[wang_chung]

Why does Reynolds recommend for the steerer to be cut 3 mm below the top of the stem?

 

[Marc]

Why does Reynolds recommend for the steerer to be cut 3 mm below the top of the stem?

It's there to allow a gap between the top of the stem & steerer, such that the top cap can exert downward force on the stem (compression)-and thereby compress your headset via spacers/stem.

3mm is a pretty standard gap recommendation for most forks IIRC-

see:

http://parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=115

 

[tuscanybill]

wang chung, a most accurate post by room 1201, only thing to add is that some will add a 5mm spacer to the "top" of the steerer, this gives a neet apperance and also alows the steem to clamp all steerer. Please note though that having the steerer post "in" 3mm doses not have any bad affects. You must have this gap one way or the other, I think that many head shake and poor handling issues arise from people being too close the top. --- Bill