spacers

[crazyjeys]

i'm not sure what you call it... headset spacers? stem spacers? you know the rings that you put in between the headset and the stem? anyways, a friend of mine cut his steerer tube a little bit too short... is it ok to run without those spacers? pros and cons?

[genusmtbkr5]

How short did he cut it?

[Rockinthecasbah]

its ok but your going to looose alot of rise you might be able to make up with it by putting on a taller stem or bars, some headsets have too have at least a little spacer to not bind.. I know this isnt going to fly with some people but if you need a 1/2 or so you can have someone tig weld it together and sanded down. I know people are going to say it will break super unsafe and everything , but as long as half the stem is on the un welded part it will be ok. i ran an aluminum bmf fork that way for 3 + years. The steer tube should come to atleast the middle of the top bolt.

[Schecky]

Yes, you don't need the spacers. They are for adjusting fit.

[crazyjeys]

Originally Posted by genusmtbkr5

How short did he cut it?

something like 7.25 inches.

[Clockwork_Rider]

It's recommended (by bontrager) to have about 10mm min. and 70mm max just for safety flex in mtn frames. But there is no "absolute" necessity to have them, but be ready to replace your headset about 20% more often!

[crazyjeys]

Originally Posted by Clockwork_Rider

It's recommended (by bontrager) to have about 10mm min. and 70mm max just for safety flex in mtn frames. But there is no "absolute" necessity to have them, but be ready to replace your headset about 20% more often!

thanks for the insight!