After my Ritchey WCS stem cracked near the lower bolt on steerer tube end (on downhill, but didnt fall), I replaced with the only stem local shop had: FSA 150 OS. Handlebars are Ritchey WCS 31.8. New and old stem indicate 31.8 diameter as well, but I noticed that, with new FAS, handlebar clamp has about 2 mm gap between faceplate and stem body, on both top and bottom . Also, Ti bolts coming from faceplate seem to be seated about half way into the ful length of the threads on stem body. I can get several full turns of bolts. but Im used to seeing bolts extend beyond the end of the threads on back side.
On old setup the faceplate pretty much made contact with stem on top on bottom. Is the new setup normal variation in gap between faceplate body of stem, or could this be a compatibility issue? thanks Peter
After my Ritchey WCS stem cracked near the lower bolt on steerer tube end (on downhill, but didnt fall), I replaced with the only stem local shop had: FSA 150 OS. Handlebars are Ritchey WCS 31.8. New and old stem indicate 31.8 diameter as well, but I noticed that, with new FAS, handlebar clamp has about 2 mm gap between faceplate and stem body, on both top and bottom . Also, Ti bolts coming from faceplate seem to be seated about half way into the ful length of the threads on stem body. I can get several full turns of bolts. but Im used to seeing bolts extend beyond the end of the threads on back side.
On old setup the faceplate pretty much made contact with stem on top on bottom. Is the new setup normal variation in gap between faceplate body of stem, or could this be a compatibility issue? thanks Peter
The gap between stem and faceplate varies from stem to stem. Some makers try and minimize it as much as possible, perhaps because they've got a theory that it might make a difference to get them super close. Note that it's important for the bolts to be engaged evenly so that they're not both at an angle when secured. Usually this is done by making sure the gap on both the top and bottom are equal as you tighten them back and fourth until they're all not moving when under final torque.
It's also pretty normal for handlebar mounting threads to be deep or go all the way through the stem, but if by "I can get several turns of the bolts" you mean there's literally only several complete threads engaged on the bolts then something is wrong.
