🚴♂️ Elevate your ride with the ultimate headset compression power!
The Neco Headset Expander Top Cap is a high-performance compression plug designed for both carbon fiber and aluminum bike forks. Available in multiple sizes (1” and 1-1/8”) and expander depths (2” and 3”), it offers superior clamping strength and protection, especially for carbon tubes where traditional star nuts fall short. Featuring premium materials like carbon fiber and aluminum, this top cap combines durability, safety, and sleek aesthetics, backed by over 30 years of Neco’s cycling component expertise.
Material | Aluminum, Carbon Fiber |
Fastener Type | Acorn |
Thread Size | 22mm |
Exterior Finish | Aluminum |
Color | Extra Large Alu cap 1-1/8 |
Metal Type | Aluminum |
Drive System | Star |
Brand | Neco |
Item Weight | 70 Grams |
Thread Type | Unified National |
Inside Thread Size | M22 |
Grade Rating | Industrial |
Thread Style | Star |
Thread Coverage | Unthreaded |
Thread Class | Star |
Size | Extra Large Alu Cap 1-1/8 |
Head Style | Flat |
Item Diameter | 25.4 Millimeters |
Compatible groove diameter | 22 Millimeters |
UPC | 782899743878 |
Manufacturer | Neco |
Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 4.76 x 3.31 x 1.22 inches |
Package Weight | 0.09 Kilograms |
Brand Name | Neco |
Part Number | headset compression nut |
B**!
Lightweight, easy to install lifesaver
These should be considered mandatory for any fork with a carbon steerer tube, as they prevent compression damage to the steerer. In addition to the stem clamp, the compression ring which centers the top bearing race of a threadless headset also compresses the carbon steerer, and does so exactly at the point where the torque exerted by the stem on the steerer is maximum. The damage to the carbon steerer is referred to in the carbon bike business as the “ring of death.” Therefore, one should use a compression plug tall enough that the plug extends inside the steerer below the level of the compression ring. The deeper the better, as if the steerer tube breaks, only the compression plug will give you steering control of the bike.
B**S
Worked perfectly
I was a little concerned by the people who posted reviews saying this compression plug slipped, even when torqued to spec. But, I decided to take a chance because I wanted something longer than usual in order to provide extra strength to the carbon steer tube.As it turned out, this design is no different than any other (except for the length). It is made well, and has a surface that is textured to grip well on the inside of the steer tube. It worked as expected, and just as well as any other.I question whether the people who said it slipped were in fact applying too much torque to the cap screw. Too much torque would definitely cause even a properly secured expanding compression plug to slip, but it's important to know that very little torque is actually needed when tightening down the capscrew. Apply just enough to prevent the headset from knocking. On my bike that was only about 3 N-m. Any more and you'll ruin your headset (the bearings).One other thing, the title -- Neco Headset Expander Top Cap Star Nut Plug Bolt Stem Expanding Nut -- is incorrect because this is neither a headset, nor a star nut. A better title might be "Neco Steertube Compression Plug / Expanding Nut, includes top cap".
R**D
Problem solver
Wont slip down in to fork tube because of ridge at top. Extends all the way down past headset bearing, giving support inside entire carbon fork tube. The top of my expensive fork had been overtightened with a small 3/8 inch long vertical crack starting at top of tube. I didn't want to cut the fork down any further so sought something that would provide more clamp support within the fork tube. After fitting this part and riding a couple of hundred miles on gravel, I disassembled for inspection and the crack has not expanded, I believe due to the support added behind the clamp area of the stem clamps. A bit heavy (alloy) but worth it for peace of mind.
E**E
Works great.
I bought the long one for my carbon steerer tube, and it is working fine with the extension I put on. I figure it'll give the tube some beef to strengthen it.
R**S
Got the job done
Installed a carbon fork on my bike and kept the tube half inch over the stem so needed a little more support for tightening the stem. If your new carbon fork brings an expander plug, chances are it’ll be enough to cover just the stem. Just measure from top of tube to bottom of stem clamp and that’s the length you’ll need. You don’t want your bottom part of the stem crushing your new carbon fork
A**R
It works!
I always prefer compression plugs over star nuts. But especially with carbon steerers, the longer length of these is superior to the small ones which only apply force to a small are of the steerer tube. It applies less force over a larger area, putting less stress on the steerer, and preventing damage from over expanding the tube, or compressing it by putting the stem on too tight. Give you a much better and safer mounting. That's worth the handful of grams more the larger ones weigh over the ultralight plugs from other companies.
J**S
Bike part
Not what I thought it was
M**T
Excellent!
These work really well, and they have a feature that at least some competitors do not, and its a big help.Its something you wouldn't really think of until you use a competing product that doesn't have it. These expanders work by expanding until they press against the interior of your carbon fiber steering tube. So what happens when you loosen the expander and thus shrink it? With a different brand... the expander lost its tension against the steering tube and fell right down to the bottom of it.The Neco expander has a lip on its top that fits over the top of your steering tube. It prevents this from happening. It also ensures a specific, consistent position for the cap.Its not a big deal until you work with an expander that doesn't have this, which I had two of (they were different brands, too). A very nice convenience and an expander cap that, beyond this, is made of what appear to be top quality parts.
Trustpilot
2 days ago
1 month ago