Headset top dust cap

[SirJinks]

(I’m talking of the top cover which sits above the top bearings and below the headset spacers).

I have the default dust cap which came with my headset but would like to use a slightly smaller diameter one which I have spare already. The smaller cap appears to be ever so slightly smaller in diameter than the top of my headset tube but still sits on top of it comfortably. Is there any reason I have to use the default cover or am I safe to swap?

 

[Beans on toast Dave]

safe to swap as long as it sits on top on the steerer tube with some pressure from the bolt and does not dissapeer into the steerer tube although i dont know if you can get a smaller one than the diameter of the tube

 

[UTmaniac]

Once you have properly torqued the stem bolts to the fork steerer, having pre-loaded the setup beforehand with the topcap, in theory the topcap has done its job and you could ride without it... Albeit a topcapped steerer may cause less injury if you hit it with some force compared to the top of an exposed steerer!

 

[SirJinks]

Thanks guys but as per my original post -

“(I’m talking of the top cover which sits above the top bearings and below the headset spacers).” It isn’t the top cap I’m referring to.

 

[UTmaniac]

You mean the conical headset spacer? Why didn't you say so.

If you more aero, gram saving smaller conical spacer allows the topcap to properly preload the spacers on the steerer before you tighten the stem bolts, should be fine.