Originally Posted by rosefarts

I use this

Neco 1" 25.4mm Top Cap Key Expander Compressor Plug Bike Threadless Headset (Silver) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077JYV6Z4..._80AtEb19P25NC

Cheap, nice and long to cover the length of a stem, knurled for solid grip.

I haven't had to retighten my headset in the 2 years since I got it. Prior to that with a rubber plug type, it would come loose every few rides.

I put a cooler top cap on mine.

Originally Posted by Steve B.

My understanding is on a carbon steerer a compression plug is REQUIRED. A star nut is a spring, loaded under tension that pushes outward on the inner wall of the steel steerer tube and as such can damage a carbon steerer tube.

Originally Posted by masi61

1" compatible compression plugs are available but I agree - they are most likely scarce. I seem to recall that I bought one from ti cycles ebay store for like $12. I'm going to check and see if they still have them.

Update: I just went to the ticycles.com website and found the 1" plug "headset compression plug". It comes with a top cap that says Portland Titanium and it sells for $18. The only down side is that it is not very long so it may not give full support for the stem.