Once a stem top cap has been tightened the correct amount and the stem has been clamped to the steerer, does the top cap play any role in stem/steerer fit...other than cosmetics? I am assuming that the clamping force of the stem is sufficient to prevent slippage such that the top cap is not expected to keep the stem from movement.

Bottom line.....if I remove the top cap (while everything else is in good shape), do I risk any unseen missalignment before I reinstall it (no ride time while removed).

You could remove and re-install that top cap all you want. The stem clamp bolts are what's keeping everything in place. Nothing is affected while the cap is off or even during re-installation.

None and no. My LBS has a clock that you can replace your stem cap with. There is a link on Sheldon Browns site showing his bike without it. I'll post it if I find it.

Is this clock available elsewhere? Or something your LBS found that works? Sound like a fun add-on (I rarely wear a watch and don't have a 'puter on my bars).

Not sure. I'll check this weekend and post. Didn't find anything on Google.

Specialized used to have a top cap computer mount.

I want the clock... especially if it's analog!

Thanks all....that is what I suspected but wanted some comformation.

The top cap does help keep rain out of the steerer tube.

I thought steerer tubes were open at the bottom, so what harm would rain in the steerer tube do?

No top cap + drinking straw = insta-water reservoir!

Yeah, it is. Neat looking thing. I may get one myself. I'll post pictures of it when I get it and also a source.

You can also replace the cap with something from Purely Custom.

Here's some more:
Fast Freddy

Niner makes a cap that holds any beer bottle cap.

A cleaner setup but I've done the same in the past by using some silicone adhesive directly on top of the existing cap.

Ok, here it is. Picked up one today.


Here's a link to their site. https://www.blackwellresearch.com/accessories.htm

None whatsoever. You could ever remove the bolt and star nut if you're feeling particularly weight-weenie-ish.

Though you'll have a hell of a time servicing the headset in the field if you do that

Isn't the cap used to adjust headset? I've had to adjust mine before on a ride. How could you do this without the bolt?

Steel and Al forks have the steerer tube open at the bottom but all of the carbon forks I've owned, (Kestrel and Easton) with both steel and carbon steerers, have blind steerers that are closed at the bottom.

The clock thing uses the bolt. It's under the clock.

Yup, I'm getting one!!!

You couldn't Removing the cap and bolt is only for weight weenies who want to risk not being able to service their headset in the field...

My friend has one of these on his bike. I think the company you are talking about is called stemcaptain. I checked out their site (www.stemcaptain.com). It looks like they are selling a clock and a thermometer. Pretty cool.

mph999 -

In the future it helps to check the last post on a thread before jumping in. In this instance, the last post was in January of 2007.