Do I need a shorter stack headset/stem combo? (Photos)

scrumpydave

Here are some photos.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/zgn7yz8jyeafons/2012-09-09%2009.45.57.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/oklm1d2logjrcri/2012-09-09%2009.46.56.jpg

The gap is less than half the width of my thumb. I estimate it to be about 8mm.

The headset stack height is 30mm and the stem stack height is 40mm.

So is this gap too big? How small can I get away with? Do I need really need to be using a spacer?

And if so can anyone recommend any decent (but not ridiculously expensive) short stack headsets/stems?

Thanks

Dave

nicklouse

is the top of the steerer above or below the top bolt axis?

if above it is ok.

benpinnick

Hard to tell as Nicklouse says. You could get a 23-25mm tsack height headset, try looking on CRC for a cheap (its all relative mind) Crank Bros one. No you dont need any spacers.

scrumpydave

Thanks for the replies. Unfortunately the top of the steerer is below the top bolt axis so I guess I need to do something. I've got a preference for replacing the stem rather than the headset because the stem is a pretty cheapo one. If I don't need a spacer then I guess I only need to find 3mm or so for it to be OK.

So I think something like this would do the job:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=73612

Although it would change the dynamics of the bike!

benpinnick

Better to go with something like this: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=24984

That will save you 9mm on the stack height, freeing up stem choice for the future.

scrumpydave

That was what I was looking at last night. The reviews put my off a little though.

Would this not solve the problem? Should get me 5mm back.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=34533

I'm not fussy about future choice. I just want something that will work. A 3mm gap should be acceptable I would have thought.