Moving spacers around on headset

Hitby

Hi,

I've just realised that there was a spacer above my stem on my bike and I've had a little bit of lower back pain on longer rides. I've moved the spacer below the stem now as I assume that will put me more upright and release a bit of pressure from my spine. I just wanted to make sure that the lbs didn't build my bike with the spacers the way they were for a reason. I can move them about right?

Cheers

nicklouse

they may have done so but you will find out when you change it.

The Northern Monkey

Yep not a problem.

Just make sure there is around a 2mm gap between the top of the steerer and the top of the stem... the top of the steerer should also clear the top stem bolt.

nicklouse

bigbenj_08 wrote:

Yep not a problem.

oh the novice.

there could be a very good reason that there is a spacer on top.

the top cap may not fit the stem without one.

Hitby

Thanks, I've already moved them and it seems ok, I just wanted to make sure.

Before:



After:



Looking at 'stock' pictures of the bike it seems like Marin built it with the stem at the top of the stack. I don't know if that makes a difference?

The Northern Monkey

oh look... it worked..

remember to tighten the top cap 1st to preload the bearings before tightening the stem bolts

nicklouse

bigbenj_08 wrote:

oh look... it worked..

yep but luck with out pics. it does not work in ALL cases.

Hitby

On a somewhat related note, from the bottom of the headset to the top of the steerer tube measures 220mm, I assume this is my steerer tube length. Does that mean that I could replace with the fork with a 220mm steerer, or lose a spacer and get one with a 210mm steerer?

tia

supersonic

Yes.

If the spacers are 10mm.

Hitby

Thanks everyone 8)