Does this look right?

[FIL S]

 I bought a new stem and bars from Alans on wednesday. I fitted them earlier and there seems to be quite a gap between the 2 parts of the stem when tightened around the bars.

 The stem is an S&M XLT and the bars are S&M 5.75 Inch race bars. The stem isn't the race model but i would'nt think there would be any difference in the diameter of race bars and freestyle bars. I stand to be corrected but do you think it would be ok to ride/race with the gap shown below or should the 2 halfs be together?

 Cheers, Phil.
 
 

 

 
 

[DR VINOAH]

looks fine 2 me

do the allen bolts do up tight

if so dont worry

[snav69]

Looks perfectly normal to me 

Paul 

[theRuler]

its ok mate

[FIL S]

 Thanks for that lads.

 V, the bolts are as tight as i dare without running the risk of stripping them.

 Snav, every other stem i've had has always had the 2 parts butted up together.

 cheers for putting my mind at rest 

[theRuler]

the two parts shouldnt touch
if they do, it may not be tight!

[snav69]

the two parts shouldnt touch
if they do, it may not be tight!

Thats what i thought but i only have old school bikes and don't know owt about new stuff .

Paul 

[theRuler]

the theory of clampage has remained the same over the ages

[FIL S]

the two parts shouldnt touch
if they do, it may not be tight!

 Good point, well made 

[SaMAlex]

Hutch stems had miles of gap between the two halfs

[Dingobmxer]

Too much paint on the bars.................
payment should be my Quad F&F back in the 1st class post Phil 
  DINGO