1 1/8 spacers on a 1 inch steerer tube

Triathlon Forum
1

I have a 1 inch carbon steerer, and a have a small 1 inch spacer under the stem. The stem is a 1 1/8 stem with an aluminum shim in it, as is standardly used. I don’t have the correct size(s) of 1 inch spacers to make the top of the steerer tube come out just right with this particular stem…but, using a couple of thin 1 1/8 inch spacers on top of the stem fits just right so the top cap snugs the stem down nicely. I don’t want to cut the steerer tube, nor buy more 1 inch spacers until I find out if the new stem gives me the position I’m after.

My question is, since that top cap just preloads the bearings, and the two screws in the stem actually do the work, is it OK to use these 1 1/8 inch spacers on top of the stem as long as I have the 1 inch below the stem?

Thanks!

2

This is tough for me to picture but I will give you the “safe” anser and say it should be fine on the trainer but I don’t recommend taking that setup outside on the road where a technical problem can become a crash very quickly.

If it were a helicopter, would you fly in it?

3

I’ve got some 1" spacers I can get you with the other package I am sending, what do you need, 5mm, 10mm …?

4

Gary, Thanks! One 10 or two fives would be great!

5

If it were a helicopter, would you fly in it?

If it were a helicopter, I’d like to have one of those infra-red sensors on it, and maybe a couple of 50 mm guns. But, I’d keep it on the helipad until the mechanic says it is “perfect”.

Just to clarify, the order from headset upper race to the top of the steerer tube is as such: Headset upper race, 5mm 1 inch diameter spacer, KORE stem with shim, 5mm 1 1/8 inch spacer, 5mm 1 1/8 inch spacer, stem core plug cap.

Thanks for the info., I’ll keep it grounded until it’s perfect.