I have the mast off to replace the sidestays but have found that the old upper stays measure approx 12'10" to the spreader, not 12'as in the owners manual. The old stays are the originals from 1999, but I can't believe there can be that much stretch without bending the spreader in its housing. I am reluctant to attach at 12 feet when the old stays tell me otherwise. Should I just fit the new stays to the mast top and spreader whilst it is off and clamp to the spreader for the length that is snug? Thanks for any advice.