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Stupid Noob reflector question

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Old 03-16-21, 05:55 PM
  #1  
Special_k44
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Stupid Noob reflector question

I have this reflector on my bike and I remove it, will I need to add a spacer to make up for the missing piece on the steerer or just tighten the headset more?


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Old 03-16-21, 05:57 PM
  #2  
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Generally, yes, or the nut will bottom out before the headset is adjusted correctly.
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Old 03-16-21, 06:52 PM
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Because you don't have the quill stem installed in that photo, you should be able to visually look down inside the top nut and see how close the upper "cap" or shoulder of the nut is to bottoming out on the top of the threaded steer tube. If that distance is pretty close, then you may need to replace the reflector bracket with a spacer.
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Old 03-17-21, 12:19 AM
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It's a little off topic but one of the most critical adjustments on the whole bike involves the tightening of that headset nut.
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Old 03-17-21, 12:37 AM
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Originally Posted by SurferRosa
Wo. What is that giant thing sitting atop the reflector?
Well you certainly looked at the bike in question

The chances are that with that 'giant thing' fitted you will not need a spacer. Since to remove the giant thing to remove the reflector bracket, you will be able to see whether you need a spacer or not - it may be that the giant thing is all the spacer you need.
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Old 03-17-21, 07:44 AM
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Still wondering what that “giant thing” is?

Maybe some sort of mounting lug for a front/handlebar bag?

Looks like that Miyata is a touring model. That hunk of cable floating in the breeze suggests a cantilever brake .

Last edited by sovende; 03-17-21 at 07:49 AM.
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Old 03-17-21, 08:01 AM
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mystery spacer.

canti brake hanger?
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Old 03-17-21, 08:47 AM
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Keep the reflector; get rid of that other giant thing.
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Old 03-17-21, 09:41 AM
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Originally Posted by '02 nrs
canti brake hanger?
That was my first thought, but the reflector bracket appears that it would be blocking the hole for the cable...unless it also has a hole.
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Old 03-17-21, 10:09 AM
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Originally Posted by Eric F
That was my first thought, but the reflector bracket appears that it would be blocking the hole for the cable...unless it also has a hole.
It’s a cantilever hanger and the reflector bracket has a hole. You can see the straddle wire Special_k44’s picture.
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Old 03-17-21, 11:28 AM
  #11  
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Originally Posted by SurferRosa
I would remove those two ugly things, take a hacksaw to the steerer, and then put the headset back together.
I personally would never cut the steerer and use spacers instead as it gives you or the next owner more options on replacement headset stack height or future accessories.

Last edited by dedhed; 03-17-21 at 04:58 PM.
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Old 03-17-21, 02:09 PM
  #12  
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Originally Posted by sovende
Still wondering what that “giant thing” is?

Maybe some sort of mounting lug for a front/handlebar bag?

Looks like that Miyata is a touring model. That hunk of cable floating in the breeze suggests a cantilever brake .
I'll bet it's the cable stop for the cantilever or centerpull brake cable. Not like the bendy old things Peugeot used to use.
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Old 03-17-21, 04:09 PM
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Perhaps something more like this one...

... would be more appropriate ;-)
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