Patriot

Dumb question.

But, wouldn't it provide a more stable and secure setup, if the steerer tube was simply measured and the spacer was cut in one piece instead of using a series of them?

I can't help but think, that if you have a bunch of small spacers, it wouldn't be as "solid feeling", or might be more problematic, than if you just had one solid spacer. Also, would probably look a little nicer.

sydney

You are thinking too hard.

late

You bet,
I have had similar thoughts. Two problems. The first is you lose convenience. If you want a lower (higher) stem, it takes about a minute to swap a spacer in or out. The second one is that if you're serious about adding strength you need to have close tolerances. That makes it much harder to go on or off. I still like the idea, if I ever get everything perfect, I might do it.

Patriot

I just figure after you've ridden your bike for a while, and know the exact size of spacer you need, it might be more solid, and more asthetic to have just one solid spacer instead of a bunch of little ones.

No, I'm not thinking to hard. I try not to do that. But here at work, on Thanksgiving day with no one around, I do contemplate ideas, and spend a bit of time on the forum here.

khuon

I personally would rather have a single 20mm spacer rather than the 2x10mm I have now. But the thing is, multiple spacers have never really given me a problem. Once seated properly, they should be fine. Yes, I could go out and buy a 20mm spacer but why bother? The other thing is that the OD size of my spacers is perfect against my Chris King headset and other spacers I've seen are just a tad too small leaving a bit of a lip showing on the headset. If I could find a single 1" 20mm carbon spacer that was the proper OD then I'd consider replacing my 2x10mm spacers.

Retro Grouch 

That's what I did. After I cut an 1 1/4" carbon steerer tube for a friend of mine I noticed that the id and od of the piece that I had cut off was almost exactly the same as the spacers for my road bike's 1" fork. I took out my saw guide and cut a custom carbon spacer that was exactly the right size to fit my bike.

roadfix

Thank God, my bikes are equipped with quill stems. (except for my Mtb's)

Patriot

Quill stems........

That's a whole 'nother discussion. I almost wish they figured out how to make them lighter and more modern, as I personally think they are easier to work with.

I wonder if LBS's can cut spacers to the size wanted.

AndrewP

Since the spacers are always under compression, to keep the bearings in place, a stack is as good as a single spacer.