Originally Posted by
UMassAm
they arent on just for sizing?
They do permit sizing if you leave your steerer long but they also position the stem so it's upper edge is above the top of the steerer by 2-3 mm. You must have that gap to allow the top bolt to compress the stem down to preload the headset. Either place enough spacers ABOVE the stem so it forms a gap or cut the steerer down to compensate for the removed spacers.