Get some m6 threaded rod, run it from the top cap and out the bottom of the steerer, put a large washer and a nut on each end to apply force to the fork, apply preload and tighten stem, remove threaded rod assembly.
Stupid question, but your spacer stack and top cap clears the steerer right? Sometimes conical caps can foul the steerer even though the spacers are over the steerer top
This is by far my favorite suggestion to date.
Mash. No joke, they have some pretty good stem caps.
Spacers do clear the steer tube. Someone earlier on posted a headset similar to the system youāre talking about. I may stop by the hardware store and see what I can throw together.
Gorilla glue works just fine for this
Good to know.
Iām hesitant to suggest this because Iāve never heard it performed but last time I was having issues with a starnut pulling out of a steerer I made three changes and one of them was using a half-round file on the inside of the steerer to scuff up the surface and allow the Star nut some bite. No idea if that was the solution but it seems to be holding now.
I suggested a head/stemlock like 2 weeks ago
Yep. Thanks for finding that link Sean.
Seriously, just drive a second nut down there and double nut. Works fine/great.
Are you having trouble getting pre load or is it losing pre load after you ride a bit?
both
Before I started messing with it, I could get it adjusted properly, but it would loosen up over time. Eventually, after readjusting many times, the starnut started to pull out. Now I canāt get a starnut to stay solid enough to get a good adjustment.
I would guess there is something in the bearing interface that is preventing it from getting tight. Like the bearings have worn. It shouldnāt take much force to get the front end tight.
Yeah, Iām gonna look for a new headset on monday. Just start fresh.
Iāve had good experiences with the cane creek forty series. It comes in every size ever and is nice.
Is his German sidekick still there or did he move on? Been over a decade since Iāve been there.
I believe so, yeah
Carbon fiber steerer style expander instead of star nut?
Iāve tried 4 different ones. None of them expand enough to get purchase on the inner walls of the steer tube.