Which headset spacers are you running?

[CMiller]

I seemed to always have headset spacers around, enough to finish a build, but recently ordered a set of new Vuelta headset spacers - $7 for 10 10mm. I figured they are simple, why not? But they arrived and the finish isn't perfect. Not the outer parts visible but rather a little imperfect on the stacking face. I'll probably run them because my Chris King headsets seem forgivable, although it's my first time using a "DropSet."

My questions:
1. Which headset spacers do you run and like?
2. Do you think slightly imperfect spacer stack noticeably affects performance or bearing life?

[FlashUNC]

Wolf Tooth makes some nice alloy ones.

[colker]

Between this and the body imagery thread it feels i am in twilight zone.

[CMiller]

Wolftooth ones look great, thanks! The Vuelta seem like just blobby paint so I am going to try to sand it down a bit.

We talk about a lot of OT things in these forums, I think a simple question on cheap headset spacers shouldn't be an issue haha

[sitzmark]

My preferred HS spacers are the Cane Creek interlocks that lock into the CC bearing cover and into each other - great alignment and added strength (IMO).

[rustychisel]

Between this and the body imagery thread it feels i am in twilight zone.


Yup.

Shall we start a thread on colour or tanwall tyres?

[dem]

My preferred HS spacers are the Cane Creek interlocks that lock into the CC bearing cover and into each other - great alignment and added strength (IMO).

I like these too. The ENVE 1.0 fork has a floppy steerer and I could never get the creaks out until I added these.

[teleguy57]

I'll just stay with the OP's question. I'm a princess and pea guy when it comes to bike positioning, including bar height. That means I'm using pretty small spacers to get 1/2/3mm changes. Add into this my aesthetics bent I'm looking for good color options as well as size.

Hard to find nice, thin spacers, and most recently I've gone with the KCNC hollow spacers (not going weight weenie -- would be just as happy with a solid -- but that's what I could find). They are well designed and fabricated, consistent size and square. I do wish they'd tone down the graphics a bit -- three logos on each spacer makes for a lot when you stack a few together.

Here I've got the 3mm in Belgian tribute colors (https://forums.thepaceline.net/showpost.php?p=2588332&postcount=56) (still waiting to make that final steerer trim). On my Hampsten I used 2mm spacers. (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48227737976_aaea0a8f01_z_d.jpg)

So, how's that for a discussion with high detail on some trivial aspect of our infatuation? :beer:

[DrSpoke]

I've used these from eBay in both aluminum and carbon fiber and have been happy with both.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/OMNI-Racer-WORLDS-LIGHTEST-Alloy-Headset-Stem-Spacers-1-1-8-5-10-15-20mm-BLACK/222405671574?hash=item33c8693a96:g:IGMAAMXQQANRE~N-

[Matthew]

Just generic black alloy ones that I've gathered over time through various builds. And maybe a few silver. Never really gave spacers much thought.

[Jeff N.]

Chris King almost exclusively.

[hokoman]

Chris King almost exclusively.

I think the price on the Kings are pretty nuts for aluminum spacers (but I do have them on my wife's bike to match her pink hs) I have Moots spacers on most my other bikes, and I think I have a ton of random Ti spacers all over the place including a stack of Firefly ones (they didn't match the finish with my Moots stems). On my cheaper bikes, I have Wheels Manufacturing spacers. Quality is good, price is right.

[CMiller]

I'll just stay with the OP's question. I'm a princess and pea guy when it comes to bike positioning, including bar height. That means I'm using pretty small spacers to get 1/2/3mm changes. Add into this my aesthetics bent I'm looking for good color options as well as size.

Hard to find nice, thin spacers, and most recently I've gone with the KCNC hollow spacers (not going weight weenie -- would be just as happy with a solid -- but that's what I could find). They are well designed and fabricated, consistent size and square. I do wish they'd tone down the graphics a bit -- three logos on each spacer makes for a lot when you stack a few together.

Here I've got the 3mm in Belgian tribute colors (https://forums.thepaceline.net/showpost.php?p=2588332&postcount=56) (still waiting to make that final steerer trim). On my Hampsten I used 2mm spacers. (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48227737976_aaea0a8f01_z_d.jpg)

So, how's that for a discussion with high detail on some trivial aspect of our infatuation? :beer:

Both these look great!

[gpendergast]

Wheels Manufacturing if you really want well-machined spacer(s).

Take it to the next level and face your stem! :fight:


http://www.peterverdone.com/the-stem-problem-and-reverse-engineering/

[joosttx]

Now I’m running Fire Fly spacers. The actually internally “butt” them which makes them even lighter..... than others I guess. Also just carbon spacers off of eBay for my road bike.

[SlowPokePete]

Houston!

Firefly spacers are the best...the stem cap rocks too!

SPP

[huck*this]

I have some Paragon Machine Works and Firefly spacers that I’m not using which are pretty fantastic.

[tctyres]

http://www.peterverdone.com/the-stem-problem-and-reverse-engineering/

Wow. That's pretty cool.

[pcxmbfj]

I think the price on the Kings are pretty nuts for aluminum spacers (but I do have them on my wife's bike to match her pink hs) I have Moots spacers on most my other bikes, and I think I have a ton of random Ti spacers all over the place including a stack of Firefly ones (they didn't match the finish with my Moots stems). On my cheaper bikes, I have Wheels Manufacturing spacers. Quality is good, price is right.

Second.

[SlowPokePete]

Pretty sure the price on the FF ti spacers are around the same $ as the ones from King...I like ti better.

SPP

[grateful]

You have now!

Just generic black alloy ones that I've gathered over time through various builds. And maybe a few silver. Never really gave spacers much thought.

[colker]

All headset spacer threads should be dealt on a separate sub forum.

[biker72]

I'm getting a headache...:confused:

[Matthew]

You're right grateful. I never thought about my steerer tube shearing off at the stem either until that thread!! Now I'm wondering if my plugs are long enough, bolts too tight, too many, or not enough spacers!! It's maddening I tell ya!

[charliedid]

You guys run spacers?

[bigbill]

I think on my next back surgery I'll get the surgeon to fuse my spine in the permanent "slammed stem" position. It'll be hard to make eye contact with people but totally worth it.

I've got a small Tupperware tub of headset stuff including spacers, star nuts, plugs, and caps. I stack spacers to find my happy place, including a 3mm on top. Once I'm happy with my position, I'll get matching ones. I like Hope.

[oldpotatoe]

I seemed to always have headset spacers around, enough to finish a build, but recently ordered a set of new Vuelta headset spacers - $7 for 10 10mm. I figured they are simple, why not? But they arrived and the finish isn't perfect. Not the outer parts visible but rather a little imperfect on the stacking face. I'll probably run them because my Chris King headsets seem forgivable, although it's my first time using a "DropSet."

My questions:
1. Which headset spacers do you run and like?
2. Do you think slightly imperfect spacer stack noticeably affects performance or bearing life?

1. Generic ones from Wheels Manufacturing
2. A few minutes on some emory paper will 'face' them flat. If they are not flat, it 'can' effect HS adjust which 'can' adversely effect HS bearing life..why you face headtubes(and BBs).

[jmoore]

black hs spacers for me

[kingpin75s]

1. Generic ones from Wheels Manufacturing
2. A few minutes on some emory paper will 'face' them flat. If they are not flat, it 'can' effect HS adjust which 'can' adversely effect HS bearing life..why you face headtubes(and BBs).

^ This. I found the Wheels Manufacturing spacers are not too thick compared to some others. I just don't like the look of really fat spacers and they work fine.

If not those, then its Moots spacers.

[Tony]

Black aluminum and black carbon spacers, not picky regarding manufacture.

[unterhausen]

I make them on my lathe. Can be a little annoying getting it exactly right

[djg21]

They are nice and clean looking.

[PacNW2Ford]

Spacers rise up! The final frontier of epicurean debate. That said, Paragon, King, Seven, Moots, TiCycles and PRO on my bikes with probably some unknown ones in there too. My favorite spacers were the no longer made Salsa beveled 5mm spacers for the top cap. I bought a 5-pack and have sadly used them all. Eliminated the mismatch between the cap and the spacer diameter.

On an unrelated note, saw a Serotta Rapid Tour at lunch with about 100mm of spacers, but couldn’t tell what kind. Doesn’t matter when you’re riding.

[SPOKE]

I’ll put headset spacers on a be list of things to make once I get the new lathe running. The Haas tech is scheduled to to be here on 10/17 to fire both the machines up and make sure they are functioning properly. I can start making sh*t after that😉

[berserk87]

I didn't realize that headset spacers came with branding until this thread.

I've always used whatever spacers my local shops had, or whatever came with my bike/headset/stem.

Mine are black.

And I like to ride my bike.

[CMiller]

3 pages about spacers - I learned a bunch, thanks all!

[Dino Suegiù]

On the practical, simple side: unbranded no-logo generics, whether alloy (WM, or Purely Custom for more colors), carbon (any), or ti (J&L eBay), followed by the "OP emery board treatment" if required. They space just fine, very fair wage and real humble workingman, with no pretenses beyond that.

For the more discerning, who truly care about their stem/steerer body imagery and, consequently, which burritos are currently the coolest, then only the best D-I-Y custom-resined and -milled from genuine workspace-shredded Rapha Mechanic's Shirts might be considered the ne plus ultra spacers, in the proper circles of course, what with all that "Legit Grit"™® behind them, even if in truth they seem more aspiring Working Class Hero than actual W C H....

[jtbadge]

I'm annoyed at just how many different external diameters your garden variety, LBS-bin spacers can have. Standards, please! Nothing kills the look of a great build quicker than a bunch of mismatched spacers - why does your steer tube look like a ziggurat?

[jbf]

Generic

[colker]

I hope it goes to ten pages.
How about all road head set spacers x road head set spacers?

[Jeff N.]

They are nice and clean looking.Yep. Accept no substitute.

[CMiller]

So it's not enough to make light of eating disorders by bragging about how much food you eat, and with a 10 page discussion about the NBA, people still complain on an easy question regarding a product 99% of us use.

https://sim-works.com/en/nitto/with-me-crmo-spacer

More fun, matching spacers with the perfect diameter a nitto stem. You could probably powder coat them too.

[jtakeda]

I hope it goes to ten pages.
How about all road head set spacers x road head set spacers?

what about tracklocross spacers.

In all seriousness--just buy your spacers from the same source to keep OD consistent

[PacNW2Ford]

I'm annoyed at just how many different external diameters your garden variety, LBS-bin spacers can have. Standards, please! Nothing kills the look of a great build quicker than a bunch of mismatched spacers - why does your steer tube look like a ziggurat?

This - now that I recall, Salsa made the tapered spacers to transition to their steel stems, not as top spacers. But they work great as top spacers. Along these lines, Ti spacers work great with steel and Ti stems with smaller OD. Similarly, too big of spacers even with aluminum stems make it look like your stem is wearing a barrel.

[enr1co]

Just received 48 mm asst size pack of UD carbon spacers from Ebay for ~$6 shipped.

[colker]

what about tracklocross spacers.

In all seriousness--just buy your spacers from the same source to keep OD consistent

Why spend money and energy chasing the perfect head set spacer? It seems a bit futile.

[Matthew]

I'd rather talk about spacers all day long than the crappy NBA. Unless they raise the rim a few feet, actually call traveling, stop blowing the whistle every 4.7 seconds, etc.

[jtbadge]

I'd rather talk about spacers all day long than the crappy NBA. Unless they raise the rim a few feet, actually call traveling, stop blowing the whistle every 4.7 seconds, etc.

This thread will never get to 10 pages with bad takes like this one.

[joosttx]

This thread will never get to 10 pages with bad takes like this one.

back to the topic on hand...

I really love what firefly does with their spacers. I love these skinny ones!

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48806473777_ae485bf041_z.jpg

[josephr]

back to the topic on hand...

I really love what firefly with their spacers. I love these skinny ones!

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48806473777_ae485bf041_z.jpg

I don't think I've ever looked at someone's bike and thought ---- oooo, what a sweet set of spacers! The colors complement the coulorway so gloriously and shiny but not in a flashy-shiny sort of way that makes you think they're being flashy, more shiny in a subdued, well engineered way that makes them look so premium.

[joosttx]

I don't think I've ever looked at someone's bike and thought ---- oooo, what a sweet set of spacers! The colors complement the coulorway so gloriously and shiny but not in a flashy-shiny sort of way that makes you think they're being flashy, more shiny in a subdued, well engineered way that makes them look so premium.

to be honest you dont notice anything unless you get very close up. Its super cool and understated. If they were big it wouldnt work.


those dimes are pretty rad too!

[FlashUNC]

Why spend money and energy chasing the perfect head set spacer? It seems a bit futile.

Sometimes details matter.

[colker]

Sometimes details matter.
You are right: to make it to ten pages all the small details count; but it also needs controversy. How do we fight over head set spacers?

[Matthew]

By blaming the broken Bianchi steerer tube on the spacers?

[Dino Suegiù]

back to the topic on hand...

I really love what firefly does with their spacers. I love these skinny ones!

Unfair! :no:
Fake "spacer-effect" glorification in a blatant 10 page+ push!

Oversize fake "spacer-effect" per above posted image:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48806342713_f6a64c6b7c_o.jpg

Actual real size "spacer-effect" in the 31.8mm od real life:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48806837827_1f7638a380_o.jpg

Normal size "spacer-effect" from ~1 meter +/- standard viewing distance:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48806696651_414e262afd_o.jpg

What this body-shamed-size gnat sees when it is buzzing around incredibly concerned about stem/spacer imagery:
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSxQEv5lYDkAaaiFmtb3paNck2Z7wr5-iuxkTQ-hiHq8yVRacpoHwhttps://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48806742186_1d34ec43b1_o.jpg

[CMiller]

Sometimes I can't tell if posters are 15 or 50

[eric01]

back to the topic on hand...

I really love what firefly does with their spacers. I love these skinny ones!

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48806473777_ae485bf041_z.jpg



What top cap is that? Looks cool

I use these
https://www.amazon.com/Ritchey-HEADSET-SPACER-CARBON-28-6mm/dp/B00TOI411S

UD Carbon looks good and matches the bike

[rustychisel]

What top cap is that? Looks cool



ahem. You know better than that.

Topcap discussions go in a seperate thread. :no:

[colker]

Sometimes I can't tell if posters are 15 or 50

Easy: those w/3 or more 10k bicycles are 50yr olds.

[joosttx]

What top cap is that? Looks cool

I use these
https://www.amazon.com/Ritchey-HEADSET-SPACER-CARBON-28-6mm/dp/B00TOI411S

UD Carbon looks good and matches the bike

Absolutely Black. It’s is working out thus far.

https://absoluteblack.cc/top-cap.html

[Clancy]

Easy: those w/3 or more 10k bicycles are 50yr olds.

Wow

[choke]

Belgian ones......

http://hampco.ciocctoo.com/hh9.JPG

[DeBike]

Just the stock aluminum ones. I did switch position to above clamp for one spacer to lower the bars to seat level. 2003 Lemond Poprad recently purchased.

[joosttx]

Belgian ones......

http://hampco.ciocctoo.com/hh9.JPG

Are these Chris King branded spacers?

[gasman]

Easy: those w/3 or more 10k bicycles are 50yr olds.

Just stop with the snarky comments please.

[choke]

Are these Chris King branded spacers?No. I'm pretty sure that they came from Purely Custom (http://www.purelycustom.com/product-category/bike-accessories/headset-spacers/), though I don't see any 1" spacers on their website now (or 1" headset caps and I know that the cap on that bike came from there since it's custom engraved) so it's possible that I grabbed what I could find on eBay. I do have the same setup on my 1 1/8" bike and I'm sure that's where those came from.

[Gsinill]

I just ordered some 32/26mm OD/ID TI tubing on eBay to turn one on my lathe to match a 1" Grammo stem.

[joosttx]

No. I'm pretty sure that they came from Purely Custom (http://www.purelycustom.com/product-category/bike-accessories/headset-spacers/), though I don't see any 1" spacers on their website now (or 1" headset caps and I know that the cap on that bike came from there since it's custom engraved) so it's possible that I grabbed what I could find on eBay. I do have the same setup on my 1 1/8" bike and I'm sure that's where those came from.

For sure. They look really nice.

[teleguy57]

Belgian ones......

http://hampco.ciocctoo.com/hh9.JPG

To quote Steve H from a post somewhere sometime -- "we can hang..."

[choke]

I just ordered some 32/26mm OD/ID TI tubing on eBay to turn one on my lathe to match a 1" Grammo stem. It's a little late now but the Ti spacers from Toronto Cycles are a near perfect match to a Grammo in both 1" and 1 1/8".

http://www.torontocycles.com/Selling/headset.html

[SlowPokePete]

When I bought my Lynskey I ordered a ti stem with it...

Bike arrives and despite beauty of a stem, there's these FSA spacers with a diameter so much larger than the stem and looked really crappy...

That's the story of how I ended up with the FF spacers.

And the FF top cap just, ya' know, tops it off perfectly!

SPP

[soulspinner]

Cane creek alternating shiny and natural carbon. Goofy, I know....

[pdonk]

On my dekerf mtb was using ra dom carbon until I got a custom stem made that removed need for spacers.

On my speedvagen using chris king because that is what it came with.

On the moots using no name aluminum. If i needed more than the 2.5mm below and 5 on top and was riding it more id likely splurge for either moots or firefly.

The I coming track bike will be random spacers from my collection or no name aluminum.

[mcteague]

Those of us who have been riding a long time often feel the look of a Cinelli quill stem can’t be beat. So, with Aheadset stems, the best we can do is upgrade our spacers. :)

Tim

[teleguy57]

very elegant @mcteague :cool:

[Gsinill]

It's a little late now but the Ti spacers from Toronto Cycles are a near perfect match to a Grammo in both 1" and 1 1/8".

http://www.torontocycles.com/Selling/headset.html

Thanks for sharing, but unfortunately they only go up to 25mm.
I need 30 and like the look of a single spacer.
Also, a nice little project/challenge to make my own since machining TI is apparently PITA, we'll see.

[FriarQuade]

Thanks for sharing, but unfortunately they only go up to 25mm.
I need 30 and like the look of a single spacer.
Also, a nice little project/challenge to make my own since machining TI is apparently PITA, we'll see.

If you've got modern carbide tooling, machining titanium is no big deal. Especially for something like a headset spacer.

[tctyres]

I just installed some Purely Custom colored carbon spacers. I really like them.

[Gsinill]

If you've got modern carbide tooling, machining titanium is no big deal. Especially for something like a headset spacer.

https://i.postimg.cc/0jXZjhz1/TI-HS.png

Follow up: worked like butter... Might need a level of polishing to perfectly match the Grammo but it's already very close :banana: