How to choose your cap, star nut and headset spacers for a road bike?
As these parts are essential for ensuring the correct operation of your cockpit, and in particular your steering, here is some information to clear up any doubts on the subject.
Standards
- The fork steerer diameter: 1", 1"1/8 or 1"1/4
- The type: star nut or expander
Types of caps, star nuts and spacers
The stem cap A is the component placed above your stem B to complete the assembly but also to adjust the headset play.
The star nut C is essentially a threaded insert that is pressed into the fork steerer so that the stem cap bolt can be screwed into it. There is another system called an expander D. This is not pressed into the steerer but expands when tightened, locking itself inside the steerer.
The headset spacers E are the washers placed under the stem to raise the cockpit if needed.
Whether it is the cap, the star nut or the spacers, they come in 3 different sizes directly determined by the fork steerer size F ; so in 1", 1"1/8 or 1"1/4.
Which cap, star nut and spacers should I choose?
Apart from the size, which is directly determined by the steerer size, you can fit whatever you like. It is not uncommon to fit an original cap and/or spacers to personalise your bike.
If you are unsure between a classic star nut or an expander, remember that the former is not recommended for a carbon fork steerer, for which a less aggressive expander is advised.
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ROAD - Plugs and Expanders
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FSA 1"1/8 Alu Black Expander
Regular price 12,99 €Regular priceUnit price per -
PRO 1"1/8 Long Expander
Regular price 23,99 €Regular priceUnit price per -
PRO 1"1/8 Alu Star Nut
Regular price 2,49 €Regular priceUnit price per -
DEDA 1"1/8 Stem Cap
Regular price 5,99 €Regular priceUnit price per -
CANE CREEK ANCORA PREMIUM Expander
Regular price 29,99 €Regular priceUnit price per -
RITCHEY WCS 1"1/8 Expander
Regular price 13,99 €Regular priceUnit price per -
RITCHEY WCS Stem Cap
Regular price 10,90 €Regular priceUnit price per -
FSA ACR Expander 1"1/8 TH 892
Regular price 24,99 €Regular priceUnit price per
