Hi, I am replacing a stem for a shorter one. I have never done this before. Which of the three below is correct or are none correct? Thanks.


Before replacing the stem, just after removing the top cap. Is the gap from the top of the stem to the steering tube too high?


After installing the new stem and removing one spacer.



After installing the new stem, removing 2 spacers, replacing one spacer on the top. Is this preferred, I believe I read somewhere that you have to do this for carbon steering tubes, and it is a good idea on steel and aluminum too. Now it is more than 1/4" lower, not sure that is what I want.


Thanks for any input.

Mike

You need a little space to accommodate using the spacers and if the tube reached the top of the stem, you might not be able to properly tighten the screw before it tops out.

Adjust the spacers until the bars are at the height that feels right for you. For example, if when you are climbing hard and your front wheel jumps up and off the pavement, lower the stem by removing spacers below it and place that same spacer over top of it.

In other words, you are good to go, barring any height adjustments.

That third pic looks good, but it depends how sucked-together tightening the stem cap makes it. If the stem cap bolt sucks the steerer tube up to the top (to be flush with) the top of the stem, you need more space. That looks pretty good though...give it a shot. If you tighten the stem cap bolt and there's no play when rocking the bike with the front brake fully depressed, you're good to go...center your stem and tighten it from there and you're golden.

Thanks NYMXer and daepee, I will tighten things up and go for a spin and see how it feels.

All else; add a 10mm spacer on top Under the cap. for the preload downward force to Function
(after loosening the stem's bolts.)

the cap adjustment Cannot function if it Bottoms out on the end of the steerer tube.

Run a straight edge across the top of the steerer tube through the clamp gap, if it touches the steerer tube at 2 points and clears the clamp bolt it is low enough. Too low can be remedied with a spacer above the stem or a different top cap.

I had to add a 1mm spacer and all is good now. Thanks for the replies!