Star nut help

[dstepper]

My 5-Spot's Hopey stearing damper is off being serviced. Note: Hopey does not use a star nut.

I have used the bike without a star nut and topcap with just the stem bolts holding the fork on. On rougher trails my headset is loosing up. I am afraid my Hopey will not be back by Spring Fling and I need a temporary solution. Sure I can use a star nut in there but I was wondering if any of the other solutions might work OK.

I know about Azonic Headset Lock but some people are having trouble with them fitting Marzocchi Forks, plus it is to much to pay for a temp fix. Any one use any expansion plug top caps. I know there are solutions out there for carbon stearing tubes. But this will have to stand up to South Mountain.

[FyrFytrRyn]

now, im not positive on this dean, but i think if you just keep the front end in the air, it wont happen as much.

[Schecky]

I haven't used one, but what about the Hope head doctor?:
Head Doctor 1 1/8 Hope


I seem to remember seeing them at the Path.

[dstepper]

Thanks you rock. Now I have to find someone that sells it.

Dean

[Flat Broke]

If ya wanted to go ghettofabulous since it's just a short term fix, run a std cap and a bolt long enough to get down to the bottom of the fork. Run a fender washer and a nyloc, then whack off the remainder of the bolt so it's flush with the nut. You'll have to use a wrench and an allen to tension it, but it'll work and can be found at any decent hardware retailer.

Chris

[b-rad!]

I second the Head Doctor. The plug expands separately from the top cap, so it acts as a star nut, but can be removed. ie, you could use any top cap and bolt you want, but the hope stuff is cool.

Check out JensonUSA, they've got 'em.

[2wheel_lee]

Why not a star nut? They're cheap, you can get them anywhere, easily installed and removed...what else could you want out a part for that job?

[dstepper]

Originally Posted by 2wheel_lee

Why not a star nut? They're cheap, you can get them anywhere, easily installed and removed...what else could you want out a part for that job?

Not having the tool or even a long piece of PVC to install and remove...I was looking for another solution. Also, I have heard they can sometimes be a problem to remove.

It seems that you need to send the Hopey in for service once a year, I must have missed that part in the fine print.

[TURNERob]

Originally Posted by dstepper

Not having the tool or even a long piece of PVC to install and remove...I was looking for another solution. Also, I have heard they can sometimes be a problem to remove.

It seems that you need to send the Hopey in for service once a year, I must have missed that part in the fine print.

Awwww come on Dean, you know how many times I've installed a star nut w/o having the tool? Although the tool does make it much easier, and it isn't that expensive either

So you think the Hopey is still worth it now knowing you've got to send it in once a year?

[dstepper]

Originally Posted by TURNERob

Awwww come on Dean, you know how many times I've installed a star nut w/o having the tool? Although the tool does make it much easier, and it isn't that expensive either

So you think the Hopey is still worth it now knowing you've got to send it in once a year?

Will probilbly put star nut in there day before The Fling if Hopey not back.

Yes I love my Hopey. Even though I have a 6 inch fork on a 5-Spot designed for a 5 inch fork, the steering feels switching without it. I love the way it flows around switchbacks and no wander on the steeps. The front tire just kinda stays where you put it....much better front tire control. If they were a little cheaper I would have one on my Niner.

When the Path had there Parking Lot sale last month, Carl landed some major air no hands jumps with my bike. He said it was great.

[Abui]

Originally Posted by dstepper

My 5-Spot's Hopey stearing damper is off being serviced. Note: Hopey does not use a star nut.

I have used the bike without a star nut and topcap with just the stem bolts holding the fork on. On rougher trails my headset is loosing up. I am afraid my Hopey will not be back by Spring Fling and I need a temporary solution. Sure I can use a star nut in there but I was wondering if any of the other solutions might work OK.

I know about Azonic Headset Lock but some people are having trouble with them fitting Marzocchi Forks, plus it is to much to pay for a temp fix. Any one use any expansion plug top caps. I know there are solutions out there for carbon stearing tubes. But this will have to stand up to South Mountain.

Are you sure its loosening or just not tight in the first place - how did you hold the stem down??

FWIW I installed a stem without a star nut, held it in place with a headset press then tightened the stem nuts. You should never rely on star nuts to hold the stem. (The Cane Creek top cap is designed to break before the bearings get too much pressure.)

[dstepper]

Originally Posted by trekker

Are you sure its loosening or just not tight in the first place - how did you hold the stem down??

FWIW I installed a stem without a star nut, held it in place with a headset press then tightened the stem nuts. You should never rely on star nuts to hold the stem. (The Cane Creek top cap is designed to break before the bearings get too much pressure.)

I thought it was tight, but you are probilbly right, I used no mechanical help to get it tight before tighting the stem bolts.

It seemed tight for most of the ride. Not until the end of the Lost Canyon downhill did I feel play. Top of Lost Canyon Trail just below Poop-out Hill is steep and full of loose large rocks...doesn't see much bike traffic, so no lines just try to hit the smaller rocks.