Why Pros Don’t Overlook the Importance of Headset Spacers

When it comes to dialing in your BMX setup, most riders think about bars, tires, cranks, or forks. But there’s one small part that often goes unnoticed until it's missing or installed wrong: the headset spacer.

While headset spacers might look like simple metal or plastic rings, they play a crucial role in both the performance and fit of your BMX bike. Ask any seasoned pro, and they’ll tell you: when your front end feels just right, headset spacers usually have something to do with it.

Let’s break down why these small components are such a big deal and how they help you get your ride dialed.

What Are Headset Spacers?

Headset spacers are small rings that sit on your fork’s steerer tube, between the headset and the stem. They allow you to adjust the height of your stem and handlebars without changing any of your core components.

Available in various sizes (usually 2.5mm, 5mm, or 10mm), these spacers are the key to finding your ideal bar height and front-end feel.

Why Do Headset Spacers Matter?

1. They Let You Customize Bar Height

Riders come in all shapes and sizes, and so should bar setups. Headset spacers help you fine-tune your handlebar height without swapping stems or bars. This means you can:

• Raise your bars for a more upright, comfortable position

• Lower them for a more aggressive, front-heavy feel

Small changes in bar height can dramatically affect balance, control, and confidence especially during manuals, hops, and tech tricks.

2. They Keep Your Headset Properly Compressed

Spacers aren’t just about height, they're also a structural component. If your steerer tube sits too low inside the stem, your headset won’t compress properly, leading to play, wobble, or headset wear.

Using the right combination of spacers ensures:

• Your stem clamps securely

• Your headset stays tight

• You avoid long-term bearing damage

3. They Support Progression and Adjustment

As you grow or evolve your riding style, your setup might need to change too. Adding or removing headset spacers gives you an easy way to adapt whether you’re chasing new tricks, transitioning from park to street, or just experimenting with feel.

Pro tip: Many riders start with a few extra spacers and remove them gradually as they get used to their bike.

How Pros Use Headset Spacers

Pro riders often have their setup preferences down to the millimeter. Here’s how they use headset spacers to their advantage:

• Taller riders: Often stack spacers under the stem to raise the bars for better control and posture.

• Street and tech riders: Sometimes raise the front end slightly for easier nose manuals and fakies.

• Park and flow riders: Prefer a lower front end for quicker barspins and responsiveness on transitions.

Instead of committing to a new stem or bar rise, many pros use headset spacers to dial in the feel quickly and without guesswork.

Choosing the Right Headset Spacers

At Billet BMX, we carry a wide range of BMX headset spacers in different thicknesses, colors, and materials. Here’s what to look for:

• Material: Aluminum is strong and lightweight; carbon is super light but more expensive.

• Size: Standard BMX steerer tubes use 1 1/8” spacers.

• Thickness: Mix and match 2.5mm, 5mm, and 10mm spacers for the perfect stack.

• Style: Match your bike’s color scheme or add a personal touch with anodized or branded spacers.

Pro tip: Always make sure your steerer tube is long enough to support the stem and top cap with a spacer or two above the stem for a snug fit.

Installation Tips

Installing headset spacers is simple if you follow the basics:

1. Slide spacers onto your fork’s steerer tube.

2. Place the stem above the spacers.

3. Install your top cap and preload bolt.

4. Tighten evenly and align the bars before clamping the stem.

Always check for any play in the headset and ensure everything is properly torqued before riding.

Final Thoughts: Small Part, Big Difference

Don’t let their size fool you; headset spacers are a big part of why your front end feels just right. From comfort to control to longevity, they help fine-tune your setup without the need for new bars or stems.

That’s why the pros don’t overlook them and neither should you.

Explore our full selection of headset spacers and other precision BMX components with Billet BMX, and take control of your setup, one millimeter at a time.