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.

Do you need spacers on steerer tube?

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).

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.

How many headset spacers can you use?

Generally, most bikes have 20 to 30mm of headset spacers that can be moved freely above or below the stem. All bolts in the stem are standard-threaded (i.e. ‘lefty-loosey, and righty-tighty’).

Do you need a spacer between headset and 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 you need a headset spacer above the stem?

With no spacer above the stem, the steerer tube needs to be 3mm down below the stem top for headset adjustment purposes. But with a carbon steerer this isn’t great as the stem tightening tends to deform the CF tube. With the steerer running clear through the stem there is no steerer pinching action.

Do you need spacers below the stem?

How much spacers is too much?

40mm under the stem as long as there is enough steerer for the stem to clamp. Anything more than 40mm and you’ve got the wrong size bike. Anything more than 40mm and you’ve got the wrong sized bike.

Do I need a spacer above my stem?

You should always leave some length of the steering tube above the stem and put a spacer above the stem so that the entire stem clamp is clamped around a cylinder of constant diameter.

Can you over tighten headset?

Yes it’s possible to overtighten a headset, and yes it possible to make it too loose. You know you hit the sweet spot if there’s no play and you can put your bike on the stand at an angle (front wheel dive position) and turn the handlebars, and they recenter to the middle by themselves. At that point. That’s perfect.