[cthruit]

I see that Serial1 has listed on their website the following parts:
STEM WITH TOP CAP S/M $80
MIDDLE SPACER $10

If you own a L/XL frame bicycle, the stem is substantially longer than the one for S/M frames. If you swap from the L/XL stem to the S/M stem, there might be enough slack created in the brake lines and wires to allow at least one, maybe two of the spacers to be inserted. But there might still not be enough steerer tube to allow insertion of any spacers. However, shortening the stem would still create a more upright riding posture. Question is, would it make enough difference to be worth the cost? Also, can the excess slack in the brake lines be taken up in the shorter stem or elsewhere without creating a kink that affects brake function?