Best Bike Headset Spacers of 2026
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Bike headset spacers are small, cylindrical components that are installed on the steerer tube of a bicycle fork. These spacers sit above or below the stem and are used to adjust the height of the handlebars. They come in a variety of sizes, colors, and materials, including aluminum, carbon fiber, and plastic. Bike headset spacers are an essential component for cyclists who want to achieve a comfortable riding position and optimize their bike's performance. They are easy to install and can be swapped out or rearranged as needed to achieve the desired handlebar height.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Bike Headset Spacers
Sumind 11 Pieces Carbon Fiber Bike Headset Spacer Set
The Sumind 11 Pieces Bike Carbon Fiber Headset Spacer Set includes 7 different sizes of spacers, made of woven carbon material. These spacers are light in weight, corrosion-resistant, and have good temperature resistance. The set is designed with smooth edges and a delicate texture, making it durable to use. The spacers also allow for precise height adjustments and fit most road bicycles with an inner diameter of 28.6 mm and external diameter of 34.9 mm. The total weight of the set is approximately 45 g.
Frienda Bike Cassette Spacer Set 7-11 Speed
The Frienda Cassette Spacer Set is designed to help you easily adjust your bike's cassette and bottom bracket. Made from lightweight anodized aluminum alloy, these washers are durable and help you achieve proper alignment with little effort. They fit a wide range of cassette speeds, from 7 to 11, making them versatile for many bike setups. Each washer has precise inner and outer diameters to ensure a snug fit on your cassette. With this set, you can confidently customize your bike for smoother shifting and better performance.
BQSHOP Heavy Duty Headset Top Cap Bearings
BQSHOP Heavy Duty Headset Top Cap Bearings is made of forged machined steel cups and oversized 1/4 inch bearings, suitable for MTB and road bikes. It fits frames under 44mm inner diameter head tube and 28.6mm straight tube fork or 1.5 standard taper pipe fork. This long-lasting headset offers smooth and durable performance. If not satisfied, you can apply for unconditional return and refund within 180 days.
Cheimaxy Carbon Fiber Headset Spacers 8PCS
The Cheimaxy Carbon Spacers offer precise engineering with a tight tolerance of ±0.1mm, ensuring a smooth and secure fit on your bike's headset. These spacers are compatible with any 1 1/8 inch front stem fork, so you can use them on mountain, BMX, or road bikes with ease. Made from braided carbon fiber, they provide a strong yet lightweight solution that also adds a sleek matte look to your bike. Designed for durability, these spacers resist wear and heat while maintaining a clean, burr-free finish, giving you reliable performance and a polished appearance every ride.
DSCMLIS Carbon Fiber Headset Spacers 11PCS
The DSCMLIS Carbon Fiber Spacers come in 11 pieces with six different thicknesses, allowing you to easily adjust your bike's stem height for a comfortable ride. Made with precision engineering, these spacers fit perfectly on a 1-1/8 inch stem, ensuring your bike’s front end stays aligned. Crafted from high-density carbon fiber, they offer a strong yet lightweight alternative to metal spacers, improving your bike’s performance. The matte finish not only looks sleek but also features smooth edges and high corrosion resistance, so you can rely on them in all weather conditions. These spacers are a great upgrade for any rider wanting durability and precise fit.
Mihoutal Carbon Fiber Bike Headset Spacers 12-Pack
The Mihoutal Carbon Fiber Spacers offer a perfect fit for all modern bikes with their standard 1 1/8 inch diameter, making them ideal for mountain, road, cruiser, and electric bikes. You get a versatile set of 12 spacers in six different thicknesses, allowing you to easily customize your handlebar height for the best riding comfort and control. Made from high-strength carbon fiber, these spacers are much lighter than aluminum, helping to improve your bike’s performance without sacrificing durability. Plus, their sleek woven carbon design with precision-machined edges not only looks great but also ensures a perfect stack alignment for a smooth ride.
SHIMANO Dura-Ace FH-9000 11-Speed Low Spacer
The SHIMANO 11-Speed Low Spacer is designed to fit perfectly with 11-speed freehubs, making it easy for you to use 9- and 10-speed cassettes without any issues. This means you can upgrade or change your bike’s cassette smoothly and enjoy better shifting performance. Made from strong materials, this spacer holds up well under tough riding conditions, so your drivetrain stays aligned and efficient for longer. Specifically made for the Dura-Ace FH-9000 series, it reduces unnecessary movement in your drivetrain, helping your gear changes feel smooth and precise. Plus, its low-profile design works well with different cassette setups, making it a handy part for both serious cyclists and bike enthusiasts.
Albedel Bike Ball Bearing Retainer Set 5x10 Kinds
The Albedel Bike Bearing Set offers a comprehensive solution for your bike maintenance needs by including 10 different types of ball bearings in one package. This variety ensures you have the right size for various bike parts, making replacements easy and convenient. These bearings serve as reliable substitutes for worn-out bike components, helping to restore smooth performance. Plus, they are versatile enough to fit a range of bikes, including mountain, road, scooters, and foldable models. With this set, you get the convenience of multiple sizes and broad compatibility in one purchase, making it a handy accessory for any bike owner.
Kbrotech Bike Headset Spacers
The Kbrotech Bicycle Headset Spacer set consists of 8 lightweight aluminum alloy spacers, in three different sizes (2mm, 5mm, and 10mm) to fit the 28.6mm front stem fork of various bikes. They are easy to install and help raise the handlebar, providing greater comfort during long rides. The high-quality CNC finished material ensures durability and longevity.
Bruislard 8 PCS Aluminum Bike Headset Spacers
The Bruislard Bike Headset Spacers come in a set of eight, with four different thicknesses (2mm, 3mm, 5mm, and 10mm) to help you fine-tune your bike’s handlebar height and fit. Made from lightweight aluminum alloy, these spacers are built to last and resist rust, ensuring they stay reliable on all your rides. They are designed to fit standard 1 1/8-inch stems, making them a great choice for mountain bikes, BMX, and road bikes alike. Installation is straightforward, allowing you to easily adjust your bike’s handlebar height for better comfort and control on the road or trail.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are bike headset spacers for?
Bike headset spacers are used to adjust the stack height of the handlebars. They come in different sizes and thicknesses to help riders achieve the desired handlebar height and improve their bike's fit and comfort.
2. How many spacers should a headset have?
The number of spacers needed for a headset varies depending on the rider's preference and bike setup. Taller MTB riders may require more spacers to achieve the correct handlebar height. Typically, mountain bikes have a standard 30mm spacer for basic headset settings.
3. Do you need a spacer above the headset?
It is recommended to check the specific requirements beforehand as they can vary. If the steerer tube ends only a few millimeters below the top of the stem, it is generally fine to use a spacer to cover it. However, if the steerer tube is made of carbon, it is advisable to have a little steerer showing above the stem with a spacer to protect it.
4. Are carbon headset spacers safe?
Carbon headset spacers are generally safe to use. Carbon is often stronger than aluminum in compression, depending on the epoxy used. However, it is essential to ensure that the carbon spacers are of good quality and properly installed to ensure safety.
5. Why do you need headset spacers?
Headset spacers play a crucial role in determining the bike's fit, comfort, and efficiency. They help adjust the position of the handlebars by sliding onto the forks' steerer tube. By using headset spacers, riders can achieve a more comfortable and personalized riding position.
6. Should you be able to spin headset spacers?
An effective way to check if the headset has enough tension is by attempting to turn the headset spacers. If they cannot be turned, it indicates that the headset has sufficient tension. Conversely, if the spacers can be turned easily, it suggests that the headset may require more tension.
7. Are 2 inch spacers too much?
It is generally recommended to stay under 2 inches when using spacers. However, it is essential to consider the specific requirements of the bike and the spacers being used. Some OE studs may extend past the spacer's mounting surface, requiring trimming to ensure proper fitment. Additionally, using hub-centric spacers whenever possible can provide a stronger and more secure fit.
8. Are 2 piece spacers safe?
It is not recommended to stack wheel spacers or use multi-piece spacers that have two or more parts that bolt together. It is important to ensure that the inner lug nuts and wheel studs do not protrude beyond the outer surface of the spacer. This helps maintain safety and prevent potential issues or failures.
9. How do I know if I need spacers?
Spacers are used when the wheel offset is not ideal for the desired setup. They can be used to address issues such as narrow axles or insufficient wheel offset, allowing riders to position their tires and wheels where they want them to be under the fender.
10. How do I know if I need volume spacers?
If you frequently experience bottoming out in your suspension but have correctly set sag, adding a volume spacer can help. Volume spacers reduce the air chamber volume and increase the rate of progression in the suspension, making it firmer sooner in the travel and increasing the spring rate in the mid and end-stroke.
11. What are the negative effects of spacers?
Using spacers can have a few negative effects. They can increase the tire scrub radius, altering the vehicle's handling and making slow-speed turns more challenging. Additionally, adding more components to the wheels increases the potential for failure, and there may be increased wear and tear on the suspension.
12. What are the disadvantages of spacers?
Some potential disadvantages of using spacers include increased steering effort due to the wheels being farther apart, reduced ride quality, and additional wear and tear on the suspension. It may also be challenging to find a mechanic who is experienced in working with spacers.
During our bike headset spacer research, we found 24 bike headset spacer products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 26,312 customer reviews through our big data system to write the bike headset spacers list. We found that most customers choose bike headset spacers with an average price of $7.15.
The bike headset spacers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of bike headset spacers, including Sumind, Frienda, BQPOLING, Cheimaxy, DSCMLIS. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 664 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.
Jason Kiser is an editor who lives in California, he previously worked in a travel agency for ten years, which enabled him to travel a number of interesting countries and experience several different cultures along the way. His range of job and travel experiences grant him expertise in hiking, camping, outdoors and fitness.