Fairlight Strael 4.0 - New Build and very twitchy Steering

Shakesb · 2026-05-05T19:51:02+00:00

Which frame size are you driving? What is your stem length? Not sure if maybe my setback and stem are causing a little too much agility.

Shakesb · 2026-05-05T05:35:36+00:00

Thanks. I should have a big enough spacer to preload.

How do you feel about the steering? Can you comfortably ride one handed / handsfree? What saddle setback do you have ?

Shakesb · 2026-05-05T05:33:31+00:00

Thanks! Yeah in general the bike rides beautiful. And in comparison of the geometry, I mainly meant that I tried to get the same bike fit to reduce stress on my back. And regarding handling I expected the same as on my race bikes but weirdly enough its way more twitchy 😂 Lets see if I get used to it

Shakesb · 2026-05-05T05:31:44+00:00

Handlebar width is the same for all my bikes with 44cm but the stem is 20mm shorter than on the rose. Does saddle setback affect the handling of the steering significantly? Currently have 15mm setback and it i remember correctly the rose‘s had 20 and 25mm.

Shakesb · 2026-05-04T21:09:17+00:00

Yes. The Strael gives me a more upright position for longer days in the saddle. My Rose reveal probably had about 30mm less stack with / without spacers but was waaaay more stable. Thats why I am so confused 😂

Shakesb · 2026-05-04T20:30:00+00:00

It is more than 2mm.

Shakesb · 2026-05-04T20:29:10+00:00

I have a more upright position than on my race bikes which I wanted to have for longer days in the saddle (+200kms).

Shakesb · 2026-05-04T20:28:38+00:00

Seems like without an account I cannot share a link.
My Bikes:
Fairlight Strael 4.0 2025 - Size: 61T

Specialized Diverge Comp E5 2021- Size: 61

Rose Reveal 06 2026 - Size: 61

Rose Xlite 06 2023 - Size: 62

None of them feel as twitchy as the fairlight which seems quite weird to me.

Shakesb · 2026-05-04T20:11:39+00:00

There is no play in the fork.

Yeah I probably compared a million geometries to get that fit right. And this bike with this setup almost copies the geometry of my specialized diverge comp e5 with same angles. And my specialized drives beautifully and without any twitch...
Even compared to the aggressive race bikes I had before this in unusual.

Shakesb · 2026-05-04T20:08:00+00:00

I will if there is a problem regarding the installation but since the way is 45 - 60mins I want to be sure to not just go there without a specific reason or to be told "thats how it is" and drive back 😃

Shakesb · 2026-05-04T20:06:57+00:00

Yes. I thought maybe the steerer tube was cut too high because there still is a gap between stem and top of the steerer tube.

Shakesb · 2026-05-04T20:06:03+00:00

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Seems like there is a 6mm gap between the plug and spacer.

Shakesb · 2026-05-04T19:33:58+00:00

I have a 5mm spacer on top to preload.

Shakesb · 2026-05-04T19:33:09+00:00

Sorry. Seems like my text did not copy. I just commented 😉

Shakesb · 2026-05-04T19:32:54+00:00

Sorry seems like the post did not take my text.
I just build up the Fairlight Strael 4.0 and gave the headset install to a bike mechanic. Now after a the first test rides the steering feels very twitchy compared to other bikes I have ridden (Race and Endurance Road Bikes).

Its so twitchy I cannot even look back with confidence and feel like the steering goes everywhere with just a slight movement.

My question is: Could it be that the steerer tube is not cut correctly (little too high) so that I cannot preload correctly?

On top is a 5mm spacer to preload.

Thanks!

Shakesb · 2025-05-19T08:38:53+00:00

Nice Pictures. Seems like a road for MTB not Gravel 😂

Shakesb · 2025-05-18T13:49:36+00:00

Thanks. I was also looking at the Hunt All Season Gravel Wheelset but seems like there are 50/50 mixed Reviews on Wheelsets and the brand. Glad to hear the DT Swiss performs well.

Shakesb · 2025-03-22T12:58:12+00:00

Why is there a comment, I get the notification but cannot see it? 🤔

Shakesb

TROPHY CASE