FSA/Vision ACR Stem Users UNITE!

[patliean1]

Hello All,

I'm looking to upgrade two of my bikes to FSA/Vision ACR stems, in order maintain internal routing.

#1 Dengfu R12 - I'm currently running Dengfu's integrated handlebars (110mm stem length). Nothing wrong with them but I really need at least a 130mm length stem, and moving the saddle back isn't optimal.

#2 VeloBuild 177 - I'm using VB's separate bar/stem combo, but unfortunately the loose headset play is still a tiny issue because of the design flaw in the top cap. This is a shame because my overall bike fit, stem, and geometry is perfect on the 177.

My question(s) with FSA ACR stems are as follows:

1. How do I know if the FSA stem is compatible with the included spacers from each brand? Both VB and Dengfu spacers are similar is design, but are not cross compatible.

2. Do I need to also purchase FSA's headset cover?

3. And if I need to purchase FSA's spacers...which name brand should I select? Specialized? Trek? ect...

Having built several Chinese-branded bikes in the past 12 months, I must that one of the main drawbacks is the severe lack of handlebar options with these frames. I recognize most customers aren't running extreme bike fits and reach. However, if these frames are designed to go fast and be used competitively it make sense for these companies to offer at least their version of FSA's ACR stem.

Thanks in advanced!

[Irideslowly]

From what i understand, the bike needs to be compatible with the ACR system. Most bikes are not. Ask the manufacturer if the frame is compatible with the ACR system. I know the Carbonada CFR 1056 is compatible with the ACR system. It says it on their website. http://www.carbonda.com/road-frames/125.html

My bike, the LTK-268, which is similar to the velo build 177 IIRC is NOT compatible with the ACR system.

Hope this helps.

[svanimpe]

The only thing frame-specific about ACR (other than 1.5"-1.5" headtube) should be the specific internal routing on the fork. However, other frames with this size headtube should be compatible with similar FSA internal routing systems. This video gives a good overview:

SMR in particular is interesting because the SMR stem supports both routing through the stem, as well as underneath it. This should give you the most handlebar options.

[patliean1]

The only thing frame-specific about ACR (other than 1.5"-1.5" headtube) should be the specific internal routing on the fork. However, other frames with this size headtube should be compatible with similar FSA internal routing systems. This video gives a good overview:

SMR in particular is interesting because the SMR stem supports both routing through the stem, as well as underneath it. This should give you the most handlebar options.

This is super helpful. Basically All I need is the 1.5"-1.5" headtube, ACR stem, then I should be able to use the same handlebars. Thank you!

[Irideslowly]

You might have a problem with the spacers.

[pearl]

I have a FSA NS ACR Stem coming in soon for my 177, I'll let you know what I find out!

[patliean1]

You might have a problem with the spacers.

Thankfully my stem is slammed LoL

[bichler.bua]

Hi Patrick,

there are users in this forum that have chosen the FSA ACR system. Seems they replaced the Velobuild top bearing with the FSA No.55R.
http://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,3102.msg34543.html#msg34543
I gather, if you do that you have the FSA bearing cap and the FSA stem - so you can run FSA spacers in between.

As far as the headset play is concerned, I believe there are users that added 3/4 cut out spacer to the top of the Velobuild headset construction to remove headset play.

[pearl]

It looks like you can just buy the top cap for $7, maybe it's worth it to have no headache...

https://www.fsaproshop.com/products/acr-headset-top-cover

[patliean1]

Hi Patrick,

there are users in this forum that have chosen the FSA ACR system. Seems they replaced the Velobuild top bearing with the FSA No.55R.
http://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,3102.msg34543.html#msg34543
I gather, if you do that you have the FSA bearing cap and the FSA stem - so you can run FSA spacers in between.

As far as the headset play is concerned, I believe there are users that added 3/4 cut out spacer to the top of the Velobuild headset construction to remove headset play.

This is rather helpful. I wonder if anyone has a photo of the 3/4 cut out spacer. Thank you!

[zilcho]

I found this option but haven't requested any info from them. I like the shape and lack of decals/branding compared to the FSA and Velobuild stems.
https://www.workswellbikes.com/internal-wiring/wsc-012.html

[patliean1]

I found this option but haven't requested any info from them. I like the shape and lack of decals/branding compared to the FSA and Velobuild stems.
https://www.workswellbikes.com/internal-wiring/wsc-012.html

THIS is precisely what I was looking for!

Is it also a possibility that the upper and lower headset bearings from VeloBuild are two different sizes?

[zilcho]

THIS is precisely what I was looking for!

Is it also a possibility that the upper and lower headset bearings from VeloBuild are two different sizes?

Velobuild has it listed as 1.5 to 1.5, and I was under the impression that was required for internal routing with the ACR system. Somehow Dengfu is doing it with 1.5 to 1.125, or they didn't enter the correct info on their website

[bichler.bua]

This is rather helpful. I wonder if anyone has a photo of the 3/4 cut out spacer. Thank you!

Hi Patrick,

there is some mention in the Velobuild VB-R-168 Frame thread, quite a long thread, unfortunately.
Here are some messages:
http://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,3147.msg33629.html#msg33629
http://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,3147.msg33596.html#msg33596
http://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,3147.msg33543.html#msg33543
https://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,3147.msg31817.html#msg31814
http://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,3147.msg31797.html#msg31797

Some users in this thread, like yourself, reported that changing the compression plug solved the issue.
Others had to add thin spacers, microshims. I also created one for my build, but moving away from the Velobuild spacer system solved the issue for me.
Tried to share some of my experiences in this message:
http://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,3102.msg34848.html#msg34848

Attached a picture of the 3/4 cut out spacer / microshim that I did, you may use this from Aliexpress and modify it:
https://aliexpress.com/item/32805230845.html

[pearl]

Got my AC Stem and top cap this morning, but it won't work without modifying something, either that half circle bearing insert, or the top cap. the nubs from the top cap do not line up with the inserts on the bearing insert.

I'm curious if i could just sand down the nubs on the ACR top cap and with the compression of the headset, get it to work... Sucks you need that one top piece "C Shape" out of the headset to get it to work.