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View Full Version : Maximum "safe-height" for steerer spacers??

CarlosContreros
12-26-2005, 07:29 PM
Can ya tell me the maximum height "safe height" you can
go using spacers on threadless stems??

I'm sure it varies "big-time" in regards to steerer material(steel, carbon, and
aluminum).
Is the riders size a contributing factor as well?
thanks!!
Smiley
12-26-2005, 07:45 PM
rule of thumb for carbon is 1 inch of spacers for a 1 inch steerer tube diameter, 1 1/8 inches of spacers for a 1 1/8 inch diameter tube. I like to limit steel to 5 cm just cause it gets stupid looking past that and Aluminum is a mid way point between 1 1/8 and 5 cm. Carbon is what you should be most concerned with though.
Argos
12-26-2005, 08:12 PM
I second Smiley. I recall Kelly recommending no more then 4cm of spacers for a carbon steerer, but not sure if he was refering to a 1" or 1 1/8", So 4cm seems a safe area to stop. 5cm is ok, but I would think no more.

I doubt the steerer would sheer at 5cm, but if you have 5cm of stack, perhaps other things need to be addressed, no?
quattro
12-26-2005, 08:19 PM
Easton allows for up to 5mm of spacers on their SLX carbon fiber fork, they state it on their web site. I believe Reynolds allows 3mm on the Ouzo Pro.
wasfast
12-26-2005, 09:33 PM
Easton allows for up to 5mm of spacers on their SLX carbon fiber fork, they state it on their web site. I believe Reynolds allows 3mm on the Ouzo Pro.

I think you've got the wrong units there. 5mm is less than 1/4". That's barely one of the smallest spacers.
SoCalSteve
12-26-2005, 09:59 PM
Happy New Years!

Steve
quattro
12-27-2005, 07:20 AM
Yes, I meant 50mm (5 cm) for the Easton SLX and 30mm (3 cm) for the Reynolds Ouzo Pro. Thank you for pointing out this error.
victoryfactory
12-27-2005, 07:38 AM
5 cm is like, 2 inches! That's a lot more than the customary
1" for 1" and 1-1/8" for 1-1/8" steerers.
I think the customary limits were just a guess based on caution and
what looks good.

At one time I was 200 lbs and used 1.5" on my 1" carbon steerer fork
with no problems. But I also think that if you are a racer, clydesdale or
ride a very large frame with a long head tube, you need to be a little careful.

VF
BTW, I'm now 164 lbs and have taken about 1.5cm of spacers out
due to being able to breathe better when in the cycling position.