Threaded quill to threadless - spacers needed?
11-30-16, 10:18 PM
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Threaded quill to threadless - spacers needed?
Switching from a threaded to "threadless" quill. When adding the stem do I need to add spacers? If I raise the quill, do I need spacers between the steerer cap and quill? I'm guessing no to either. Doesn't seem like the cap actually presses down onto the stem and the quill grips the steerer tube anyways but thought I'd check with the pros on here. Pic to describe what I'm talking about.
Last edited by zze86; 11-30-16 at 10:22 PM.
11-30-16, 10:20 PM
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No spacers needed. The quill adapter tightens in the steerer tube just like a quill stem and the threadless stem tightens on the top of the adapter.
11-30-16, 10:22 PM
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No, you should not need spacers, at least on the two I have installed. While some may look down on these adapters, I just installed one and found it plus the new stem to weigh no more than what was removed and I like the flexibility to choose different angle stems.
11-30-16, 10:28 PM
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So true. I'm converting a flat bar to a drop bar and there are soooo many more options as far as stem angle, length and bar geometry that unless you are trying to keep a certain aesthetic it makes no sense not to.
12-01-16, 05:09 PM
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The purpose of spacers in modern "threadless" headsets is to transfer preload pressure from cap (often plus star nut) through the stem onto the headset bearings
Since the adapter is just a quill, and you aren't actually changing anything about the mechanics of the headset, you don't need spacers as Hillrider said.
Since the adapter is just a quill, and you aren't actually changing anything about the mechanics of the headset, you don't need spacers as Hillrider said.
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12-01-16, 05:41 PM
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Not needed but to me a couple of aluminum 1" spacers filling that narrow section of the stem adapter could improve the appearance if that is of any importance to you.
12-02-16, 10:09 AM
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12-02-16, 07:51 PM
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I just bought these examples last week, just examples of the what is available in 1", 1 1/8", carbon, Al polished and black, even colors:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Search for 'headset spacer'.
Leisesturm, I have one of those in a parts box somewhere, it it will never go on a bike after installing it for about 10 seconds on a Davidson.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Search for 'headset spacer'.
Leisesturm, I have one of those in a parts box somewhere, it it will never go on a bike after installing it for about 10 seconds on a Davidson.
Last edited by easyupbug; 12-02-16 at 08:00 PM.
03-02-21, 12:26 AM
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I was seeing that curved flange in some of the adapters I was looking at, and wanted to avoid it because I like the cleanup that the spacers give. I bet you could find a rubber or even colored silicone/urethane o-ring that would seat in that groove nicely and solve that problem aesthetically at least.
