How many Head-Set Spacers are too many?
07-24-20, 09:39 AM
#26
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This is about two inches shorter in frame size than what I usually ride, because I wanted a smaller frame for handling and a shorter top tube to bring the bar that much closer to the saddle for an upright position.
But I was starting out with a fresh frame, a threadless headset, and an uncut fork...which is how the bike came to me. It helped that the fork came fully chromed. I did not use spacers, rather a repurposed seat post clamp in the appropriate size. I probably wouldn't do something like this with drops and a threaded headset, or a raw steel fork steerer.
07-24-20, 09:42 AM
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....
Another possibility is that the original owner of the Raleigh was dreaming of this but couldn't quite pull it off.........
....
Another possibility is that the original owner of the Raleigh was dreaming of this but couldn't quite pull it off.........
....
07-24-20, 09:46 AM
#28
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When you are out of fingers and toes, probably too many.
Bikes that fit me in the legs are often not tall enough at the stem, so a longer fork steerer is needed just to fit. I completely understand the need for spacers +
Bikes that fit me in the legs are often not tall enough at the stem, so a longer fork steerer is needed just to fit. I completely understand the need for spacers +
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07-24-20, 09:50 AM
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...here's an example from my own bicycle design efforts. I was trying to design a lightweight urban bicycle around a track frame I got on sale and an internally geared hub.
This is about two inches shorter in frame size than what I usually ride, because I wanted a smaller frame for handling and a shorter top tube to bring the bar that much closer to the saddle for an upright position.
This is about two inches shorter in frame size than what I usually ride, because I wanted a smaller frame for handling and a shorter top tube to bring the bar that much closer to the saddle for an upright position.
07-24-20, 09:58 AM
#30
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Good catch! Who builds bikes to have that sort of stack height? I don't have any like that! was there some fixture one was expected to use on a touring bike, like a tall brake hanger or decaleur? One question for the OP: is the steerer overthreaded enough that it could simply be cut down to a size that required 1/2" less spacer stack?
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07-24-20, 10:40 AM
#31
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Well, that's a given -- one of the first precepts of building/using a bike; but if OP has a problem the stack of spacers (answer to thread title question is, I suppose, "not this many"), then as long as the max. insertion line is below the top of steerer tube (cut, or as-is), he's OK.
07-24-20, 11:23 AM
#32
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Well, that's a given -- one of the first precepts of building/using a bike; but if OP has a problem the stack of spacers (answer to thread title question is, I suppose, "not this many"), then as long as the max. insertion line is below the top of steerer tube (cut, or as-is), he's OK.
Insertion lines are good indicators when steerer threading limits are observed (disclaimer: I don't know what the maximum threads on a steerer should be). I have seen forks with way too many threads where the insertion line on the stem is giving you false confidence.
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If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
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07-24-20, 01:20 PM
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I just keep tightening the stem bolt until I hear that good crunching sound.
07-24-20, 07:30 PM
#34
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OP here. Thanks guys for the input on the bike. I acquired it from a guy in St. Louis who was in fact an amateur who built it up for a family member who never rode it once. It sat for 25 years. He got it, if I recall correctly, directly from Michael’s. I wanna say he was a friend of theirs. Not sure if he was the one who put the spacers there or if it was the shop. The frame was a bit too big for me so I put that stem there to bring the handlebar closer to the saddle. I am a woman and find that I have to do unorthodox things with old bikes to get them to feel comfortable hahaha. So the fact that the taller stem is paired with this steering column is totally a coincidence but worked well because it is really comfortable for me to ride as is. I put the saddle, stem, and handlebar there; the rest is as it was when I acquired it.
Last edited by palmerina; 07-25-20 at 06:29 AM.
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07-24-20, 07:34 PM
#35
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07-24-20, 09:27 PM
#36
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OP here. Thanks guys for the input on the bike. I acquired it from a guy in St. Louis who was in fact an amateur who built it up for a family member who never road it once. It sat for 25 years. He got it, if I recall correctly, directly from Michael’s. I wanna say he was a friend of theirs. Not sure if he was the one who put the spacers there or if it was the shop. The frame was a bit too big for me so I put that stem there to bring the handlebar closer to the saddle. I am a woman and find that I have to do unorthodox things with old bikes to get them to feel comfortable hahaha. So the fact that the taller stem is paired with this steering column is totally a coincidence but worked well because it is really comfortable for me to ride as is. I put the saddle, stem, and handlebar there; the rest is as it was when I acquired it.
Never mind us nerds bickering over technicalities that only matter to us...
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07-24-20, 09:29 PM
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At the risk of being Captain Obvious, every time we have one of these threads, I feel obligated to mention it. I have found that common sense isn't as common as many believe!
Insertion lines are good indicators when steerer threading limits are observed (disclaimer: I don't know what the maximum threads on a steerer should be). I have seen forks with way too many threads where the insertion line on the stem is giving you false confidence.
Insertion lines are good indicators when steerer threading limits are observed (disclaimer: I don't know what the maximum threads on a steerer should be). I have seen forks with way too many threads where the insertion line on the stem is giving you false confidence.
My original post was..."The owner of this bike insists the fork is original, I'm not so sure".....
The title ...."How many Head-Set Spacers are too many?"...was not really the question, it was meant to grab your attention. I would think Captain Obvious would figure that one out...
...
Last edited by branko_76; 07-24-20 at 09:32 PM.
07-24-20, 09:47 PM
#38
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Who is lacking the common sense you are referring to?
My original post was..."The owner of this bike insists the fork is original, I'm not so sure".....
The title ...."How many Head-Set Spacers are too many?"...was not really the question, it was meant to grab your attention. I would think Captain Obvious would figure that one out...
...
My original post was..."The owner of this bike insists the fork is original, I'm not so sure".....
The title ...."How many Head-Set Spacers are too many?"...was not really the question, it was meant to grab your attention. I would think Captain Obvious would figure that one out...
...
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If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
07-24-20, 09:54 PM
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07-24-20, 09:59 PM
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Sorry, didn't intend it that way.
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If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
07-24-20, 10:23 PM
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Tx!
07-24-20, 10:26 PM
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07-25-20, 07:38 AM
#43
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OP here. Thanks guys for the input on the bike. I acquired it from a guy in St. Louis who was in fact an amateur who built it up for a family member who never rode it once. It sat for 25 years. He got it, if I recall correctly, directly from Michael’s. I wanna say he was a friend of theirs. Not sure if he was the one who put the spacers there or if it was the shop. The frame was a bit too big for me so I put that stem there to bring the handlebar closer to the saddle. I am a woman and find that I have to do unorthodox things with old bikes to get them to feel comfortable hahaha. So the fact that the taller stem is paired with this steering column is totally a coincidence but worked well because it is really comfortable for me to ride as is. I put the saddle, stem, and handlebar there; the rest is as it was when I acquired it.
Also, as gugie stated, "The important thing is that the expander bolt has to be completely below the beginning of the threaded portion of the fork"
Is this the case?
07-25-20, 09:14 AM
#44
Member
Thanks for the update. Is there a mark on the stem indicating a minimum insertion point?
Also, as gugie stated, "The important thing is that the expander bolt has to be completely below the beginning of the threaded portion of the fork"
Is this the case?
Also, as gugie stated, "The important thing is that the expander bolt has to be completely below the beginning of the threaded portion of the fork"
Is this the case?
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07-25-20, 09:15 AM
#45
Member
Thanks for chiming in. The taller stem may have been a coincidence but you did most likely fix the mechanical issue some of us were concerned about. I think you're good, but when you have a chance, check that the stem's expander wedge is well below the weak threaded portion of the steering tube. That combo should work out for you well. Enjoy the bike.
Never mind us nerds bickering over technicalities that only matter to us...
Never mind us nerds bickering over technicalities that only matter to us...
07-25-20, 09:24 AM
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I have purchased 1” bore spacers 5, 10, 15mm in height from the local bike shop.
would much prefer that over a stack of washers.
i use a 5mm spacer of a few bikes that I assembled from new- consider it future proofing.
would much prefer that over a stack of washers.
i use a 5mm spacer of a few bikes that I assembled from new- consider it future proofing.
07-25-20, 10:16 AM
#47
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Would it be advisable to trim the fork? I mean I could do that if there was a real advantage. If it's just about aesthetics then I wouldn't bother.
07-25-20, 11:02 AM
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The only reason to keep it as-is would be if it fits your anatomy and riding style. If someone were to use it for touring or commuting, higher handlebars would be a plus. If it were to be used for sport riding or racing, then lower handle bars would be more appropriate.
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07-25-20, 02:11 PM
#49
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The only reason to keep it as-is would be if it fits your anatomy and riding style. If someone were to use it for touring or commuting, higher handlebars would be a plus. If it were to be used for sport riding or racing, then lower handle bars would be more appropriate.
07-25-20, 03:03 PM
#50
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Going to check threading soon.
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