When building my frame with a full carbon fork, I would like to mount the handlebars as high as possible. Is there an upper limit for the height of the spacer rings between the upper Aheadset bearing and the stem?
Hein Winkelmann, Glehn
We are not aware of any manufacturers making regulations on this. Many road cyclists usually aim for the opposite and mount the handlebars too low in order to achieve a supposedly racing look. However, it makes much more sense to adjust the handlebars too low in order to be able to use all the grip options of the racing handlebars comfortably. If you mount a lot of spacers to form a small tower under the stem, this makes the handlebar stem area a little more elastic and therefore more comfortable.
There is probably no risk of damage if the stem is fitted correctly, as large frames also have long steerer tubes. However, to minimise the number of spacers, you can turn the stem around so that it points upwards. This may disrupt the familiar road bike look a little, but the shorter connection between the steerer tube and handlebars saves weight and increases stiffness.
