I just purchased an Enve Stem/Bar and was attempting to install it myself and made a discovery. Is it recommended to also replace the steering tube plug (or whatever it's called) as well? The top cap that came with the bike (stock fork) seems a bit oversized for the Enve stem. Here are some images to show what I mean:





Does that look fine or should I be purchasing something like this to use instead?

Fork Compression Plug - ENVE Composites

Thanks in advance.

found this pic if it helps

It looks to me as though the top cap (regardless of how it fits cosmeticly) is bottomed out on the steerer end/top of plug. If so then the function of drawing up the bearings will not fully happen, a loose headset bearing results. Adding one more thin spacer (maybe a couple/three mms thick) under the stem will raise the stem's top surface above that of the steerer/plug. Then the cap will seat fully on the stem and the bolt will draw up the steerer completely. Andy

Looks like a pot with the wrong lid.

Thanks for the advice. After researching it you are indeed correct. The stem should be a tiny bit higher to allow the top cap to sit correctly (like the image below).



The image is from this video, and he says that exact thing @ 2:53.


Looks like I need to add another small spacer. I'll update when I get it assembled properly.

My guess would be that the stack height of the ENVE stem (i.e. the distance between the top and the bottom of the part that clamps onto the steerer tube) is smaller than the stem it replaced, so yes, either recut your fork or add a spacer (if possible).

I had to do the same to mine, used a 5mm spacer on top of the stem and then everything fit nice and looked good.