Adding aluminum insert into carbon steer tube

Triathlon Forum
1

Upgrading my Argon 18 E80 Fork to a Planet X Stealth Pro Fork. Both were full carbon but the Planet X fork is almost half the weight and has better geometry than the stock one. That being said, the wall thickness of the Planet X fork is thinner than the stock one. I know Easton used to put aluminum sleeves in their forks. I know I can just torque it down to proper specs and all but I thought adding one would add a little strength and security to the steer tube. Weight of adding the insert would be offset with the elimination of the compression plug over to a simple cap and star nut. Has anyone done it and if so did you use aluminum or alloy and what did you use to bond it to the carbon? I’ve tried researching it and came up with maybe JB Weld? Thoughts on doing it or should I scrap the idea?

2

Snobum,
Are you attempting to reinforce the steer-tube with aluminum because you are unsure of the carbon steer-tube’s durability?

3

Snobum,
Are you attempting to reinforce the steer-tube with aluminum because you are unsure of the carbon steer-tube’s durability?

I love carbon but have always liked the idea of the steer tube being aluminum due to it being one of the most stressed parts of the bike. For me, it’s just a little added sense of security and have heard of people doing it so I thought I’d ask.

4

Snobum,

We can tell you that there has never been a recorded “just riding along” failure with the Stealth TT fork. Additionally were you to insert an aluminum sheath in the steer tube, you’d violate the fork’s warranty. The long and short of it is that we would recommend you scrap this idea :slight_smile:
Your best bet for peace of mind is to equip your fork with our Carbon Steerer Fork Bung.
http://www.planet-x-usa.com/product-p/fspxfbumk2-118.htm

Let us know if you have other questions.

5

Snobum,

We can tell you that there has never been a recorded “just riding along” failure with the Stealth TT fork. Additionally were you to insert an aluminum sheath in the steer tube, you’d violate the fork’s warranty. The long and short of it is that we would recommend you scrap this idea :slight_smile:
Your best bet for peace of mind is to equip your fork with our Carbon Steerer Fork Bung.
http://www.planet-x-usa.com/...p/fspxfbumk2-118.htm

Let us know if you have other questions.

Thanks for the input!