Compression plug doesn’t fully cover stem clamping area. Should I cut my steerer / get a longer plug or is this safe?
by camsonn
Compression plug doesn’t fully cover stem clamping area. Should I cut my steerer / get a longer plug or is this safe?
by camsonn
5 Comments
What does your manual (for your fork) say?
While there is a very widely held belief (in this sub) that a compression plug *must* be present at each stem clamp bolt, and while that practice is *safe*, it is far from a universal requirement of fork manufacturers.
If you can’t find instructions for your fork, by all means take the conservative path and put in a longer expansion plug as it’s not worth fretting over it for $20, but do look up your specific requirements.
I’d get a 5mm ring and bring the stem up a half step.
Honestly, it should be ok.
Although the plug can provide some additional support for the stem clamp, the further down you are from the top of the steerer, the stronger the steerer will be. (1. Round is a strong shape, and 2. as you move down, you’re less compromised by the opened end of the top of the steerer.)
The plug is only there to give you something to preload the headset bearings, it does nothing to support the tube.
It’ll be fine as long as it’s a good few mm below the top cap.
This is fine. Any overlap is just a bonus, and you’ve plenty overlap. Clamping a steerer tube with the recommended torque on the bolts won’t damage the tube at all