Alright, to answer everyone's questions at once:
Nope, there is no grease on the contacting surfaces.
Yes, there is about 3mm of space between the top of the steerer tube and the stem.
The star nut does not appear to be slipping, but that really shouldn't matter anyway once the stem is tightened down.
Yes, I always alternate between tightening the bolts until they are both very secure.
All bolts have been greased.
The steerer tube is not ovalized.
Thomson has agreed to swap my stem for free and see if that makes any difference.
In the meantime, I trashed that starnut system and put an Azonic headlock on there.
I'll tell you guys how it works out after a ride or two.
Originally Posted by Peek the Geek
Sounds like a nice bike, by the way. Is it the pink frame? What gears are you running? And what tires are you using?
Yeah, it's the pink one. Running 32 x 17. Conti Explorer on the back and Vertical on the front. So far, it's the sweetest bike I've ever had, but hey, it's still new.
