Hi all,

I would like to mount a FSA SMR stem on a VB-R-R168. Has anybody ever done this or can give an advice how to fit that with the Velobuild headeset/speracers? Or is it better to use another headset/spacers?

BR, Ralf

The FSA SMR (assuming you mean ACR/SMR) system uses a similar, but different top/headset cover and c-clip design than the supplied hardware from VeloBuild.

If you choose to use FSA's ACR system you will need the following:

1. ACR Top Cover / NO. 55R 1.5" ACR STD headset system.
2. An FSA ACR stem or ACR integrated 1-piece cockpit.
3. Any ACR spacers if the headset system does not include them.
4. Most likely a thinner upper headset for the headtube opening, because the ACR system in general leaves quite a bit of "gap" between the new top cover and the headtube. The supplied ACR c-clip is pretty thickkkk.

A few folks in here have been able been to use a hybrid mix of both Velobuild and ACR headset hardware. Just depends how deep down the rabbit hole you wanna go. The stuff listed about will at least get you where you need to be.

Quote from: patliean1 on November 20, 2022, 05:43:00 PM
The FSA SMR (assuming you mean ACR/SMR) system uses a similar, but different top/headset cover and c-clip design than the supplied hardware from VeloBuild.

If you choose to use FSA's ACR system you will need the following:

1. ACR Top Cover / NO. 55R 1.5" ACR STD headset system.
2. An FSA ACR stem or ACR integrated 1-piece cockpit.
3. Any ACR spacers if the headset system does not include them.
4. Most likely a thinner upper headset for the headtube opening, because the ACR system in general leaves quite a bit of "gap" between the new top cover and the headtube. The supplied ACR c-clip is pretty thickkkk.

A few folks in here have been able been to use a hybrid mix of both Velobuild and ACR headset hardware. Just depends how deep down the rabbit hole you wanna go. The stuff listed about will at least get you where you need to be.

Can you use any handlebar with the stem or are you limited to the fsa brand?

Quote from: Nickk2000 on November 20, 2022, 09:48:21 PM
Can you use any handlebar with the stem or are you limited to the fsa brand?

FSA SMR Stems - Yes you can use any handlebar you want.

FSA ACR Stems - You can still use a separate handlebar, however the handlebars need to have an opening/port where it connects to the stem clamp so the cables can be fully routed internally.

Quote from: patliean1 on November 20, 2022, 05:43:00 PM
The FSA SMR (assuming you mean ACR/SMR) system uses a similar, but different top/headset cover and c-clip design than the supplied hardware from VeloBuild.

If you choose to use FSA's ACR system you will need the following:

1. ACR Top Cover / NO. 55R 1.5" ACR STD headset system.
2. An FSA ACR stem or ACR integrated 1-piece cockpit.
3. Any ACR spacers if the headset system does not include them.
4. Most likely a thinner upper headset for the headtube opening, because the ACR system in general leaves quite a bit of "gap" between the new top cover and the headtube. The supplied ACR c-clip is pretty thickkkk.

A few folks in here have been able been to use a hybrid mix of both Velobuild and ACR headset hardware. Just depends how deep down the rabbit hole you wanna go. The stuff listed about will at least get you where you need to be.

Thanks for the detailed explanation!

Quote from: patliean1 on November 20, 2022, 05:43:00 PM
The FSA SMR (assuming you mean ACR/SMR) system uses a similar, but different top/headset cover and c-clip design than the supplied hardware from VeloBuild.

If you choose to use FSA's ACR system you will need the following:

1. ACR Top Cover / NO. 55R 1.5" ACR STD headset system.
2. An FSA ACR stem or ACR integrated 1-piece cockpit.
3. Any ACR spacers if the headset system does not include them.
4. Most likely a thinner upper headset for the headtube opening, because the ACR system in general leaves quite a bit of "gap" between the new top cover and the headtube. The supplied ACR c-clip is pretty thickkkk.

A few folks in here have been able been to use a hybrid mix of both Velobuild and ACR headset hardware. Just depends how deep down the rabbit hole you wanna go. The stuff listed about will at least get you where you need to be.

Invaluable information, thanks Pat.