Fitting a starnut in a planet x pro carbon fork

tpbiker

hi

I just bought a planet x carbon frame and forks second hand, although hardly ridden, and on arrival today I notice that theres a starnut fitted. The steerer appears to be carbon, however it appears to have an aluminium inner 'core'

Now a quick google tells me that starnuts on a carbon fork are a big no no. Is this the case with these forks, or does the fact the carbon looks to have an alu core make it ok?? Anyone able to confirm?

If its not a good idea, can it be removed? and if so can something like a head doctor replace it?

Many thanks

Tim

apreading

Alot of carbon forks have alu steerers. I know alot of 'carbon' seatposts (especially the OEM ones you get with the bike) are actually carbon wrapped aluminium. I havent heard mention of carbon wrapped alu steerers but I suppose it is possible. If that is the case then perhaps a starnut is OK as it wont cut into the carbon if the alu is protecting it...

Certainly in an all carbon steerer you should have a compression bung rather than a starnut.

If you want to be sure, you could always call Planet-X.

smidsy

Photo would help to determine what you actually have.

tpbiker

[imghttp://i1241.photobucket.com/albums/gg510/timp1976/06022011138.jpg][/img]

I mailed the chap who sent me them, and he tells me its an aluminium sleeve bonded into to the carbon steerer. Apparently the kit is made by easton. Never heard of it myself, is that a common fix for a carbon steerer? I would have thought it might compromise the carbon structure.

Also means I can't cut the steerer down, but so long as its safe then its not a big deal. Infact I'd quite like one for my MTB fork as the headdoctor I use is a pain.

smidsy

As the inner walls are aluminiuim a star nut is appropriate.

tpbiker

yep, its just a sleeve kit hes glued in, not alu all way down. I guess its just like an expanding fork bung, only I can't ever get it out to trim my steerer

keef66

You can still cut the steerer down but it will be more of a faff.