Quick Answer: It is important when mounting your Spank Spike Race Stem, Oozy Trail Stem, or Split stem to your fork steerer tube that the fork steerer tube must be clean of any contaminants, and inserted to the top of the upper stem clamp bolt, as an absolute minimum. For aggressive riding use, or if attaining sufficient clamping force is problematic, it's highly suggested to allow the steerer tube of the fork to insert all the way to the top of the stem. This will require the use of a spacer ring on the top of the stem, to allow clearance between the stem top cap and fork steerer tube. In the case of Spoon and Spoon 2 stems, the fork steerer tube must be inserted to the top of the stem body, and a 5mm spacer ring used between stem body and top cap. Always use a torque wrench when tightening stem clamp bolts, and never exceed the maximum recommended torque marked on your stem body.Oozy Trail, Spike Race, & Split Stems - Minimum insertion of fork steerer tube to top of upper clamp bolt. NOTE: for aggressive riding, it is suggested to insert steerer tube to the top of the stem body, and use a 5mm spacer ring between stem and top cap to allow sufficient clearance. Spoon Stems - Minimum insertion of fork steerer tube to the top of the stem body, with min 5mm spacer kit between stem body and top cap to allow sufficient clearance. Recommended Assembly, with fork steerer tube to top of stem body, and use of 5mm spacer between stem and top cap. Once you have double checked that the fork steerer tube is inserted to the top of the upper bolt as a minimum, or better yet all the way to the top of the stem, (with spacer ring between stem and top cap), tighten down your stem rear clamp bolts with a torque wrench, until the stem is unable to slip on the steerer tube. Tighten bolts in increments, first top bolt until snug, then bottom bolt until snug, then top bolt to desired torque, and finally bottom bolt to desired torque. Do not exceed the max torque rating marked on your stem body. Make sure that you achieve even spacing from the top of the stem to the bottom of the stem as shown in the diagram below. After your first couple rides, (and a few times during each season), check that your bolts are still at the desired torque.Your stem should be secured to the fork steerer tube tightly enough to avoid any slipping during riding, but not so tightly that it cannot move in the event of a crash. This can prevent product damage or failure during crashes. If you have followed directions, and still cannot achieve a secure assembly between your stem and steerer tube, you should cease use immediately and have your stem assembly checked by a trained mechanic. Failure to do so can be dangerous. If bolts have been tightened to too high a torque, it’s possible that the bolts have elongated or stem body threads have been stripped. This situation can mean required clamping forces are not being reached, even though bolts are made tighter and tighter. If such a case exists, have your stem assembly checked by a trained mechanic, or contact your local authorized Spank distributor.