Stem Fitting Advice Wanted

[GJT]

I've just changed a stem for the first time, but not sure if I've done it correctly...the new stem is a bit deeper, so when I placed it on the head tube, it wasn't flush with top of the tube. The bolt and cap on the top still tightened up though.
Should I have removed a couple of spacers to make it flush, or is it ok as I've done it?
I'm hoping it is, as the handlebars are the right height as it is now.

 

[Spoked Wheels]

I've just changed a stem for the first time, but not sure if I've done it correctly...the new stem is a bit deeper, so when I placed it on the head tube, it wasn't flush with top of the tube. The bolt and cap on the top still tightened up though.
Should I have removed a couple of spacers to make it flush, or is it ok as I've done it?
I'm hoping it is, as the handlebars are the right height as it is now.

You don't want the stem flush with the steearer. If your stem is about 3mm higher then that would be perfect for the top cap.

 

[fossyant]

You need a few mm gap between the top of the steerer, and the top of the stem, I.e. The stem should be about 3mm or so proud of the steerer tube.

 

[fossyant]

Cross post....

 

[GJT]

You don't want the stem flush with the steearer. If your stem is about 3mm higher then that would be perfect for the top cap.

Thanks for the quick reply. The original one that I took off was flush, so just assumed that was the correct way. It should be ok as it is now then.
Cheers

 

[Venod]

Or, if it is flush with the top of the steerer and at the right height, put a spacer on top to allow the top cap to tighten correctly.

 

[boydj]

It's important that the top cap tightens against a spacer or the top of the stem and does not tighten against the top of the steerer.

 

[GJT]

Thanks all, just had another look at this now, and the stem is actually 9mm proud of the steerer tube. Is this too much, or acceptable as the top cap is still tightened?

 

[themosquitoking]

If it came from the manufacturer like that i would assume it's ok, if you're worried and you have a 5mm spacer under the stem you could take it out.

 

[GJT]

If it came from the manufacturer like that i would assume it's ok, if you're worried and you have a 5mm spacer under the stem you could take it out.

I bought it second hand, the original stem was bit too long and low for me, so changed it. I could remove a spacer, but the handlebars are just right height, although I guess I may not notice 5mm difference. Will be taking it for a service in next couple of weeks, so will see what LBS says