Question about threadless forks
 

There`s a star-shaped part in the top of my fork tube, which the headset cap bolt screws into. I need to replace the fork. Do I need to remove the star-shaped thing and put it in the new fork, and if so how?

yes you do need a star nut. a broomstick or similar sized object and a hammer will help work it out. some weight weenies will say that you don't need it but if you are posting this question (no offense) then you need it.

they are cheap
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...-Star+Nut.aspx

I wouldn't bother reusing one, but I always keep a few spares on hand anyways, they're not worth the effort of removal (nor do I think they're worth reusing once you bang 'em out). You do need one to properly set the preload on the headset bearings, weight weenie or no, unless you use another method of doing so, like the compression plugs for a carbon steerer, or Azonic Headlock or similar...

When it comes time to install your new one, a star nut installation tool makes it very easy. It slides over your steerer tube and installs the nut at the correct angle.

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?s...bcategory=9999

You generally don't reuse a star nut, you get a new one. They are cheap. The installation tool mentioned above is useful but not necessary for a one time or infrequent installations. If you don't know how to do it, have your dealer set the star nut AFTER the steerer is cut to the correct length.

If your new fork will have a carbon steerer tube, you don't use a star nut at all, you use a compression fitting.

Thanks all. Very useful. I don`t know if I can get a new star nut where I am in Mexico, and I won`t have dealer assistance, so I don`t want to mess it up.

My "star nut installation tool" is a dowel that's slightly smaller than the ID of the steerer.

Mine is a long bolt I thread fully into the starnut and use the shank as both a guide and driver. Once the starnut is flush with the top od the steerer, I unthread the bolt, add the top cap and replace the bolt. Then the top cap is used as a centering guide while I drive the nut to the final depth.