Newbie with headset reducer issue

rayke

New Member
Joined
May 23, 2026
Messages
3
Reaction score
2
Hi all,
I'm new to both downhill biking and emtbs. I recently purchased a Norco Fluid VLT A1 with the oversized 1.8" steerer. The OEM Rockshox Silver 35 fork was inadequate for my weight (220lbs) so I swapped it out with a Rockshox Domain with 1.5" steerer and FSA Crown Race 1.8" Reducer to 1.5". The reducer works fine when riding on the flats but isn't when I hit the bumps. I've already overtorqued the stem cap bolt to 10nm but there is still some slop going over roots, rocks, etc.
Any other work arounds to get a firmer feeling fork?

TIA!
 
EMTB PRO
25% off e*thirteen, Peaty’s & more with PRO
Member-only deals from e*thirteen, Peaty’s, PEMBREE and Magicshine · ad-free browsing · PRO badge · Living Intelligence Reports
See the deals →
From £1.99/month
Hi all,
I'm new to both downhill biking and emtbs. I recently purchased a Norco Fluid VLT A1 with the oversized 1.8" steerer. The OEM Rockshox Silver 35 fork was inadequate for my weight (220lbs) so I swapped it out with a Rockshox Domain with 1.5" steerer and FSA Crown Race 1.8" Reducer to 1.5". The reducer works fine when riding on the flats but isn't when I hit the bumps. I've already overtorqued the stem cap bolt to 10nm but there is still some slop going over roots, rocks, etc.
Any other work arounds to get a firmer feeling fork?

TIA!


I know these bikes s I have a gen2 Range Vlt that has the same headset (1.8" lower bearing.)

I've not had issues with the headset knocking but wonder if your stem-cap is not tightening against the bearing / stem spacers but actually tightening against the steerer-tube so needing a little more hight of the spacer pack?:unsure:

^^ easily checked as the steerer-tube will leave a 'whitness mark' on the underside of the stem-cap🧐
 
I know these bikes s I have a gen2 Range Vlt that has the same headset (1.8" lower bearing.)

I've not had issues with the headset knocking but wonder if your stem-cap is not tightening against the bearing / stem spacers but actually tightening against the steerer-tube so needing a little more hight of the spacer pack?:unsure:

^^ easily checked as the steerer-tube will leave a 'whitness mark' on the underside of the stem-cap🧐
Thanks for the suggestion Rich. I'll check that out!
 
I know these bikes s I have a gen2 Range Vlt that has the same headset (1.8" lower bearing.)

I've not had issues with the headset knocking but wonder if your stem-cap is not tightening against the bearing / stem spacers but actually tightening against the steerer-tube so needing a little more hight of the spacer pack?:unsure:

^^ easily checked as the steerer-tube will leave a 'whitness mark' on the underside of the stem-cap🧐
Thanks Zed, I'll check that out!
 
Keep reading
    Browse all

    Similar Threads

    Free account
    Join 43,230
    eMTB riders
    One tap. No forms. Fewer ads.
    or sign up with email
    Back
    Top