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 Go Pro — exclusive discounts & ad-free Peaty's 25% off & more · Ad-free browsing · Pro badge See the deals →
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

    Community Stats

    Since 2018
    668K
    Messages
    40,721
    Members
    Join 30,000+ Riders, it's free!
    Back
    Top