Compression plug vs star nut for 1" carbon fork
02-19-20, 01:04 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Compression plug vs star nut for 1" carbon fork
I have an older 1" (25.4mm) carbon fork from Nashbar. The inner diameter of the carbon steerer is 20mm at the max. My two options are to use a 1" compression plug or a start nut, but I need some advice.
Since the steerer is carbon, I have always been under the impression that a compression plug is better, versus using a star nut for a steel steerer. Is this thinking wrong?
Should I use a compression plug? I am trying to search for ones that are 1 inch but it has been tricky.
I also have some star nuts that are for 1-1/8th forks, but I am hesitating before hammering them in the carbon steerer. That seems like the wrong thing to do. Should I use a 1" star nut?
pics below. thanks
Inner diameter is a maximum of 20mm
Since the steerer is carbon, I have always been under the impression that a compression plug is better, versus using a star nut for a steel steerer. Is this thinking wrong?
Should I use a compression plug? I am trying to search for ones that are 1 inch but it has been tricky.
I also have some star nuts that are for 1-1/8th forks, but I am hesitating before hammering them in the carbon steerer. That seems like the wrong thing to do. Should I use a 1" star nut?
pics below. thanks
Inner diameter is a maximum of 20mm
02-19-20, 01:14 PM
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Llano Estacado
Posts: 3,702
Bikes: old clunker
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 684 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 105 Times
in
83 Posts
I have an older 1" (25.4mm) carbon fork from Nashbar. The inner diameter of the carbon steerer is 20mm at the max. My two options are to use a 1" compression plug or a start nut, but I need some advice.
Since the steerer is carbon, I have always been under the impression that a compression plug is better, versus using a star nut for a steel steerer. Is this thinking wrong?
Should I use a compression plug? I am trying to search for ones that are 1 inch but it has been tricky.
I also have some star nuts that are for 1-1/8th forks, but I am hesitating before hammering them in the carbon steerer. That seems like the wrong thing to do. Should I use a 1" star nut?
pics below. thanks
...
Inner diameter is a maximum of 20mm
Since the steerer is carbon, I have always been under the impression that a compression plug is better, versus using a star nut for a steel steerer. Is this thinking wrong?
Should I use a compression plug? I am trying to search for ones that are 1 inch but it has been tricky.
I also have some star nuts that are for 1-1/8th forks, but I am hesitating before hammering them in the carbon steerer. That seems like the wrong thing to do. Should I use a 1" star nut?
pics below. thanks
...
Inner diameter is a maximum of 20mm
02-19-20, 01:16 PM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: South shore, L.I., NY
Posts: 6,885
Bikes: Flyxii FR322, Cannondale Topstone, Miyata City Liner, Specialized Chisel, Specialized Epic Evo
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3242 Post(s)
Liked 2,088 Times
in
1,182 Posts
My understanding is on a carbon steerer a compression plug is REQUIRED. A star nut is a spring, loaded under tension that pushes outward on the inner wall of the steel steerer tube and as such can damage a carbon steerer tube.
02-19-20, 01:34 PM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: South Jersey
Posts: 2,266
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 714 Post(s)
Liked 800 Times
in
475 Posts
It's never a good idea to hammer a sharp metal object into a carbon steerer. Find an appropriate compression/expander plug or epoxy in a threaded aluminum insert. https://www.modernbike.com/cinelli-e...arbon-steerers
02-19-20, 01:47 PM
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: SW Ohio
Posts: 3,682
Bikes: Puch Marco Polo, Saint Tropez, Masi Gran Criterium
Mentioned: 25 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1163 Post(s)
Liked 442 Times
in
315 Posts
1" compatible compression plugs are available but I agree - they are most likely scarce. I seem to recall that I bought one from ti cycles ebay store for like $12. I'm going to check and see if they still have them.
Update: I just went to the ticycles.com website and found the 1" plug "headset compression plug". It comes with a top cap that says Portland Titanium and it sells for $18. The only down side is that it is not very long so it may not give full support for the stem.
Update: I just went to the ticycles.com website and found the 1" plug "headset compression plug". It comes with a top cap that says Portland Titanium and it sells for $18. The only down side is that it is not very long so it may not give full support for the stem.
Last edited by masi61; 02-19-20 at 03:52 PM.
02-19-20, 02:00 PM
#6
Junior Member
OP, you might want to see what you think of DaveSSS's method in this thread: https://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-m...n-steerer.html. It would avoid the need for a rare 1" plug, which will be even harder to find in a version that extends below the base of the stem clamp, while potentially being even better at resisting crushing forces (important, and a star nut will be useless in this function). I'm going to put my fork through the process soon, if you'd prefer a guinea pig.
02-19-20, 02:26 PM
#7
Senior Member
Hammering a star nut into any carbon fork will ruin it. If you can't find a 1 inch plug, then gluing a tee nut into the steerer may be your only choice.
I found a 1 inch carbon plug with one quick search.
I found a 1 inch carbon plug with one quick search.
Last edited by DaveSSS; 02-19-20 at 02:30 PM.
02-19-20, 03:39 PM
#9
With a mighty wind
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 2,594
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1088 Post(s)
Liked 862 Times
in
490 Posts
I use this
Neco 1" 25.4mm Top Cap Key Expander Compressor Plug Bike Threadless Headset (Silver) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077JYV6Z4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_80AtEb19P25NC
Cheap, nice and long to cover the length of a stem, knurled for solid grip.
I haven't had to retighten my headset in the 2 years since I got it. Prior to that with a rubber plug type, it would come loose every few rides.
I put a cooler top cap on mine.
Neco 1" 25.4mm Top Cap Key Expander Compressor Plug Bike Threadless Headset (Silver) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077JYV6Z4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_80AtEb19P25NC
Cheap, nice and long to cover the length of a stem, knurled for solid grip.
I haven't had to retighten my headset in the 2 years since I got it. Prior to that with a rubber plug type, it would come loose every few rides.
I put a cooler top cap on mine.
Last edited by rosefarts; 02-19-20 at 03:52 PM.
02-19-20, 03:56 PM
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Roswell, GA
Posts: 8,319
Bikes: '93 Trek 750, '92 Schwinn Crisscross, '93 Mongoose Alta
Mentioned: 30 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1438 Post(s)
Liked 1,092 Times
in
723 Posts
It's never a good idea to hammer a sharp metal object into a carbon steerer. Find an appropriate compression/expander plug or epoxy in a threaded aluminum insert. https://www.modernbike.com/cinelli-e...arbon-steerers
02-19-20, 04:54 PM
#11
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I use this
Neco 1" 25.4mm Top Cap Key Expander Compressor Plug Bike Threadless Headset (Silver) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077JYV6Z4..._80AtEb19P25NC
Cheap, nice and long to cover the length of a stem, knurled for solid grip.
I haven't had to retighten my headset in the 2 years since I got it. Prior to that with a rubber plug type, it would come loose every few rides.
I put a cooler top cap on mine.
Neco 1" 25.4mm Top Cap Key Expander Compressor Plug Bike Threadless Headset (Silver) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077JYV6Z4..._80AtEb19P25NC
Cheap, nice and long to cover the length of a stem, knurled for solid grip.
I haven't had to retighten my headset in the 2 years since I got it. Prior to that with a rubber plug type, it would come loose every few rides.
I put a cooler top cap on mine.
1" compatible compression plugs are available but I agree - they are most likely scarce. I seem to recall that I bought one from ti cycles ebay store for like $12. I'm going to check and see if they still have them.
Update: I just went to the ticycles.com website and found the 1" plug "headset compression plug". It comes with a top cap that says Portland Titanium and it sells for $18. The only down side is that it is not very long so it may not give full support for the stem.
Update: I just went to the ticycles.com website and found the 1" plug "headset compression plug". It comes with a top cap that says Portland Titanium and it sells for $18. The only down side is that it is not very long so it may not give full support for the stem.
03-04-20, 11:57 AM
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 6,763
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1109 Post(s)
Liked 1,200 Times
in
760 Posts
1" compression plug
It's been about a year since I shopped for one so I can't remember details. But I wanted a long one so I ordered a couple different ones from Amazon and eBay just to compare. Give that a look-see. Order a couple of different ones and return the one that you don't use.
Also from my experience (below), I know that Chain Rraction sells - or used to- a very nice, long 1" plug.
Turns out the full carbon fork I bought (Columbus Minimal- beautiful fork) came with a plug which wasn't clear on the product description on the Chain Rraction website. So I just returned the other ones is ordered while waiting for the fork to come.
Also from my experience (below), I know that Chain Rraction sells - or used to- a very nice, long 1" plug.
Turns out the full carbon fork I bought (Columbus Minimal- beautiful fork) came with a plug which wasn't clear on the product description on the Chain Rraction website. So I just returned the other ones is ordered while waiting for the fork to come.
