Need help with lowering my stem
 

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a2.../DSC015042.jpg

so I would like to remove the 5 spacers and leave the large one at the bottom to lower my stem my problems is that what I think is called a star nut is to high can it be lowered? and if I lower and remove the spacers I would need to cut the extra metal that would be exposed, 1 because I would want to for aesthetics 2 because the computer is mounted by being switched between the top cap and stem. so can i lower my start nut and can i cut the extra metal. this is a 08 Caad9 6 if that matters.

Just move spacers from below the stem to over the stem.

The star-nut position only matters when you decide to cut the stem. Then you can move it downward using an appropriately sized deep-well socket and a couple of hammer taps.

I would perfer cutting it, would you suggest not?

What he said. I'd move the spacers first and make sure you like the position before cutting the stem.

-spence

You need a hex wrench (I believe a size "5") but if you are unfamiliar with that, you might want to hold-off cutting anything with a hack saw. And that last spacer must remain.

Also that stem is angled and can be "flipped".

BTW, screw aesthetics. Ride for comfort, speed and efficiency. I wouldn't cut anything before I had ridden in a new position for at least 200miles.

Oh, what brand and model handlebars. I like (look like a short reach, deep drop)

Yes, try it before cutting the stem. Ride at least a month like that first to make sure you're not going to develop some fit issues. After that, if it is a star nut you can tap it down a little more (be careful, you can't pull it back up) and cut the excess material off the top of the steerer (also be careful, measure twice, cut once) to take the extra spacers off.

As for the extra spacer on top recommendation above, I don't think that's very important with metal steerers. It's more crucial with carbon ones... which should be using a compression plug and not a star nut anyway.

ok i flipped my stem and moved the spaces and theirs now a little play in the fork, it wiggles and seems loose what can i do to fix that.

Did you tighten the top cap BEFORE tightening the stem bolts? Basically put, you're adjusting the preload on your headset any time you fiddle with the stem.

Loosen stem bolts.
Tighten preload bolt in fork.
Shake handlebars around to get out any slack.
Make sure preload bolt is still tight and there is no play in headset.
Straighten bars and tighten stem bolts.

that worked nicely, I decided to flip the stem and put all the spacers above the stem so its as low as it can go, ill ride and and move it back up as needed until i find my sweet spot.

my last question is will this mess with the sizing that was done at my lbs

By "sizing", do you mean a pro fit or just a rough estimate? Either way, the short answer is yes it will affect your fit a little. Chances are the reach will feel a little longer and your weight will be a tad forward. But that's why we recommend you try it for a while before cutting anything.

the "mushroom shaped spacer" is the headset. The top part. Don't remove that.. then.. you won't be able to steer, the fork will kind of not work.

a rough estimate at best, so because it wasnt a pro fir this change could be better and could be worse?

No, the mushroom shaped spacer is just that...a spacer.

Yeah, since it wasn't a pro fit then the change is as good a guess as the initial sizing.

Not sure what headset that is, but on my Cane Creek headset that spacer (or a short stack version of it) must be on top of the headset, even though it is in fact a spacer.

Let's see how the new set up looks. Post another pic.

Well I have the same kind on my bike, and it needs to be there. I guess you could remove it and have exposed bearings..

crappy quality(off my phone)

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a2.../bikestem2.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a2...bikestem23.jpg

That's pretty much how my bike looks. Brought it home yesterday, lowered it, took off the pie dish, reflectors, and stickers, before it even left the store.
http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/j...s/IMGP1108.jpg

that's a good looking bike! how do you like it so far? I test rode a defy but it was out of my price range.

You're getting a bit pcad-esque with the amount you're posting your bike.

I haven't gotten to ride it much, except commuting. Unfortunately I had to ride home in the rain today. Nervous about the carbon though, so I wince every time I go through a pot hole or anything.

:lol: it was /cough to show how it looks with the stem /cough.

whats a "pie dish"

The plastic plate between the cassette and the spokes