Alter HTA with Spacers?

[Stuart Corbishley]

Hey everyone,

I've recently been handed a relatively old Specialized Epic FSR frame, circa 2010. It was a demo frame, so it's in immaculate condition. I've currently got a hard tail Scott, and I getting all my kit moved onto the Epic frame.

I'm quite keen on more aggressive riding than most XC frames, so I was curious about making the HT a tad slacker. I'm going to try a 50mm stem, definitely get wider bars. 

The question is, would putting a spacer between the fork and the bottom of the HT be a bad idea - or even necessary? If it's doable - what sorts of things should I consider?

I don't think modifying the fork offset is possible with the Fox (can't remember the model) fork that comes with it...

 

[ALLMTB]

I don't know if spacers exist which you could use between the bottom headset and the fork, but you can get an external bottom headset cup instead of the internal one (if that's what on there at the moment).

 

Personally I would rather check if the fork travel can be extended. This should slacken the head angle a bit but in turn also raise the BB a bit, or if you've got the cash to spend, get an angleset.

[worriesnot]

https://www.canecreek.com/products/headsets/angleset

 

go look around on this link/site 

[Grease_Monkey]

https://www.canecreek.com/products/headsets/angleset

 

go look around on this link/site 

^^^ This

 

Please do not put spacers between the bottom of your HT and Fork. You would be much better off increasing your forks travel if you really want to go that route - but not recommended. You will void your frame warranty (if it is still valid) and mess with the geo of the bike. Your seat tube will now be slacker putting your further behind the bb and messing with your pedaling efficiency. 

 

As for the short stem and wide bars - that's always a good idea to better the bikes handling and aggressiveness. 

[Stuart Corbishley]

Awesome, thanks everyone. I'll see if the shock can be extended - if not; try find a 120mm straight steerer fork.. An angle set does seem like a good option (price depending/bang for buck)..