Forum menu
Just got a new stem and it seems to be marginally shorter than the previous one where it's clamping the steerer. As a result, the top cap is not pressing down onto it, it's just pressing against the top of the steerer and there's no preload to be applied.
What's the solution? Is it possible to cut the steerer down by an arse hair, or do I need a really thin spacer? Also, if I just leave the top cap off, clamp the stem whilst pressing down as best I can and go out and ride, are there any short term problems with doing this?
Hi Garry,
have you tried putting a spacer below the stem. That should give you enough purchase with the headset bolt and keep things nice and tidy above the stem.
Spacer.
+1 for a spacer.
Thanks. I have a few 5 mm spacers but didn't think of using one because the steerer is only sticking up by about a mm. Now that you say it, though, it will obviously work 😳