Headset spacers smaller outer diameter than stem

[Welsh wheels]

Hi, I haven't posted on Cyclechat for ages, but am in need of some advice. I was advised to fit a longer stem to my bike after a bike fit at my lbs. The stem they sold me was a Giant contact but had a larger diameter than my aluminium steerer tube, so they fitted a steerer tube shim to reduce the inner diameter. Now, a few months on I am experimenting with dropping the bars a couple of spacers. Only issue is that the spacers on top have a smaller outer diameter than the stem that they sit on top of. Is this likely to be a problem and is it safe to ride with? Picture attached.

 

[Teamfixed]

Looks like the top cap had that diameter therefore covered the top of the stem.
I imagine then that the cap will stand out slightly on the top spacer.
So long as the cap sits into that spacer properly it will be ok (imo)

 

[Welsh wheels]

Looks like the top cap had that diameter therefore covered the top of the stem.
I imagine then that the cap will stand out slightly on the top spacer.
So long as the cap sits into that spacer properly it will be ok (imo)

Yep the top cap had that diameter. But I'm actually using the top cap from the original stem as it fits even better on those original spacers. Thanks for the reply.

 

[Ian H]

The top cap is only for adjustment. Once you have adjusted and tightened the stem in place you could remove the cap without any safety qualms.

 

[si_c]

^^ What @Ian H said. Cosmetic issues aside there is no reason for concern.