Originally Posted by
12strings
You are understanding my description correctly, but my other online research over the last hour has led me to believe that cyclo-commute is correct...the design of a thread-less stem set-up is such that the top cap compresses the stem and spacers together to tighten up the whole thing.
So, while it IS possible that I may be able to press the stem down pretty tight, and then tighten it so that the stearing tube is held in place enough to function, it is not really the way it is designed to work, and could lead to failure.
Thanks.
huey is theoretically correct that headset adjustment can be done without using the top cap and spacers for compression but it's an unreliable technique. cyccommute is "more right:" as reliably and properly setting the headset adjustment is far better done using the top cap and bolt working on stacked spacers. As long as there is a 3 mm or so gap so the top of the steerer is below either the top of the stem or the top of a spacer above the stem adjustment is easy.