sdmc530

Sorry, one more question on the headset deal. Building a bike, carbon frame, fork and tube. So I know I am supposed to use an compression plug assembly instead of the star nut. I don't see that many on the market I guess, or I am not good with google. FSA has a probably a good option for not a great cost at all but is there a better/preferred version used by most or doesn't it really matter?


thanks...

fietsbob

Try a bike shop ? it's a service business ..

HillRider

FSA plugs are fine. Just be sure to get the right size (1" or 1-1/8" and specified for a carbon steerer tube). And, no, it really doesn't matter.

02Giant 

If your fit requires you to have an extended length steerer tube, you may want to look into one of the longer expansion plugs for additional support below the stem. Such as; https://www.bikeinn.com/bike/pro-car...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

Andrew R Stewart 

No brand but a design preference. One type of plug uses the top cap to also secure the plug in the steerer. One bolt, two jobs (expanding the plug inside the steerer and then also pressing down on the stem/spacers for bearing adjustment). The second type has these two needs done by two different bolts. This makes the job far easier. The plug tends to stay put while it's other function, the bearing adjustment, can be done with no added trouble. Andy

Retro Grouch 

What does "carbon fork" mean in your case? If your fork has a metal steerer tube, I don't see that it matters.

02Giant 

Self explanatory.

sdmc530

thanks for the link!

sdmc530

thanks!

sdmc530

thank you!

fietsbob

Other solutions.. epoxy in a length aluminum. tube

then the Star Nut will be OK, it bites into just the aluminum liner.., leaving carbon tube intact,

sdmc530

thanks. My LBS wanted to sell me the star nut. I asked if that was ok for a carbon tube, they said "I don't know what difference it would make". I had done some reading before hand and strongly suggested against the plain star nut so I didn't let him do it. I aske about "sleeving" first and they said that was never done. they suggested I should waist money on the compression type. So I just didn't trust the LBS.....they have been sold out to a big box store and they are very untrustworthy IMO.

I appreciate the guidance. I will just order a standard compression like advised. The sleeve deal seems like more work than necessary.


I know some of these questions are trivial but when your LBS tells you things that just don't seem quite right I have to ask here.

HillRider

You definitely need a different LBS.

sdmc530

that is why I am doing my own stuff from now on. Our last true ma n pop shop sold out. Owner retired. Purchased buy a large chain. Talking to the in house mech they don't build bikes any longer, all new bikes come assembled and ready to ride. The few mechanics they have do tune ups and such but seriously they are collage and HS kids that I am not super confident in. The head guy is just not a complete mech I don't think. (they sell specialized, bianachi, salsa and a few other nitch brands) I don't know what happens in you buy a new spec bike and need warranty work. I am betting they ship it to a repair facility 4 hours away and you just have to wait. Service seems to be gone sadly.

We have lost all our small shops to large chains now. I have been learning my own skills and with a much better understanding of the headsets I am pretty good with my bikes. Headsets scared me...a lot can go wrong up there.

fietsbob

side effect of online buying habits....

sdmc530

this^^^ and there is also the other point of local shops being way overpriced. An elevated price of a few dollars is expected and ok with me but sometimes they are just crazy. Example, a set of yellow cleats for Shimano for $39? That is insane! Shimano MSP is like $29 or so. Sometimes they do it to themselves too. I support local the best I can but when overcharging for some things there is no way I am buying it.

TimothyH

The expansion plug is not a place to skimp. I like the Specialized plug and own two.

https://www.amaincycling.com/special...4-2010/p691196

$10. Done.

sdmc530

those look super nice.....can you still put a top cap on or do you leave it as is?

TimothyH

As long as it is the correct size for your steerer, any top cap you want will fit.

This is the Spesh plug installed into an Enve 2.0 fork with Enve top cap.



This is the Specialized plug (left) compared to the Enve plug (right) which came with the fork. The Specialized plug clearly supports more of the steerer against compression from the stem.



The Pro plug in one of the posts above is nice too.

You want to avoid plugs which will not support the inside of the steerer well, such as...

sdmc530

I like that spec. part. My local dealer can get them for $10....that seems like a really great deal. Thanks for the tip....going to get that one!