Super Thick Steerers... Can hollow star nut be used?

[DGrabiec]

So the new deng forks have those super thick steerer tubes and come with a star nut pre-installed. My question is, would a hollow star nut (a star nut that is hollow to allow the front brake to be routed through the fork) fit?

[mikeschiavone]

Good question. I'm inclined to say no since the hollow starnuts are designed for thin-tubed steel steerer tubes. But, there are ways around using a star-nut which would allow you to adjust the headset, remove, and then insert the housing.

[DGrabiec]

I'm not too sure on your method around using a star-nut. Could you please clarify. Thanks

[justtysen]

I think it would fit. You might have to whack it in a little harder but it shouldn't cause any problems.

I'm not too sure on your method around using a star-nut. Could you please clarify. Thanks
Mikeschiavone might be refering to stem locks (http://www.bikemannetwork.com/biking/c/COMPHSPRTLCK).

However I have a simpler solution inspired by his post (maybe what he meant in the first place).

You could use a regular starnut by using this method:
Once you use the top cap to preload the headset, you tighten the stem bolts making the top cap redundant. So remove top cap and bolt, and run your brake line through the bolt hole in the standard starnut. It fits.

[mikeschiavone]

Justtysen pretty much nailed it. The top cap is redundant after the adjustment is made. We don't put starnuts or caps on our racer's bikes because of the weight, so we just use a compression tool (typically used for carbon steerer tubes) to adjust the headset, then tighten the stem, and voila. In your case, your probably going to have to release the brake line at the lever if you have to adjust the headset because you'll have to inseert the compression starnut again.

I wouldn't run it through the stock starnut hole because if you have to adjust your headset, you'll have to take the brake line completely out of the upper half of the bike.

Hope it makes sense.

[goose]

easy suggestion. try to find this:
http://www.dnabikes.com/images/AC286L.JPG

Hollow headlock for bmxers... I haven't looked too too hard to buy one, but they certainly should exist.... If you find one, let me know where you got it.. as I would like to get one also:) Should work for a mtb/trials bike...

http://www.dnabikes.com/topcap.html

[modtire]

Another idea that won't losen up as much under the abuse (racers don't run the cable through b/c they are not slamming down from barspins) would be take the larger diameter nut desinged for the thinwalled steerer and grind it down a bit (use smooth motions and roll around the entire diameter). Then bang 'er in there and go to town.

[bklmrkt91]

easy suggestion. try to find this:
http://www.dnabikes.com/images/AC286L.JPG

Hollow headlock for bmxers... I haven't looked too too hard to buy one, but they certainly should exist.... If you find one, let me know where you got it.. as I would like to get one also:) Should work for a mtb/trials bike...

http://www.dnabikes.com/topcap.html
you can fit a brake line through one of these?

[mikeschiavone]

Another idea that won't losen up as much under the abuse (racers don't run the cable through b/c they are not slamming down

The headset cap and starnut simply functions as a compression unit for adjustment of the headset itself. What prevents it from loosening after adjustment is not the top cap, but the stem. On the rare occasion, we'll use carbon 'grease' on the steerer tube to prevent the stem from loosening over time, if adjustments are constantly needed.

The bmx style compression rod is heavy, but should fit bill for exactly what you want to do. And yes, the cable runs through the top of the rod and out of the bottom. Adjustment is made by tightening the 'nut' (with the hole) at the top of the rod.