Bicycle Mechanics - Could I use my star nut (fork question) with new headset?

Hi again
Still upgrading wife's bike. Could I use the star nut that's inside my fork if I want to upgrade the OEM aheadset to a Cane Creek S2?
Thanks

probably

should you? probably not. theyre cheap, only couple bucks. some steertubes ill differ in the thickness of the tubing so the star nut might not hold in there too well

Point of clarification:

If you're replacing only the headset, then yes, you can probably get away with using the existing star nut that is in the fork. IMHO, even if the new headset has a lower stackheight and you are going to cut down a little of the existing steerer tube (why you'd do this and not just add a spacer I don't know, maybe if you were an extreme weight weenie), you could even get away with driving the existing star nut further down.

If you're replacing the fork, then DeadSailor's advice applies.

Either way, relax and have fun doing the upgrades!

I would not hesitate to use it. It's only purpose is to set preload on HS bearings. Once stem pinch bolts are tightened onto steerer, the top cap is not doing a thing other that helping to keep debris out of the inside of the steerer.

I used this nifty thing when I replaced the fork on my mtb commuter with Nashbar's cyclocross fork.
http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=86&subcategory=1184&brand=&sku=12932&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subcat%3A%20Fork%20Accessories

It now resides in my toolbox at home while I commute 22 miles a day.

Same fork: Yes. The new capscrew is the same size and pitch as the one in your old setup
New fork: No. It is pretty hard to get a starnut out without destroying it.