so I tried flipping my stem and it wasn't comfortable for me. I want to lower my bars by a couple spacers now. is there a way to not put the spacer back on top after taking it out? I think when when people lower their stems and have a stack of 5 spacers sitting on top looks ridiculous. I'm not the most mechanically inclined person so I just wanted to make sure I was doing it correctly. If there is a way to lower my stem without having spacers sitting on top that would be idea for me.

cut the steer tube down. Hose clamp can act as a guide, or get the correct tool

You either have to put the spacers on top of the stem or you have to cut the steer tube.

ok, thanks!

Put them on top.

Only alternative is to cut your steerer. You should NOT do this.

PS make gradual adjustments, drop it one spacer every one or two weeks. If no spacers left, flip and put spacers on bottom...keep lowering if desired

Put the spacers on top until you are sure thats where you want it and either cut the steerer tube yourself or have a good LBS do it. I cut mine down using the mentioned hose clamp guide and checked the fork manufacturers recommendations for proper length many times before I cut. Nerve racking for sure.

A bike shop can cut the steering tube after you find the correct spacing that suits you.

good to know. Done and done. thanks for the quick help!

But don't rush into it.

What is cut cannot be uncut.

A couple of dorky looking spacers is cheaper than a new fork.

I agree with the "don't cut" camp as I have 15mm of spacers above the stem of my 2 month-old bike.

However, for argument's sake if I had a typical 6 deg stem and suddenly realized I needed higher bars after cutting my steerer tube I would not buy a new fork. I would buy a 17-20 deg stem!

Once you have decided the level you want, consider leaving one spacer above. This makes a nice cradle for your Garmin ( you do have a Garmin, right?) and the device sits flush with the top of the steering tube.

If you ever want to sell the bike it might be best not to cut the steerer tube.

Spacers on top until you are sure.

I've had spacers on top on my new bike since June now... my fitter and I disagree about where the bars should be, so I won't cut it until I'm 100% sure (that he's wrong).

I don't want to jack this thread, but: What's the point of lowering your handle bars? Just Wondering.

Ummmmmmmm... you can reach down and clear debris from your front tire more easily while riding. Duh.

Makes riding too comfortable if you don't.

Bike fit.

Lots of variables (saddle height and fore-aft, handlebar angle and design, stem length and angle) and this one of them.

Sell (or donate) the extra spacers to me for my new build? :-)

Generally, when you read about it here, it's due to either looking at the setup in a photo of a professional (and then thinking yours needs to look like that too), or they went on a ride and someone said something.

Self fit threads are the best. Fit is not the result of trying to look like Jens Voight.

Yes, but then again, riding straight up, like a boat sail isn't exactly the goal either.

Aerodynamics (mostly).

Ha! Boat Sail!

Cut forks...put spacers in plastic zip bag and store.

Guess what? It still won't be comfortable for you!

Flipping stem puts the bar in the same position as removing spacers.