Originally Posted by tetonrider

those sleeves are often found on pro bikes--you epoxy it to a (cut) steerer, and it stiffens up the front end.

i've done that with a few bikes and it is a noticeable change.

star nuts aren't generally used on a carbon steerer (unless you have a metal insert); expander plugs can be used on steerers of any material.

did you cut the stem with the sleeve in place? ugh. it's not really different than cutting a steerer as normal, but it's unfortunate if that was glued into place before you chose the steerer length.