When installing forks, could you use a Hed Doctor to pre-load the headset (as normal), tighten the stem clamp up, but then remove the hed doctor and top cap? Presumably the stem will be held rigidly enough onto the steerer so that the top cap is only needed during installation?

Cheers

Yes.

As in, yes it could be done.

Sounds like a good way to apple core yourself to be honest.

you first…

Sounds like a good way to apple core yourself to be honest.

Not if you’ve no spacers above the stem.

I can’t see the point though, really.

I’m running one bike like it at the moment and wanted to be sure it’s ‘ok’. The top of the steerer is below the top of the stem so no apple core incidents I hope.

I’ve run out of SFNs and wanted to ride straight away!

Cheers

Seen what the end of a handlebar, including grip, without a spacer will do if you land on it, not recommended.

What would hold the spacers on?

the stem above them…

Seen what the end of a handlebar, including grip, without a spacer will do if you land on it, not recommended.

Seen what the stem can do to your nuts with or without a stem cap?!

It’s a good idea until you crash and bend your bars around and then it works the headset loose when you straighten it up

Taff, the principle and the result would be similar, messy.

As well as the issues with headset loosening in the event of a crash.

There was some random bmx video where they gut managed to remove half his little finger with the end of the bars 😯

In theory it works fine but in reality without the top cap as well I’ve found headsets always work loose quickly.