The expansion plug isn't a place to save weight.

It isn't about just holding the stem from slipping and preload on the headset bearings. The plug supports the steerer tube so that the steerer is not crushed by the stem.

Steerer tubes have fibers runing lengthwise which are resistant to bending loads. There are little to no fibers running around the circumference (hoop fibers) and so steerers are not very resistant to crushing loads. It only takes 2 Nm extra to start crushing a steerer and breaking fibers and causing delamination.



People are free to do what they want.


-Tim-