Stem lowest position on headset?

Arghyrou
Arghyrou Posts: 155
edited July 2011 in Workshop
Hey, took my bike in for a checkup yesterday at my lbs, wanting an aero position (and comfortable) I have my stem straight after the start of the headset with no spacers. Lbs said it wasnt a good idea :? ? Is that true and why? Cheers

Comments

  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    I have all my bikes that way - it is in fact stronger but recommendation these days is to have a narrow spacer on top of the stem when using a carbon steerer.
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • daviesee
    daviesee Posts: 6,386
    You can have the stem as low as you like but always keep a spacer above it.

    Why, you ask.

    In case a future stem is a few mm higher. You don't want to have to get a new fork.
    None of the above should be taken seriously, and certainly not personally.
  • Yossie
    Yossie Posts: 2,600
    daviesee wrote:
    You can have the stem as low as you like but always keep a spacer above it.

    Why, you ask.

    In case a future stem is a few mm higher. You don't want to have to get a new fork.


    Isn't it also something about preloading headset bearings and the current recommendation is to leave 5mm or something above the top of the steerer? Or am I utterly wrong?

    Many apols if i am - please don't shout at me!
  • balthazar
    balthazar Posts: 1,565
    edited July 2011
    Yossie wrote:
    daviesee wrote:
    You can have the stem as low as you like but always keep a spacer above it.

    Why, you ask.

    In case a future stem is a few mm higher. You don't want to have to get a new fork.


    Isn't it also something about preloading headset bearings and the current recommendation is to leave 5mm or something above the top of the steerer? Or am I utterly wrong?

    Many apols if i am - please don't shout at me!

    It's not to do with bearing preload – it's because many think it's a better structural practice not to clamp the steerer tube right on its end (slightly overhanging, in fact). A small spacer prevents this at no cost except a little aesthetic jarring.

    Combined with the above-mentioned option of a different future stem, I think it's a good idea, on balance.
  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    I can't think of a compelling reason to have a spacer below the stem.

    Keeping one above it does make sense as discussed above.
  • BG2000
    BG2000 Posts: 517
    There is one reason...

    I've seen some low rise/road stems where the main shaft of the stem almost touches the edge of the top headset cup and headtube if fitted without a spacer. This was only an issue with integrated headsets. So in these cases, a 2mm spacer would be OK. This might explain the general rule that shops are applying.
  • Arghyrou
    Arghyrou Posts: 155
    cheers guys, yep I've got space above for the new stem and it seems alright so ill keep it like this, thanks.

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