When do I start pulling spacers from my handlebar/stem stack?
04-13-16 | 07:28 AM
#28
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 702
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From: PA
Bikes: 2015 CAAD 10; 2016 Felt Z85
No. You have to cut the steerer tube to remove the spacers properly. For a short time it's ok to leave them on top, but not long term. The stem clamp would then be unsupported.
So for this reason alone, leave the damn spacers where they are until your fitter tells you otherwise. Measure (with a fitter) twice, cut once.
So for this reason alone, leave the damn spacers where they are until your fitter tells you otherwise. Measure (with a fitter) twice, cut once.
I believe the only reason to remove spacers from above the bars is to avoid (in the case of some sort of freak crash) your breast bone cracking into this dull spear. By cutting the stem and having minimal stuff above the bar, in the case of such an incident the width of your entire chest would be more able to absorb the blow against the handle bar.
...the idea is like laying on a bed of nails, rather than just one nail.
One nail would pierce you, but on a bed of nails your weight would be distributed in a way that you wouldn't get pierced at all.
...at least that's the way I see it.
04-13-16 | 01:48 PM
#29
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,203
Likes: 66
From: DFW
Bikes: 2016 Cannondale Synapse 105, 2016 Salsa Pony Rustler X01
That's not what we've been saying. We are repeating what the designers of that particular stem and headset system proscribe. The stem clamp will be unsupported if you leave the spacers above the stem (since the cap can't get down far enough and expand to support the tube from inside). This could lead to the steerer tube cracking. This has zero to do with accident protection for the rider (other than maybe preventing an accident where your steerer snaps off)..
04-14-16 | 06:23 AM
#30
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 3,466
Likes: 7
Bike felt way better and even slightly faster with the stem flipped. Will rip out the spacers soon enough, really I think I'd be better suited on a more aggressively positioned bike to begin with. N+1 right?
