Lazyrider

after several trips to LBS and trying to get the headset on my bike right, I took things into my own hands and think I fixed my problem. Does anyone else use the Profile Design Universal Gap Cap?

The compression plug that came with the fork was a total POS. Picked up this little gem and I think I am set now. No more clicking noise. I tell you, this is the second frame with an integrated HS that I had issues, but both were fixable. If anyone has a HS that is giving them trouble, check this out, it may be the answer. This $15 item probably saved me at least $3-4000 because I was already eyeing new frames. What a nut I am?

My Chris King and old Dura Ace headset have been flawless through the years. With all the integrated hs frames out there, do people find them problematic or in need of more frequent adjustments?

Bnjmn

I have had no problems with my Token compression plugs (a lightweight version and a version that looks like the one you posted).

markyore

I have that profile compression plug and it works very well. BTW the problem is not with the frame or headset its the dact that you have a carbon steerer on your fork!

So you might have been wasting your time frame shopping you should have been fork shopping!

Glad it worked out.

Psimet2001 

Integrated headsets work great. There is nothing wrong with the technology just the people using it sometimes.

The fact that you are using a carbon steerer (something I specifically still choose not to do personally) means that you are left with a crappy method for holding it all together. There is no solid fastening technique. You are left with bung plugs. If it isn't tight you will end up with the issues you are having.

Jynx

I am getting a clicking noise I have been trying to find with no luck. I notice it happens when I take weight off of the front end or shift weight around. Sounds like the headset fork area. Bike is a Cannondale CAAD8 with integrated headset and carbon steerer. Cannondale uses a metal star nut in their forks. Think this is what is causing the click?

Psimet2001 

You can't use a star nut in a carbon steerer. It will damage the steerer.

Soil_Sampler

cannondale does.

https://www.cannondale.com/asset/iu_f...echnote_en.pdf

Lazyrider

I agree in that most compression plugs seem to be made of a smooth alloy with some ridges but the one I replaced was totally smooth. The Profile Design plug I posted up top has a rubbery type material that really grips the tube. Don't know why this isn't the standard because it would have saved me a lot of time.

As far as carbon steerer tubes, I wouldn't be afraid of them. If the pro peleton can wisk 70 mph down the Alps on them, I am sure you would be ok.

Jynx

Yea like stated apparently cannondale has a special one they use. Is it possible to replace that or once its in there its not coming out?

damocles1

FSA makes the best plug that I've used. Every bike here in town that I work on has a FSA plug and I never have to futz around with the headsets on those bikes. Install properly and forget it.

OnTheRivet

Front wheel quick release. It's almost always the front QR.