About to install a carbon fork and just realized I don't have a solution for carbon's version of a star bolt. Apparently a compression plug works, but I also realize I have a USE Ring-Go-Star on hand. But, while "bird in hand" suggests using that, I am patient enough to do it right. So, which is better? Tips appreciated.

Carbon or aluminum steerer? If it's aluminum, use the Ringo... If it's carbon, get a compression plug.

If you use ringo Star on Carbon it can actually start to tear thru the carbon and splitter the steer tube want to make sure you use compression plug . If you want you can use compression plug on alum as well.

Ray Still

Carbon steerer. Funny, the Ring-Go-Star is promoted as for carbon steerers:

from Use1.com...

"Star washers and other clamp devices can seriously damage the steerer, compromising safety. Ring-Go-Star is the only product that will not damage the steerer in any way. This is extremely important for carbon steerers."

Not sure how it can cut into a steerer since all it does is expand in the vertical axis between the headset and the stem, but I'm really not into taking chances to find out

I believe that everyone thinks you are talking about a regular star washer that goes inside the steer tube. If you have a ring-go-star, go ahead and use it. It is a perfectly acceptable way of installing a fork. I personally haven't tried one, but they are made for carbon.

Brian
TheRoadBike.com (www.theroadbike.com)

I used the Ring-go-star on my bike for about six months and my headset would constantly come out of adjustment in about a two weeks or so. The device does not offer the preload that you get from a compression plug. I think it is a piece of junk.

I used the Ring-O-Starr or whatever it's called for a few months after I had upgraded to an all-carbon fork. Horrible little device. Choose any other option unless you like a loose, knocking headset.

Also you have to tension your headset via a ~2mm set screw that is aluminum, and will strip if you even look at it funny.

mine has worked well for 2 years. you do have to adjust the fork right.