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Specialized compression caps

5K views 5 replies 3 participants last post by  Bikephelps 
#1 ·
Are there any special requirements for Specialized compression caps? I seem to remember the fork can't extend past the stem.
 
#4 ·
I believe the compression plug is not designed to have any spacers above it. I don't remember the exact reason but there's a strongly worded warning in the Specialized instructions about it. Other manufacturer's use a different type of expander plug which does not have this restriction.
 
#5 ·
The reason is because the greatest stress on a steerer is the interface between the bottom of the stem clamp and the carbon steerer tube. When torqueing on handlebars when sprinting, the bottom edge of the stem clamp creates a stress riser trying to shear the carbon steerer. The expansion plug reinforces this area. Spacing the compression plug upward raises the bottom edge of the plug which removes support of the plug under the highest stressed area.
Hope that helps.
A picture of the plug below:
 

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