Do you need a small spacer between stem and headset?

dw300
dw300 Posts: 1,642
edited November 2013 in Workshop
Just wondered if it was a performance/reliability thing or just to save the paint.
All the above is just advice .. you can do whatever the f*ck you wana do!
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Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    how would it save the paint?
    it all comes down to fit.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • Rightarmbad
    Rightarmbad Posts: 216
    If you have a Trek, then the answer is Yes on some models.
    Without a spacer the steerer can crack/break.

    Details from your well informed Trek dealer.
    Only some models require this.
  • majormantra
    majormantra Posts: 2,094
    Official bike mechanic answer is: follow the fork manufacturer's recommendations.

    Unoffical answer is: bike manufacturers have to cover themselves. Plenty of people ignore the recommendations, but do so at your own risk.
  • londoncommuter
    londoncommuter Posts: 1,550
    Do you mean spacer above the stem? Opinion is divided on this but seems a reasonably good idea to have one to stop the top of the stem compressing the top of the steerer. Maybe makes no difference but a 5mm spacer on top doesn't look that offensive so what's the harm?

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