Just finishing front end.....

[cycle2run]

Guys

Just cut down Carbon steerer, got spacers in place and stem although not yet tightened the bung.

Question, Does top cap need to sit on the stem (or a spacer as i have one above) I take it I can have a spacer sitting slightly prouder than tube but not the other way round)

Just want confirmation before i get the file out!

 

[themosquitoking]

On a spacer to tension everything up.

 

[raleighnut]

The top cap can sit on either as long as the 'stack' height is fractionally taller than the steerer (couple of mil)

 

[themosquitoking]

Doh, i read stem as steerer for some reason.

 

[Smokin Joe]

With a carbon steerer it is generally reckoned to be better to use a small spacer on top of the stem to prevent it crushing the top of the tube when tightened.

 

[cycle2run]

Just as I thought, just wanted to confirm thanks a lot guys

 

[cycle2run]

Guys, just an update. All torqued up and spacer sorted. Ive tightened the top cap yet there is a tiny bit of play in the top spacer that sits above the stem. It sits above the top edge of the bung / bar etc but when all tightened it just leaves a tiny, tiny bit of play.

Is this OK? All seems tight, just dont fancy it coming off during riding!

 

[raleighnut]

Once you've got the bearing adjusted and the stem tight the top cap is doing nothing (other than covering the hole up), you could safely remove it

 

[cycle2run]

Raleighnut

I was under the impression that the topcap bolt helped compress everything but I suppose if the stem is tightened and theres no play between spacers and fork below that stem then the stem is doing that job?

Sorry for such silly questions!

 

[raleighnut]

Raleighnut

I was under the impression that the topcap bolt helped compress everything but I suppose if the stem is tightened and theres no play between spacers and fork below that stem then the stem is doing that job?

Sorry for such silly questions!

Yep, the top cap simply sets the headset until the stem is tightened.

 

[Smokin Joe]

There should not be any play on the top spacer after you have torqued the top cap down.

This might sound stupid, but did you tighten the bung inside the steerer tube before fitting the stem and top cap? The reason I ask is that the expanding bung does not work like a star nut and it is easy to think that tightening the top cap alone causes the bung to expand and grip the tube. It doesn't and you will find a hex socket on the top of the bung (Not always obvious) that you use to expand the bung on fitting.

I know someone who didn't realise that and spent a week wondering why the headset wouldn't torque down properly

 

[Globalti]

Ha! When I started cycling with my present buddy, I picked up his Pinarello to find the headset so loose that the forks were wobbling by several inches. "Jeeze.... how long has it been like this?" I asked. "Like what?" he replied.