Hopefully somebody can reassure me. :confused:

I mailordered a Ritchey WCS road stem (25,4-26 mm diameter, not oversized), to hold my Ritchey Biomax Pro handlebar (straight, not oversized).

I installed the stem 'pointing downwards' (as opposed to 'rising'). The zig-zagged cut-out (which, it seems, provides additional grip between the stem and the bar-clamp) is thus held in place by the lower two bolts. After also tightening the two upper bolts, it appears that the clamp doesn't make it all the way to the stem (as was the case with the previous Ritchey Pro stem). With the bar firmly tightened, there remains a gap (through which you can see the bar and the two bolts).

The bike rides fine like this. But it doesn't look particularly nice (and I would rather not flip the stem). And, esthetics aside, I worry about safety. Is this normal; are these components compatible? Is this to accommodate different handlebar diameters and is mine just a bit 'too wide'?

By the way, my stem has black-and-white decals. You also encounter WCS parts with the rainbow colours. Does anybody know what's the deal?

Thanks in advance for your insights...

Bruco: All is well. I have a little gap on the stem of my K2 as well. Don't sweat it.

Zack

Bruco,
WCS parts is real top notch stuff. I would not be concerned with the safety aspect unless you bungled the installation. Providing you got a even gap all around with the plate and bar, and the headset adjusted properly you have no concerns. It would have helped if you ordered a negative rise stem to begin with then your "astetics" problem would not be in the conversation. Component compatability is important with the drivetrain, and only in the cockpit when clamp (bar) diameter becomes an issue.

Thanks, Zack and Hunter, for your comforting replies!

:confused: I was not aware of negative/positive rise stems... I thought you just flip the stem and that's it. The three options I had while ordering (from a German website) were (a) stem length; (b) clamp diameter (normal versus oversized) and (c) degree (17° or 6°).

i had no idea there was supposed to be no gap! all bikes i've seen have the gap!!!

Well, from your post and the other comments in this thread, I conclude that I was making unnecessary fuss.

The reason for doing so, was that my previous Ritchey Pro stem clamp did fit very neatly. That looked better and seemed to me more 'solid'. Last days' rides indicate that there is nothing wrong.