It's safe, just doesn't look as cool. A number of pro mechanics in europe still put a spacer above, apparently they feel the carbon steerers are less likely to crack that way.

Moving spacers on the steerer WILL move he base bar. The only way to change your aero position without moving the base bar is to change the distance between the elbow pads and the base bar. Often this requires a different clip-on (not all of them have adjustment built in).

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I personally think it's a good idea to have a spacer or two above the stem. You never know when you might want your bars higher. When setting my bike up for many months to come of late-night trainer rides, I was glad I had the extra height. I flipped my stem up and moved it as high as it would go so that the bars are at a nice high and comfortable height. No need to be so aero on the trainer.

I keep two spacers above the stem. You never know when you need a higher position. I have seen as many as five (in a magazine article illustration), but I think this was because the rider using this bike and was to send it back.

1 to 2cm above and any more makes it a 'bagel holder!'

If there is a plug meant to reinforce the clamped area of the steerer where the stem attaches then there is a risk of crushing the steerer tube. You should NEVER have more than 90mm of exposed steerer above the top of the headset.

Measure twice, cut once.

SD

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