Bicycle Mechanics - using 1" carbon fork and steer tube on alum 1 1/8" stem

I intend to do some upgrading of my bike. Currently it is set up with 1 inch head tube, threaded quill stem. I have gotten a 1" threadless all carbon fork with carbon steering tube. I intend to use either a Ritchey or Deda stem 1 1/8" with a shim. Is this an OK thing to do? Do these shims work with carbon steer tubes?

Thanks.

Do these shims work with carbon steer tubes?


Yes.

Yup. just dont forget you need a threadless headset now.

Why Not get a 1 inch stem? With a carbon steerer you can't use a star. You have to use a carbon specific compression plug. Might be hard finding one that will work with your proposed setup.

Here's the short version:
http://www.nashbar.com/nashbar_photos/250/NS-TSA-NCL-ANGLE.jpg
It is an adapter. 1" quill to go into the steerer tube, 1 1/8" top to install a 1 1/8" treadless stem. I use one with no issues at all.

That is NOT designed to be used with a carbon steerer (non-threaded). It is designed to be used with a threaded steerer/headset (which are always steel). I would never wedge anything in carbon steerer. Also, that item will not compress the stem/steerer/thread less headset.

read... (http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=6000119&subcategory=60001185&brand=&sku=9755&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subcat%3A%20Road%20Stems)

Why Not get a 1 inch stem? With a carbon steerer you can't use a star. You have to use a carbon specific compression plug. Might be hard finding one that will work with your proposed setup.


Basically not finding any 1" stems out there. Not sure I know what you mean by 'star'....

Yup. just dont forget you need a threadless headset now.

Yes, correct. Not too hard to find: Chris King and Ritchey make them

Here's a "star (http://www.excelsports.com/new.asp?page=8&major=6&minor=8&description=Star%2DNut&vendorCode=M%2DM)" used to compress threadless headset systems that have alum/steel steerers. It's basically a press fit.

Carbon steerers use a compression plugs that slips into the steerer and then is expanded via an allen bolt.

Basically not finding any 1" stems out there. Not sure I know what you mean by 'star'....

Yeah, it is getting tough. There are a couple 1 "Ritchey here (http://www.icyclesusa.com/catalog/ritchey-1-inch-threadless-logic-pro-mountain-bike-stem.htm)

Maybe there are some better shims now. I had a similar issue with a bike a couple years ago and never found a shim that worked well for my setup. I was lucky enought to find a 1" Deda stem.

Which is preferable then, the 1" stem or the 1 1/8" with shim? I guess that goes back to the original question....is there a possible drawback with these shims?

And this headset has a star included but doesn't say if it's compatible with carbon... any ideas if this will work?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=260145578698&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=016

You will likely have to buy a compression plug separately. Under no circumstances should you use a star nut on a carbon steerer.

You will likely have to buy a compression plug separately. Under no circumstances should you use a star nut on a carbon steerer.

Ah, OK.. I think I get it. Compression plug for carbon steerer in lieu of star nut then? But this Cane Creek Headset ought to work otherwise correct? Just find a compression plug?

That headset should work fine. Yes, you'll need a compression plug. I'd say if you can find a 1" stem that is preferable. The shim will work, but may be harder to setup at first. Try to get a shim the same depth as the stem. That way you can use 1" spacers to get the stem height as you like.

My bad. Comprehension knob was turned down.

A stem shim is fine, more important to have the correct stem length and angle for your fit. Many high end stems have included shims for use with 1" steer tubes.
Be very careful with the torque on a carbon steer tube. Do not use the torque spec for the stem. If you can't find the torque spec for your steer tube use 5 nm.

Al

You will likely have to buy a compression plug separately. Under no circumstances should you use a star nut on a carbon steerer.

someone should tell that to cannondale, as all of their bikes with carbon steerer tubes use star nuts. in fact, my six13 has a star nut installed, and every single cannondale bike on our floor has a star nut installed. cannondale has a special tool that inserts the star nut quite a bit deeper than the standard park tool does, and they use a topcap plug sort of thing that reinforces the carbon where the stem is clamped. if you were clamping the stem around the star nut, that might cause some problems. this system, in my opinion is much better than a compression plug, because the star nut has not chance of creeping up when you try to tighten the headset, as many, many compression plugs are prone to do.

compression plugs serve a dual purpose by creating a fixture to anchor the topcap to for adjusting the headset, and reinforcing the steerer tube so it doesn't crush under the clamping force of the stem. 1" compression plugs are readily available from FSA.