Structurally it's OK to remove it as it doesn't add any strength, although the reason it's there is to keep moisture, sweat, dirt etc out of the headset. Some discussion here http://204.187.14.165/...rum.cgi?post=3751410 and here http://204.187.14.165/...ing_covers._P4939532

you can get very low rise ones instead too

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Kat Hunter reports on the San Dimas Stage Race from inside the GC winning team
Aeroweenie.com -Compendium of Aero Data and Knowledge
Freelance sports & outdoors writer Kathryn Hunter

Yes, I've done it. Make sure the split tapered ring is still in the top bearing.

You're going to have to pay attention to the headset though. I trashed my last season because of it.

jaretj

I am in the process of changing out the cone shaped cover and going with a flat version. I did not want to just leave it uncovered which you can do but it gets way more contaminents in there. That being said, the bearings are sealed but I wanted the additional coverage.

I looked on Ebay for a new lower cover and the shortest one I could find on there was 7.5mm or half of the original one but I still wanted shorter so I ended up buying this one from VeloFlyte as it is the lowest one I could find.

Thanks very much for all the information. I'm thinking veloflyte is the way to go :) Much appreciated.

So I got my spacer in the mail today. It is a nice piece of kit. I did get the UD finish and it arrived with two spacers. I had to use one of the spacers. I will get some pictures soon. I was able to get my stem 15mm lower than stock which was great as I really needed the stem lower now that I am running a full aerobar set up on my road bike for a couple of sprint distance races.