How many spacers can you take out?

Triathlon Forum
1

I have two spacers under my stem still. Do you have to leave any under it for any reason other than…space? I would like to get a bit lower. Thanks.

2

you can take them all out
.

3

Thanks, didn’t want to find out later that it was a bad idea.

4

Removing spacers below the stem is not an issue. I have a fork with a carbon steertube (EC90 SLX), and the official instructions recommend keeping at least 10mm of spacers ABOVE the stem. I’m sure this isn’t ST approved, but seems like sensible advice.

5

I’m 5’10 and ride a 51cm P3. I have a 1cm spacer under the stem, and stem itself is maybe 5 degrees above horizontal. However, I have a huge aerobar stack, so my drop is only 6-7" vs 9" if I had a flatter aerobar.

6

Thx guys for the other replies, I was primarily concerned w/ damaging the fork somehow by removing all the spacers under the stem.

7

no worries. there is less torque on the steer tube with fewer spacers. that is whymost manufacturers have max spacer stackd

8

it is sensible if you aren’t sure about your fit yet, or might want to resell the fork.

it isn’t for safety/structural reasons

Removing spacers below the stem is not an issue. I have a fork with a carbon steertube (EC90 SLX), and the official instructions recommend keeping at least 10mm of spacers ABOVE the stem. I’m sure this isn’t ST approved, but seems like sensible advice.

9

Its a structural recommendation. A tube is easier to crush at the end vs the center. That 10mm of carbon above the stem provided some support tot the tube below.

Styrrell