Installation of a new expansion plug for carbon steerer tube

Triathlon Forum
1

Yes I know this sounds trivial and simple, but I just want to make sure it’s done right.

I just found out that my fork(2nd hand bike)came with a traditional expansion nut for use with an alloy steerer tube. I took it to my LBS and they inspected the inside and out of the fork and said it looks perfect so I’m not concerned that the traditional plug damaged it, but I am unsure if putting a new one in requires anything special.

Anything I need to be extra conscious of?

Thanks

2

nope
.

3

Hey thanks again for the tubie tutorial…re-popping my tubular installation cherry Saturday. Will let you know if it turns into a cluster bang…but I have high hopes!

4

Should be pretty straightforward. Just remember that the plug is there to support the steerer, so you don’t need to overtorque it.

5

Should be pretty straightforward. Just remember that the plug is there to support the steerer, so you don’t need to overtorque it.

Roger that…learned that one the hard way when the Ahead Set came out years ago…uh hem. Thanks though.

I do have a question regarding the depth of the plug though. I have left my steerer tube uncut simply b/c it’s easier to sell at some point and b/c this will one day go back to being my roadie which necessitates a bit more stack for me. I have the stem with a 1cm spacer under, but 3cm above.

What is the consensus of having the plug at or above my stem clamp area? Big no no? If so I can cut the excess off and live with it, but would prefer not to.

Thanks

6

I just found out that my fork(2nd hand bike)came with a traditional expansion nut for use with an alloy steerer tube.
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Was it a starfangled nut?

7

No, just an expansion plug meant for alum/alloy steerer tubes. Not a star nut. Atually I was under the impression you couldn’t get a star nut out w/o hammering it out once installed?

8

It’s possible to cut a starfangled nut out if you are determined.

9

**What is the consensus of having the plug at or above my stem clamp area? Big no no? If so I can cut the excess off and live with it, but would prefer not to. **

The depth of the plug will be determined by the length of the cap bolt, you won’t have much choice.

10

Should be pretty straightforward. Just remember that the plug is there to support the steerer, so you don’t need to overtorque it.

Roger that…learned that one the hard way when the Ahead Set came out years ago…uh hem. Thanks though.

I do have a question regarding the depth of the plug though. I have left my steerer tube uncut simply b/c it’s easier to sell at some point and b/c this will one day go back to being my roadie which necessitates a bit more stack for me. I have the stem with a 1cm spacer under, but 3cm above.

What is the consensus of having the plug at or above my stem clamp area? Big no no? If so I can cut the excess off and live with it, but would prefer not to.

Thanks

I don’t think you will have an issue if you keep the torque of your stem bolts within spec.

11

I really think that it depends on your fork. In theory, the expander is there to allow for preloading the headset. Depending on the fork though, I believe that it also serves the purpose of reinforcing the steerer tube from being crushed by the stem. Many forks are specifically designed to function without this reinforcement ala Easton EC90’s of old that came with the bear trap and no expander. i know pleanty of weight weenies that remove the expanders after preloading the headset and torquing the stems to spec since the stem technically is what maintains the preload on the HS bearing, but no matter how much of a weenie I am, I’ve never had the guts to remove mine.

I think the problem for you might arise if your stem is clample half on the plug and half off. this might create more of a shearing force on the steerer tube and weaken it. again though, this may be a better question for the Mfg of the fork since they all seem to have their own requirements.