How to add spaces to threadless headset?

Question

I need to add spacers to my threadless headset to make my position more upright. How is it done? (My mechanical skills are intermediate.)

Answer 1

You probably cannot add more than a cm due to the need of steerer tube length in order to add spacers.  Changing your stem to raise your bar would be a way to gain more rise.  When adding spacers or changing stems, you will have to readjust the headset.  This is acomplished by tightening or loosening the bolt on the top of the stem.  It must be done with the stem bolts completely loose.  When properly adjusted the bars should rotate freely, but there should be no play in the bars either.  Check this by grasping the fork and the stem and attempting to wiggle it.  Don't forget to tighten the stem when everything is adjusted right.

Answer 2

If your stem is at the top of the steerer you cant move it any higher.  If you have spacers above the stem you can take them off, remove the stem and then place the spacers under them.

You can replace a fixed stem with one that is higher or adjustable.

You can get a stem raiser to move the stem up.

You can change the handlebars.

I bought a new Forge bike and the stem came mounted upside down on it so I had to flip it over.  I think it came this way to reduce the packaging size.

To change or move the stem you have to remove the bold on top of the stem.  The purpose of this bolt is to keep the pressure on the bearings so the stem is not loose.

Next loosen the bolts on the stem and lift it off.  Be careful, the stem and bearings are very loose now.  

When you put it back together the spacers and stem combination must be slightly higher then the steerer by a few mm.  You have to tighten the top bolt to where the steerer doesn't have any play in it and the front wheel turns freely.  You don't want to torque down on it.

Now align the handlebars with the wheel and tighten the stem.