How to choose your road bike cap, star and spacers?

How to choose your road bike cap, star and spacers?

Since these parts are essential to ensure the smooth operation of your cockpit, and in particular your steering, here's some information to clear up any doubts you may have on the subject.

Standard parts

  • Fork pivot diameter: 1", 1"1/8 or 1"1/4
  • Type: star or expander

Types of plugs, stars and spacers

The steering cap A is the part that sits on top of your stem B to complete the assembly and adjust the headset.

L'star C is a threaded insert that is forced into the fork pivot to screw in the stem cap bolt. Another system, called expander D. This does not force its way into the pivot, but will expand during tightening and thus lock into the pivot.

The steering spacers E are washers that are placed under the stem to raise the steering position.

They come in 3 different sizes, depending directly on the size of the fork steerer tube. F in 1", 1"1/8 or 1"1/4.

Which plug, star and spacer to choose?

Apart from the size, which depends directly on the size of the pivot, you can fit whatever you like. It's not unusual to fit an original cap and/or spacers to personalize your bike.

If you're hesitating between a classic star or an expander, we remind you that the former is not recommended for a carbon steerer tube, for which we recommend a less aggressive expander.

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