Hi !
I have replaced my stem on my Fuji Rubaix , swapped from a 90 mm to a 70 mm Pz racing stem. The bike has an alloy steerer with a carbon fork.
My new stem seems to be a tight fit, and not a slide down. I applied some grease and checked for burrs. The stock stem is smooth on installation.

Is this a matter of concern ?
Am i damaging anything.

rgds

Reputation?

You're probably not hurting anything. Consider how tight it is on the steerer with the bolts tightened. I'd "adjust" it though. Too tight a slip fit might make adjustments a little difficult. You could either hone the id, or use a wedge to widen the gap on the clamp.

Here's a trick for next time: Take out the stem bolts and screw them in from the other side, then stick a penny/dime in the slot so that the bolt pushes on it and expands the stem slightly (just a tiny bit). You should then be able to slide it on/off easily.

This is good. I've always just wedged a flathead in the slot.

Hi !
Great Idea Ibis, thanks ! Just a query would this permanently increase the gap or just for the present, cause with a little pressure from my hand the stem does move quite freely. Its not Super free , thats my only concern.

Temporary, then you flip the bolt back and tighten it down.

As long as it's free enough to slide smoothly when using the top cap to adjust the headset, it's fine. I wouldn't flex it open, just keep it greased to prevent corrosion. If you feel it's too tight, just work it side to side a bit (while greased) to wear it in a tiny bit.

Givne the choice, I'd rather have the tight precise fit you have, than a sloppy fit.

Thanks FBBinny, that certainly helps, I was a little nervous about flexing it.