I was swapping out the stock stem to try a one with a different length. When I removed the cap I noticed a gap between the top of the steerer and the top of stem collar (see pic). Is this gap normal?
That is normal. Generally, as long as the steerer tube reaches above the top bolt on your stem, it is safe to run it this way. Just throw the top cap on and you are good to go!
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Thanks Ian!
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The gap is not only normal, it is actually completely necessary for your headset to work properly. Without the gap, the top cap would not have any space to ‘compress’ the headset assemble (including the stem and any spacers). As Ian touched upon, you want the majority of the stem to be clamping the steerer though (yours is), but this is why often you would have a small headset spacer above the stem as well as below. So do not worry, you’re all good!
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Thanks nico_synergy. Looking at my original post I realize I should have been more clear with my question. As you said the gap is needed, but what I was wondering if it was ok to have gap within the stem collar. Regardless you guys answered my question!
Super old post!
Would it be safe to add a 5mm spacer? The bolt looks like it’ll be border line!
If it is I’ll order a specific spacer!
Otherwise… Failing that, if I were to shorten the stem would that help to take a bit of pressure off my hands?
The fit is okay for a race bike but now it’s on the turbo it’s really uncomfortable
The bike is a Giant Propel 2023. Stem is 110, I would reduce to 100, maybe even a 90! Annoyingly it would have to be a flat aero stem!
Since it’s on the trainer and safety isn’t a concern, it won’t really matter.
…that said, 5mm won’t make much difference, especially if you’re really wanting 20mm shorter as well!
You can use the fact it’s on a trainer to think outside the box a little - like get a shorter stem with a bigger angle with some bullhorn bars or something and swap the whole thing for inside, swap back for outside (hopefully it’s on there for a while rather than swapping twice a week!)
Another option would be raising the front end, which I’d always do on an indoor setup.
That’s true. I guess my concern is that if I added a 5mm spacer, I’d end up leaving it in. The likelihood of me taking it out when the sun comes out isn’t very high.
I was hoping the 5mm would make enough of a difference that I wouldn’t need to reduce the stem length!
These aero stems certainly make adjusting the position more difficult.
TBH it sounds like the bike’s the wrong size full stop if you can’t ride it indoors comfortably - but I have had similar experiences where a bike feels great outside and terrible inside that were resolved by lifting the front end a little.
Depending what you’re doing on the turbo, a different stem/bar option wouldn’t be mega hard to do. If you’re using erg mode or TPV with virtual shifting you only need somewhere to put your hands, rather than the brake/gear options you’d need outside.
Don’t disagree, the bike is a good size for me. But the handlebars are too low and the steerer tube has been cut. So my only option is to slightly rise it and/or reduce the stem. I guess I could put some thicc bar tape on to.
The real solution is a new uncut fork. But I’m not doing that!
Or get a stem with a positive angle or riser-type bars (same gravel bars are like that now).
But as Alex says, the easiest option to fix it indoors is to put a couple of books under the front wheel.