Splintered Carbon Steerer

snapple

So a little back story... My CAAD10 had the original Cannondale stem and each time the stem was removed and installed the clamp would shave and score into the carbon steerer. I thought it was just a bad compression plug (it was one of those terrible FSA plugs Cannondale always used on their bikes), so I slammed my stem mounted my stem below the scored section, cut the steerer, and replaced it with a much longer 45mm plug. I then noticed the stem started to again, score into the stem. Now, this time I replace the stem with a 3T ARX Pro which seemed to have stopped the scoring. Unfortunately the steerer is left scored and some carbon has splintered off.
Not sure what else to do. And not sure if it's structural. I've always had a compression plug and stem properly installed to the ideal torque setting (6-7nm on the plug, 4nm on the stem), tightening the two stem clamp bolts in unison.
I was wondering if it's time to scout for a new fork... As for right now, I nail polished the area in question.
What do you guys think??

Here's a picture.

cycleclinic

I have a steerer like that (worse in fact). If it was a customers bike I would have to advise replace the fork. Its mine however so I have slammed the stem and it is fine as there is no flex.

lesfirth

Nothing to be concerned about. Ignore it and ride the bike.

svetty

lesfirth wrote:

Nothing to be concerned about. Ignore it and ride the bike.

^ this

The Rookie

I presume you don't mean score (scratch) but cause a compression mark where they clamp up, it happens, not unsafe unless the carbon underneath the matrix is damaged.