Do I need spacers on my headset?

Put simply, headset spacers enable you to easily adjust the height of your handlebars, which is an essential element of bike fit for BMX, MTB and road riders. In the particular case of the latter (road cycling), the correct bar height is key for comfort and performance.

Can I add spacers to my headset?

The first and easiest way to adjust handlebar height is by moving headset spacers. Headset spacers sit on the fork’s steerer tube and help pre-load the headset bearings during adjustment. Generally, most bikes have 20 to 30mm of headset spacers that can be moved freely above or below the stem.

Can you add spacers to a threaded headset?

You can use a single headset wrench: Screw the top race and adjust the headset. Then insert the spacer and (lightly) tighten the locknut. Don’t overtighten the locknut, otherwise, the spacer can jam.

Do I need spacers below stem?

the headset and stem dont have friction. the spin together. the headset spins in the frame. so there is no difference between spacers under the stem, or none at all.

Do I need spacers under my stem?

There is no reason to have any problem due to no spacers under the stem. I rode two different bikes that way over four seasons. You see pictures of pro bikes setup that way all the time. It is wise, but not absolutely necessary to have a 2.5-5mm spacer on top of the stem.

Do I need spacers above stem?

If the new stem has a different stack height than the old one, you will need to rearrange spacers accordingly. The stem or spacers should be slightly above the top of the steerer tube (approximately 3mm). If they are flush with or below the steerer tube, headset adjustment will be impossible.

Do you need a spacer between stem and headset?

Do I need a spacer on top of my stem?

When dealing with a carbon steerer tube, it is critical to have the steerer tube go all the way through the stem, in order to reduce stress on the end of the steerer tube. It is then necessary to have a spacer on top of the stem.

How much space should be between steerer tube and top cap?

It isn’t recommended to have more then 5mm of gap between the top of the stem and the top of the steerer tube.