Maximum distance between top of steerer tube and top of stem

thepha5e

I've just got a new stem, it the FSA Gravity 40mm, and the top of the stem is about 8mm above the top of the steerer tube, is this safe?

http://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/805293/
This is my stem, as you can see, it has 3 bolts, so i've just done up the bottom two tight, so i don't crush the top of the steerer tube, do you think it'll be alright?

I'm getting new forks in a few months, so it won't be like this for ages.

Thanks,
James

CraigXXL

It's additional leverage over the top the steerer which could deform it and pull the stem over leaving you with a face that only your mother could love.

thepha5e

what do you mean 'pull the stem over'
and is 8mm that much that that could happen?

CraigXXL

If the tube doesn't reach near the top of the stem or past it then the leverage forces of the stem can pull the clamp up. The top of steerer can deformed by the leverage of the stem too making it easier for the clamp to be forced off.

The Rookie

You say the top of the stem is 8mm above the top of the steerer, where is that compared to the centreline of the top clamp bolt, to me that loks like its about 12+mm down, so what Craig describes won't happen, just do it up and ride!

Simon

mattv

Rule of thumb, as ling as the top of the steerer is at or above the centre of the highest bolt of the stem, all is good.

cavegiant

It'll be fine.

cooldad

What Craig said.
All the bolts should be tensioned equally.