset properly tensioned (using the top cap), and the stem clamp bolts have been tightened to their final torque, the top cap ceases doing anything.
You can ride with it uninstalled, if you wish. However, if your fork gets cranked on a ride, you'll have no way of re-tensioning everything.
You can ride with it uninstalled, if you wish. However, if your fork gets cranked on a ride, you'll have no way of re-tensioning everything.
07-21-06, 05:21 PM
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SO it properly tensions the stem? SO I should tension the top cap first and then the stem? Or is it stem>topcap>done.
07-21-06, 05:23 PM
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What kind of fork are you using?
I'm thinking that your new stem must be a little taller than your old one. That's why your top cap bolt isn't reaching down far enough. Simply installing a longer bolt might not be a good solution.
Look at where the pinch bolts on your stem fit relative to the top of your fork. You'd like for them to be located a little below the top of the fork and, if you have a carbon steerer, it's important that they not crush the top of the steerer tube.
The simplest solution might be to remove a stack spacer from under your stem.
I'm thinking that your new stem must be a little taller than your old one. That's why your top cap bolt isn't reaching down far enough. Simply installing a longer bolt might not be a good solution.
Look at where the pinch bolts on your stem fit relative to the top of your fork. You'd like for them to be located a little below the top of the fork and, if you have a carbon steerer, it's important that they not crush the top of the steerer tube.
The simplest solution might be to remove a stack spacer from under your stem.
07-21-06, 05:47 PM
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Nope, top cap first, then stem pinch bolts.
The top cap preloads your headset bearings, compressing them between your stem and your fork's crown. For this to work effectively, your the pinch bolts on your stem must be completely loose.
Once you have the desired amount of preload on the headset bearings, only then should you tighten the stem pinch bolts. At this point, the clamping force of the stem against the steerer tube holds the tension, and your top cap (and top cap bolt and star nut) are out of the picture.
The top cap preloads your headset bearings, compressing them between your stem and your fork's crown. For this to work effectively, your the pinch bolts on your stem must be completely loose.
Once you have the desired amount of preload on the headset bearings, only then should you tighten the stem pinch bolts. At this point, the clamping force of the stem against the steerer tube holds the tension, and your top cap (and top cap bolt and star nut) are out of the picture.
07-21-06, 07:06 PM
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Originally Posted by icedmocha
I bought a new stem for my redline monocog. I have everything switched out but the hex bolt that goes through the stem cover to hold it in place isnt long enough. I can't purchase a new one tonight. My questions are: Is it safe to ride without it being on, what does it do, is buying a longer bolt the simplest solution? Thanks for the help
I have just omitted that bolt (and the star nut it screws into) on a couple of my own bikes.
See: https://sheldonbrown.org/iro/584/pages/07.htm and https://sheldonbrown.org/thorn
To adjust the headset, I just lean hard on the handlebars while turning them side to side on the steerer to take up the slack, then get them straight while still holding downward hard on one side, and use the other hand to tighten the stem binder bolts onto the steerer.
Sheldon "You Don't Actually Need That" Brown
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07-22-06, 02:10 PM
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Thanks for the help and info! It's people like you that have posted in this thread that makes this a great site! (Is that bad english
?) Thanks again.
?) Thanks again.
07-22-06, 07:44 PM
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Originally Posted by icedmocha
but the hex bolt that goes through the stem cover to hold it in place isnt long enough.
If for some reason the nut got pushed down too far into the steerer, the stem cap bolt would no longer reach. Instead of looking for a longer bolt, you could simply install another star-fangled nut. They probably cost less than a longer bolt. (Be sure to get the right size, either 1" or 1 1/8")
Bob
