Oval 313 stem gap
 

Is this a normal gap between the clamp face and the stem main body on the oval 313?

Trying to make sure I had the right size stem. My handlebar is 31.8 mm and I can't find any indication that those oval concept 313 stems came in a different size. But it's the first I've ever seen a gap like that I can remember compared to my other bikes/ stems. Want to make sure I'm not about to kill myself because I was stubborn and decided to do this thing at home with stems I had lying around.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...5b5c5b1605.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...419c3074c2.jpg

Is this the same question from "Madone question"?

What does the gap at the bottom of the stem faceplate look like? If it is smaller, loosen the bottom faceplate bolts and then tighten the top bolts an equal amount

Same OP

It's quite similar... So that's normal?

If we're supposed to help you determine whether the stem is appropriate for a 31.8mm bar, you're showing us the wrong view. Do the concave stem surfaces mate perfectly (=flush) with the handlebar? Also, when you screwed in the bolts, did they go a ways into the opposing threads? In other words, did they get sufficient purchase? If the answers to these Qs are both "yes," you're probably fine.

The surface is quite flush. I realized that and took it for a test ride. It felt very stable. I also found some pictures of the stem online and it seems to typically have this gap. Thank you for the help!

I went through my stash of stems at home, and all of the removable-face stems have some gap when installed.
Modern stems come in two primarily sizes 31.8, and 25.6, with 31.8 being the far more common, particularly on ‘LBS grade’ bikes.

There also exists 35 mm (D/H MTB) and 22.2 BMX, but all of those sizes are far enough apart that it is really obvious that you’ve got a mismatch. It’ll either rattle around in the clamp, or it won’t even go in, there’s no ‘almost’


*I’m sure someone will point out that 26.0 is really close to 25.6, but that hasn’t been used for almost 40 years, and then only in France, so it’s highly unlikely to find, unless you traffic heavily in imported vintage bikes