steerer queries
Hi there Registered
The little cap on top of the steerer not only keeps rubbish and water and nose drippings out of the fork, it is also used to provide the slight preload necessary on the headset bearings before the stem is tightened on the tube. So without the cap you can't do anything with the stem without losing this preload. They are not expensive. They often come with replacement headset bearings. Get your LBS to cut the top of the tube off or alternatively you may want to check your bike fit and install a spacer ring or two under the stem to get the stem at the correct height relative to the seat. This will take up the extra. In other words don't be to quick to cut it off. You can't stick it back on again. Enjoy the bike.