Question about threadless forks
11-02-08 | 08:59 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Pan-American ride, Ecuador right now
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?
11-02-08 | 09:23 PM
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 276
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
Bikes: A few Scotts
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
https://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...-Star+Nut.aspx
they are cheap
https://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...-Star+Nut.aspx
11-02-08 | 11:48 PM
#3
I have senior moments...
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,151
Likes: 2
From: Woodside, CA
Bikes: Many
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...
11-02-08 | 11:58 PM
#4
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Waxahachie, TX
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.
https://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?s...bcategory=9999
https://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?s...bcategory=9999
11-03-08 | 07:44 AM
#5
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 33,657
Likes: 1,119
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Bikes: '96 Litespeed Catalyst, '05 Litespeed Firenze, '06 Litespeed Tuscany, '20 Surly Midnight Special, All are 3x10. It is hilly around here!
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.
If your new fork will have a carbon steerer tube, you don't use a star nut at all, you use a compression fitting.
11-04-08 | 10:01 AM
#7
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 956
Likes: 1
From: Northampton, MA
Bikes: Iron Monkey: a junkyard steel 26" slick-tired city bike. Grey Fox: A Trek 7x00 frame, painted, with everything built, from spokes up. Jet Jaguar: A 92 Cannondale R900 frame, powder coated matte black with red and aluminum highlights.
My "star nut installation tool" is a dowel that's slightly smaller than the ID of the steerer.
11-04-08 | 10:59 AM
#8
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 33,657
Likes: 1,119
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Bikes: '96 Litespeed Catalyst, '05 Litespeed Firenze, '06 Litespeed Tuscany, '20 Surly Midnight Special, All are 3x10. It is hilly around here!
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.
