Bicycle Mechanics - Star nut

How does a star nut fit??? FSA calls it a "conix" unit. Is this the same as a star-nut? Also, according my FSA headset manual, the conix unit that came with the headset may not fit an alloy steer tube, how do I know it doesn't fit? At Pricepoint the X-Vert is listed with a steel steer tube, so I think the conix unit should fit. The conix unit is just a hair to wide, in fact, I think if I gave it a few taps with a hammer it would pop in. Is it ok to use a hammer?

According to Sheldon Brown the star nut is supposed to be hammered in...Star Fangled Nut and star nut are the same right? I know these question are sounding really dumb.

Fubar,
My headset came with instructions that included setting the star fangled nut either with the appropriate tool or by screwing the screw in part of the way and tapping it in. Whatever you do, don't push it in too far at first. You can always tap it in farther, but you can't back it out. Check the instructions.
Regards,
Raymond

I'll go look at the instructions again. It did mention screwing something:D

The instructions say,"Unscrew the top cap on your Conix with a 6mm hex key.Drop conix mechanism into your fork's steer tube.Tighten Conix's internal bolt with 6mm hex key." Well, the "conix" won't "drop" in. It's just a little wide.

I'm gonna wait, I'm going to Columbia tomorrow and I'll take it to one of the bike shops there. That way if something gets screwed up, I won't have to pay. I need some carbon fiber spacers anyway.

I did some looking around and I don't have a "conix". I have a star nut. I didn't realise there was a difference until I saw a "conix" in my bike tools etc catalog. A "conix" goes in without resistance, and then the internal bolt expands it. It is supposedly a lot easier to work with than a star-nut. When I talked to Buddy Hayden on the phone he said to have a bike shop install the star-nut, so I think I'll stick with that.

Originally posted by fubar5
I'll go look at the instructions again. It did mention screwing something:D

It's hard to go wrong with instructions like that!

Originally posted by blwyn


It's hard to go wrong with instructions like that!

LOL! :D

Originally posted by fubar5
I'm gonna wait, I'm going to Columbia tomorrow and I'll take it to one of the bike shops there. That way if something gets screwed up, I won't have to pay. I need some carbon fiber spacers anyway.

Columbia, huh? That's quite a trip. Make sure you allow enough time to go through customs. I'm sure they're gonna want to make sure you're not smuggling in any of that Columbian marching powder that's so popular here in the States.

Regardless of where it is, I think it's a good idea to take it to the shop. There is a little widget called a star-nut installation tool, and I'm sure they'd have one. It's supposed to make sure it doesn't go in all crooked-like, or something. In anycase, I've broken more than a few things by not using the right tool, and (according to Lennard Zinn) this little installation do-dad sounds like the right tool.

I'm happy to hear you got your new stuff. But if your bike is rideable again, does that mean your post count will fall off?

Originally posted by LightBoy

I'm happy to hear you got your new stuff. But if your bike is rideable again, does that mean your post count will fall off?


HELL NO!!! I got my priorities boy!!! First post, THEN ride!!!!

Just checking, just checking.

You had me worried for a minute there. :D