Lightweight expander plug | A dangerous bike upgrade

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Lightweight expander plugs & top caps from AliExpress, light and cheap, but what are the risks?
SIROKO CLOTHING LINK - Additional 10% off - srko.co/tracevelo
I am always on the look out for inexpensive bike mods that knock some weight off my road bike, and AliExpress has come to the rescue once again. Lightweight headset expander plugs or compression plugs, and lightweight top caps are an inexpensive way to drop around 45 grams from the bike.
However, when using carbon fibre steerer tubes you need to be careful. The smaller size of the expander plugs can put a lot more strain on the carbon, which could lead to a stress fracture, and potentially a catastrophic failure or a crash.
But they can be installed safely. I’ve had a pretty good experience with them, and my carbon forks have remained solid. So let’s go over the risks, what to avoid, and how to install them properly.
Got any questions or comments, stick them below 👇 and I'll try and get back to as many of you as I can!
Timestamps:
00:00 - Start
00:44 - Sponsor segment
01:23 - Intro
03:31 - Lightweight parts - Cost & weight
05:10 - Expander plugs & carbon fibre
07:55 - Lightweight expander plugs - My Experience
08:50 - Carbon steerer expansion demo
11:15 - Lightweight expander plugs - Installation
12:41 - Final Thoughts
Intro roll:
Created by Dev Joshi - www.go2dev.co.uk
Music:
Birocratic (birocratic.lnk.to/allYL)
Fresh Healthy Perspectives
Patrick Patrikios ( / @patrickpatrikios2050 )
Just Dance
Lakey Inspired ( / lakeyinspired )
The Process, In My Dreams
Noir Et Blanc Vie ( / billyocean2185 )
Still Not Rite
NoMBe ( / @nombe )
Take Me Down to The Fashion Show
About Trace Velo:
I love cycling, and I love getting pro cycling kit for less. If it’s cheap, from China, and made of carbon fibre, I’m interested!
Instagram:
/ tracevelo
Email:
tracevelouk@gmail.com
Please note:
With the exception of Siroko, all other products demonstrated in this video have been purchased by me, and I have no affiliation to any of the sellers or vendors shown.
In addition, I am not a professionally trained bike mechanic. There can be risks associated with using products that are unbranded, untested, or come from sources where the provenance is unknown. Please talk to a qualified bike mechanic if you are in any doubt.
In essence, be careful, do your research, and cycle safe!!!

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Опубликовано:

8 июл 2024

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Комментарии : 377

@ridesofjapan 2 года назад

Hey Luke, Both my current bikes has proprietary plugs at the moment, so the short answer is no, I don't use them because I can't. I used the gold one of a long time without issues, until I got greedy and swapped it out for a "brand-name" plug from Extralite to save a few more grams. When I eventually sold that frame, I swapped back to the original long and heavy plug, because I simply don't trust that anyone can install it correctly 😂 As you showed in this video, you have to be pretty careful getting in the right place.... and NOT over tighten the stem bolts like people seem think the tighter the safer :P Anyway, good on you for giving this topic a go, it really brings out the cycling dads out there wagging their fingers... so I'm not touching this topic again myself 😜

@TraceVelo 2 года назад

OK cool, thanks for the reply dude! And yeah this topic is definitely a little divisive for sure, especially in light of the recent SL7 recall. Good to know you didnt run into any issues with the gold AliExpress plug though 👌

@Tethysmeer 2 года назад

That's why I bought a extra long plug and put a spacer on top so that also the top screw of the stem is well supported. On a gravel bike a must IMHO.

@sepg5084 2 года назад

from what i remember, the tiny expander plug is for aluminum forks so that you won't need to use a steel flower nut. When i received my chinese carbon frame it had a free headset, a regular long expander plug for a carbon fork, and a tiny expander plug which i did not use. i still used a flower nut for my aluminum fork.

@makncheese6836 2 года назад

i figured that the little expander plug is meant for a thicker steerer tube made of metal because using it on a thin tube of carbon would make the carbon get warped, im thinking of getting one for the purpose of modding it so itll make my front brake go through my stem.

@Oilyhands749 2 года назад

I’d recommend tightening your stem bolts equal, don’t tighten one to torque then the other , bring them up both together gently, it evens the squeeze .

@cirvis240 2 года назад

Applies to everything with multiple bolts really, like disc rotors or stem faceplates.

@andrewlucas246 2 года назад

Came here to post the same thing. Paired bolts need to be tightened/loosened bit by bit altering between them to ensure even load and greatly reduce the risk of stripped bolts. Trace likely knows this but in an expander plug instructional proper technique should be shown to the masses

@andrewlucas246 2 года назад

I'd also add that the expander plug and stem clamp should be tightened in a similar way. If you torque up the plug fully and then the stem clamp you can end up with bad steerer geometry that can lead to dents, nicks or loosening. Snugging up the plug, then the clamp, then torquing alternating between both preserves the steerer tube dimensions and avoids these issues while reducing stress

@XavMathis 2 года назад

Just watched this and realised I had not installed my OEM expander plug correctly. Quick reinstall of my expander plug and no harm done… Trace you are a legend

@TraceVelo 2 года назад

Awesome, thanks Xav, appreicate the comment, and glad i could help :)

@mathiasdieste 2 года назад

interesting thing to mention is that the longer the expander the stiffer the steerer, if u are a spinter, or a track cyclist (or even if u feel safer with a beefy steering column) the 50-80mm expander is for you

@jimbrittain402 2 года назад

Thanks for the info. Yes, it's a substantial weight savings for little cost, but the risk is too great for me. Great channel.

@TraceVelo 2 года назад

Yeah fair enough, def not a mod for everyone!

@sepg5084 2 года назад

@@TraceVelo from what i remember, the tiny expander plug is for aluminum forks so that you won't need to use a steel flower nut. When i received my chinese carbon frame it had a free headset, a regular long expander plug for a carbon fork, and a tiny expander plug which i did not use. i still used a flower nut for my aluminum fork.

@george.carlin 2 года назад

If you 80+ kilo rider, or potholes are big, then yes, keep it safe. I'm 75km one season on this plug and no issue. Checked my fork on the subject of the ring of death and don't see any load cracks. However I'll add one more plug (see my other post above) to keep stem bolts pressure more evenly distributed.

@richardggeorge 2 года назад

Please, please, please don't use expander plugs shorter than 50mm! (Should be taller than stem height). My cautionary tale....FYI, I bought a used 2014 CAAD10 "cheap", as the steerer tube had a visible hairline crack on the inside and outside of the steerer 😱 (lined up with bottom of stem clamp) due to the following possible causes: 1. Overtorquing of expander plug 2. too small expander from factory (expander portion is only 17mm tall) 3. too many spacers below stem (~50mm, which is within Cannondale's recommendation of 55mm max but I think this might be too tall?). There were no spacers above stem as per Cannondale's recommendations. 4. Also the Cannondale stem is quite hollow and doesn't spread the load over a large area and I suspect that the 17mm tall expander plug just wasn't large enough to protect it properly, exacerbated by the fact that there was 93mm long carbon steerer lever arm bending above the top headset bearing. The bending forces appeared to be concentrated just below the unsupported bottom of stem clamp. Solution: purchase thin(5mm) headset dust cover to allow me to fully slam stem and cut steerer down to remove cracked portion. 😁

@editdroid99 2 года назад

I always love a new Trace Velo video. They are as rare and as precious as a new Mark Rober video. Also, Siroko needs to get some U.S. local distribution. I can't tell you how many times I've filled up a cart, just to empty it again because of shipping costs.

@brianpham2584 2 года назад

Yes! Second that suggestion.

@mattbond3002 2 года назад

Uk distribution too, especially post Brexit. Any return is a nightmare and potentially very expensive with additional tax on top of any transport costs. Be careful!

@valuableblu 2 года назад

I'm in the U.S. and I've never paid for shipping. I won't order anything until I have but enough to get free shipping or wait until there is a special going on.

@coryabraham9199 2 года назад

Agreed. I got a pair of their sunglasses for Christmas, and wanted to upgrade the lens, only to realize shipping was more than the item.

@flexo3333 2 года назад

@@valuableblu if you got stuff shipped, you paid for shipping.

@chris1275cc 2 года назад

Colnago Carbon Fork Steerer Expander 90mm long 24g (without top cap and bolt) in all my carbon steerer bikes, because the thought of the steerer snapping off gives me the willies. I have one of those like the gold one in my alu steerer on my rim brake bike because star nuts are a PITA. It is worth noting that aluminium steerers especially the thinner road bike type can snap too when they get old, in fact the snapped steerer that caused the death of that Australian guy that sparked a lot of concern the first time around was actually aluminum but it got reported by the media as a carbon fork so people assumed.

@stuarthandley8267 2 года назад

Had one of these Lightweight expander plugs in my PlanetX pro carbon for 4 years, no problem

@TraceVelo 2 года назад

ok amazing, good to know! Thanks for the comment

@MrBLobana 2 года назад

Highly underrated channel

@mattstorey7683 2 года назад

Best intro yet! Chapeau

@meredithclewis 2 года назад

I would never risk a short expander plug. I have a couple of spacers above my stem and bought a long expander plug to make sure the whole of the stem clamping area is supported.

@patthewoodboy 2 года назад

the expander plug only supports the steerer in a very short length. The stem bolts need to be tightened to the correct torque for a carbon steerer , thats the important thing. A knurled expander , like the ones shown will damage the internal carbon steerer , smooth expanders are the way to go

@Guoenyi Год назад

Wonderful demo! Love it!

@icanhazADHD 2 года назад

Incredible to see a Polperro poster in your intro! My dad was born and raised Polperro, and I've visited several times over the years, growing more attached to it each time. I love your content, and its great to see Cornish content in cycling!

@christianalboroto7574 2 года назад

Thanks for the info. I just ordered a carbon fork with carbon steerer tube. I'm so glad I went with the conventional expander plug, I was so tempted to buy the small ones because it looks very light weight and very simple.

@nothangu9210 Год назад

Best & simplest video I've seen on expander plugs :-) Thanks

@ll2284 2 года назад

I appreciate it so much that you rise awareness to this subject!

@ll2284 2 года назад

Couldn't thank you enough! Damn important!

@jamesking-ve7lg Год назад

Nice tips! I'm exactly your target public, lol, trying to build up a cheap carbon bike after crashing my old aluminium frame and having that frame break at the headset weld.... bike was totaled! I love biking, but after all the hospital bills I don't have a lot of cash to buy a new one, so with help from your videos (and others) I'm building up a new one, hoping to transfer some of my old useable parts to a new carbon frame. Thanks for giving the NM torque we need, that's useful!

@SeanVintin 2 года назад

Love your presenting style and the content you produce, keep up the awesome work!

@TraceVelo 2 года назад

Thanks Sean, really appreciate the comment!!!!

@jaredfink5146 2 года назад

I’m a relatively new cyclist that found a great deal on a tri bike on Craigslist and bought it. The steerer tube is not cut to the correct length. I thought it was just so you can adjust the height of your setup, but I can see the dangers in this. I’ll be cutting the steerer tube to length. Public service announcement success. Thanks, Luke and Siroko (great kit indeed, sir).

@njm3211 2 года назад

Thanks. Been through the whole weight weenie expander plug experience too. Settled on a full length more conventional and robust version in the sub 40 gram range.

@TraceVelo 2 года назад

Fair enough, this mod def isnt for everyone

@leftymadrid 2 года назад

Pretty much one of the most important items on a bike. Nice video. Very important information, and helpful.

@Fluxyzabc 2 года назад

Great video Luke, just when I needed it! Top notch as always!

@TraceVelo 2 года назад

Glad you enjoyed it!

@Wannaridebikes 2 года назад

Very good point. I raced downhill mtb years ago. And my friend put a round piece of rubber in his steer tube I asked why did you do that he stated. As we fly down the hill the handlebars puts the stem under pressure the rubber piece I add supports the tube not to bend from the stem. Kinda gives it support. Then he found bar end to use. So I kinda knew about the stress points on the stem to the steer tube. Now the carbon bikes nope I don’t ride them.

@TheTrev53 2 года назад

If you’re going into a carbon steerer, you really need a long expander bolt, otherwise you’re putting all your faith on a few millimetres of ally to stop the top of your fork from cracking

@DiGiTaLdAzEDM Месяц назад

I have been riding a RockShox World Cup Carbon Sid fork with a carbon steerer/crown for 20 years using the short (15mm) expansion plug that came with the fork. I only recently became aware of this issue and so yesterday ordered an Origin8 50mm expansion plug. Rockshox tech tech support recommended the upgrade. I use a Thomson Elite stem and torque the stem bolts to the recommended 48 inch pounds. I was told I don't need the carbon paste unless I had a carbon on carbon setup. I did not use it with the shorter plug all those years and never had slippage issues. Probably a good upgrade for peace of mind.

@cryingrocknathanaeledwards1828 2 года назад

Dude! You’re channel rocks! Thanks for the sweet content!

@sshapiro112 Год назад

Great video, thank you. Probably won't be trying these out

@nathanielluke2084 2 года назад

Youre so entertaining to watch, and also very relatable in terms of money saving. A very big thank you for these videos. I dont own a road bike, rather an MTB. Kinda wish for mtb stuff in the future haha

@blacklangster1141 2 года назад

Literally one of the few channels that I think “f*ck yea, they uploaded” every time.

@Friday1970 2 года назад

Thank you for this video. Thankfully, I have an aluminum stem for my carbon fork. My expanded plug seems to be wearing out, and loosens after a few weeks of use. It needs replaced. So, I think I'll go with that golden one you purchased. Edit: Purchased....now have to wait... forever for it.

@iv4nYap 2 года назад

I have the 16g set, no issues at all with the carbon grip paste, from my storck aernario platinum, to my bmc teammachine slr01 and yes, any expander plug should be in between stem. put your stem in, hand tight the screws before tighten up the plug. my teammachine slr01 is 6.2kg with power paddle

@ismaelouattara2394 2 года назад

Missed your content so much. Happy new year mate, I am preparing to upgrade my newly BH Carbon Road Bike. I have been looking religiously your past content on Sensah Empire.

@captaincommodore8901 2 года назад

This comes in perfect! You are the best!

@ilikewasabe 2 года назад

Great video as always. Always looking forward to each video you post!

@TraceVelo 2 года назад

Thanks Wasabe, I put LOADS of effort into these, so glad you like them :)

@zeshanrawn6299 2 года назад

"Reassuringly heavy"... literally words to live by!

@nielsseynaeve1332 2 года назад

I’ve been using one of these since summer ‘21. Works like a treat when properly installed… made the difference for me when building a sub 6kg bike!

@TraceVelo 2 года назад

Sub 6kg!!! Freakling nice work Niels!

@nielsseynaeve1332 2 года назад

@@TraceVelo everything bought on ali express exept for the campagnolo athena carbon groupset and the easton carbon wheels! Most of the parts where discussed in your video’s. Many thanks for that!

@meegel3689 2 года назад

@@nielsseynaeve1332 can you post a video of your bike? Just a little bit

@arnaudseynaeve9266 2 года назад

Oz'cycle had covered this subject in a video. Good point, the demonstration of the spacer on the fork

@TraceVelo 2 года назад

Thanks Arnuad, glad you liked it, thanks for the comment. Also gotta love OZ Cycle, one of the OG's!

@ridekernow 2 года назад

Only here for the Kernow and glad to see it’s still coming up, it’ll be a sad day when you run out of footage - particularly liked the scene of Valleybrook Park down from Lansallos! Other than that, thank you for the interesting content about expander plugs. The thought of a catastrophic handlebar fail at 45mph down Talland Hill makes the extra 40g worth it for me, I’ll just have a slightly bigger 💩 before I head out.

@boyacki 2 года назад

So glad that you're objective in light of the weight savings vs considering our safety rather than go all out consumerist pitch for another fad product. More funnies please! Product analysis and walkthrough is always top notch!

@TraceVelo 2 года назад

Thanks P Wan. I really try with these videos, so glad it is coming across!

@boyacki 2 года назад

@@TraceVelo you're doing a great job! Always enjoy the content ☺️

@20dpb 2 года назад

The most entertaining and informative cycling RU-vid channel!

@victormatalam1972 2 года назад

Always looking forward to your videos mate! Much love from the philippines 🇵🇭

@TraceVelo 2 года назад

Cheers Victor!!!

@gpurkeljc 2 года назад

Great video as always. The one thing that I do differently is that I don't use any grip paste on the steerer tube to avoid contaminating the headset bearings.

@TraceVelo 2 года назад

Ok yeah fair enough. I've never had a problem with the grip paste getting into the bearings or anything like that, but i can se how it might happen...

@iMadrid11 2 года назад

I wouldn't risk it. The recent Specialized Tarmac SL7 fully integrated handlebars headset recall, swapped the stock expander plug with a much longer and beefier expander plug. Granted Luke isn't running fully integrated cables routed inside the handlebars, stem and headtube. The mere fact that full carbon forks could break that way with not enough compression is a cause of concern.

@andrewlucas246 2 года назад

The sl7 recall was not caused by faukty expander plugs but rather very shoddy headset/spacer/steerer integration. The longer expander plug is a bandaid solution to cover up a flaw elsewhere in the system.

@richardharris8538 2 года назад

Thanks, Luke. I'm building up a bike from scratch. It's all AliExpress, except for the cassette. I bought a short expander plug, but didn't like the look of it, so I installed a longer one. I do have some steerer tube projecting above the stem, so I will now make it flush - slammed is the expression, I believe. Thanks again.

@TraceVelo 2 года назад

Awesome, thanks Richard. So when choping the steerer tube, just make sure it is the right length. While its not great practice to ride with loads of spacers above the stem, its always good to get a feel for the bike and how you ride it for a decent few miles, before taking the plunge, and cutting the steerer

@richardharris8538 2 года назад

@@TraceVelo Yes, I'll do that, Luke. I won't be riding it until April, when the snow and ice have gone. 🥶

@CristoffelBonorand 2 года назад

Haha, had the same experience when I shopped for an expander plug, forgetting to add the word „bike“… I have the golden one with the torx-cap. No problems at all for more than a year now. But yes, needs to be placed at the correct position and on all screwing connections one needs to use a torque wrench. And stay on the lower side of the torque range.

@leedorney 2 года назад

I once used a carbon top cap, you HAVE to use a alu variant to tighten the headset together, then, tighten the stem, then remove alu top cap and install carbon variant BUT note if you have to make an adjustment out on a ride then it's negotiable for the ability to make all the process's - re the strength issue! I just ride a ti variant now 👌

@bobvelting379 2 года назад

I use a CARBON-TI X-Plug, it weighs in at about 14 grams and is 20mm tall. never had any problems with it, but if you already have an expander plug I would not spend 20 euros on it. (my expander was so scraped up by the previous owner that I could barely remove the stem, so when I rebuild the entire bike I decided to try it out). installation is a bit more tricky I must say.

@KurtisPape 2 года назад

Thats the exact test i actually do to tighten up my expander, tighten it until the spacer no longer slides past. Some expander plugs like the longer 1 you used in that test have sharp edges on the inside where it slides to expand and instead of sliding it actually starts to dig in to the alloy, so you think its tight but its not actually doing anything. So the slide test is a good 1.

@TraceVelo 2 года назад

Ahh ok, I've never done that type of test to check the plug is properly seated. I tend to keep it to some ballpark torque reccomendations.

@philoso377 9 месяцев назад

Nice video and presentation. Look at the contact / support area at the OD of the weight saving model. Too little to offer intended strength/area. Ending? The compression of stem screws can over come the unsupported CF tube. Leading to structural failure of the steer tube.

@reginaldscot165 2 года назад

The Specialized steerer plug is probably the best one, it’s very light, it’s long and safe. It’s the only one if their products I’d ever buy.

@buzzzam2095 2 года назад

As always awesome content and eager waiting for the next video.

@frenzalrhomb1 2 года назад

Leuscher Teknik, if I've spelt that anywhere near correct also does a great video on this subject.

@george.carlin 2 года назад

I had two plugs that you showed. Me and my wife spent one season on these super light plugs and had no problems. I did cut steerer max. short, so I have no spacers above nor below the stem. After watching you and Harley Durianrider bitch about "danger" I'll prob. buy one more pair to keep both of you happy :) Top plug will be used with the cap, so it will be used to preload bearings tension and also it will support TOP stem bolts! The bottom plug will be used WITHOUT cap and can sit 20-30mm below the top plug and support lower stem bolts. These plugs are so light that even with two plugs it is still lighter than the original heavy plug and with two plugs there is no question about creating stress ring in the tube, so Harley and Luke can sleep better now. Below are weight of my plugs and caps. I have only the type that RoJ showed. I think that second type you showed at 2:56 does not have enough flat surface to support stem bolts load, so my pick is that one that is at 3:04 plug 1 = 11.8g plug 2 = 11.9g cap 1 = 4.9g cap 2 = 5.7g

@not-a-raccoon 2 года назад

I always get excited when you post a new video. You've helped me safe weight and money on upgrades for my bike. With regard to dubious quality on critical parts... That's a hard no for me. If the expander plug fails at a bad time (which they undoubtedly will 😑) You could get seriously hurt. Cheapie skewers and bottle cages, sure. I've used them and they work great. I had a bad experience with a carbon seat post.. the thing cracked on the first ride.. Rule of thumb I go by is, "am I going to get hurt if this thing cometeky fails?". If the answer is yes, then I don't mess with it.

@stephenlamley541 Год назад

Re; carbon being flexible, I've a bike with carbon folks and seat post its surprisingly comfortable ride over rough ground i assume because the carbon flexes. Great stuff. Im gushing because ive gone from a heavy bike to a relatively light one.

@wtfiswiththosehandles 2 года назад

I think it's worth noting that there is no danger in using lightweight top caps. In fact you can stop using them at all, if you're such a weight weenie :) Their only purpose is to preload headset and hold it while you tighten the stem bolts. Once you tighten those bolts to spec, you can remove the top cap. Obviously not really advisable due to rain etc making it into steerer tube. Another thing - there are longer compression plugs if someone does need to use spacers above stem.They come at a weight penalty, but so does the extra uncut steerer and spacers...

@DanHoopes211 2 года назад

Maybe you could remove the top cap, BUT modern carbon steer tubes require the use of a 3-5mm spacer on TOP of the stem. This is to prevent the top of the stem from crushing the top edge of the steer tube where many plugs have no support. Also, many plugs (such as the one he shows about 1/3 of the way into the video) have a lip that sits on top of the cut edge of the steer tube. In that case, without a 5mm spacer on top of the stem, you'd be clamping air with the top edge of the stem AND crushing the top part of the steer tube where it is cut. But don't get too spacer-happy: if you put a few spacers above the stem you MUST get an extra long expander plug that extends all the way past your top headset bearing. You can find these 4-5 inch plugs on Amazon under the brands Neco and Fouriers.

@wtfiswiththosehandles 2 года назад

@@DanHoopes211 uh, that's not correct. If you use a spacer on top of the tube, you can still remove it after you've clamped onto steerer. You will have a millimeter or two of steerer sticking above stem, but that's about it.

@CGA22 2 года назад

Another great video! Really love em’. Great production quality and very informative. Interesting topic too. Thanks. Btw are you running tubeless now? Hookless?

@future62 2 года назад

Great video as always Luke. Are you a materials engineer? You really have a great grasp of material science and convey that info in a great way.

@Pitutujefe 2 года назад

Love your content mate! Greetings from Bolivia!

@TraceVelo 2 года назад

Thanks Ramiro!!! Appreciate the comment :)

@solitaryrefinement6787 2 года назад

I've used the J&L expanders for years and never had any issue. They do save a ton of weight over the original(s). As with anything, using a brand name expander is the way to go and really, they're only $20 so there's no reason to cheap-out on them and get a generic version.

@jiyon167 2 года назад

I have been using the those small expander plugs since the summer last year. On both my summer bike and winter bike. They have been fine. I also had the same one piece concaved top cap and it was terrible. Because it’s one piece it would shake loose. Tired using some thread lock which worked but not ideal. Found an equally weight saving carbon and alloy bolt which works great.

@hucklejoko4838 2 года назад

That demonstration with the spacer and expander plug is really amazing! Never knew about the flexibility of carbon that way!

@elmarpogi514 2 года назад

The most underrated blogger

@TraceVelo 2 года назад

Thanks Elmar!

@glennoc8585 2 года назад

I like the longer BBB brand.

@richardggeorge 2 года назад

FYI, BBB only have ones up to 40mm. I have one that it 78mm (shortest one I use is 50mm)

@GunnyWombat 2 года назад

@6:10 No, the full height of the stem needs to be supported by the steerer tube.

@zappingz9190 2 года назад

Very helpful!

@TraceVelo 2 года назад

Glad you thought so!

@arcoulant87 2 года назад

A risk too far ! Great video

@advaitpai7304 2 года назад

Really appreciate ur efforts to explain us so much in detail of such a simple topic as well. ❤️ Love to watch ur videos.

@eLpELoNdeJaPoN 2 года назад

Definitely your humor deserves more subscribers 😆it's funny way to address cycling due to the obvious issues 😆 Btw... Those tiny expansion plugs are s totally no no ! It's a potential formula to end in the hospital. By general rule the expansion plug should be little bit longer than the size of your steam clamp 2 bolt part!

@TraceVelo 2 года назад

Glad you think so!

@robotennis61 2 года назад

great vid!

@matttiggerward6147 2 года назад

Personally I would assemble using the “standard” long plug so everything is supported then once everything is pre-loaded and tightened up remove and swap for the lightweight one. Might lead to less risk of doing damage

@Baxurviete 2 года назад

i have a canyon ultimate, and expander plug in there is way lower than the cockpit bolts which press on the pressure plate. And it even have a spacer on the bolt itself, so the plug would be deep enough. putting the expander in between bolts atleast for me seems counter productive, since you are making two stress point locations.. since the middle would bulge out and top and bottom bolts would clamp it down even more... but maybe it;s just my flawed way of thinking about it.

@fede1275 2 года назад

This is because on the Canyon the one you have it's not an expander plug designed to support the stem clamps. It's there only for the top cap to set the preload of the bearings. Canyon carbon steerer 1 1/4 don't come with compression plugs on most of their bikes.

@123moof 2 года назад

Some major manufacturers ship with very short plugs, and quite frankly the subject is murky at best. At some point in the not to distant future we will look back on this era and be horrified by the crappy steerer tube safety issues. Steering and brakes simply cannot fail, yet the safety factors around the steerer tube is head shaking. For a steerer to EVER fail in anything short of a horrendous crash says that the safety factors are incompatible with being in a life safety application.

@tullioderosa5657 2 года назад

I have one of those light weight expanders in all 3 of my bikes and they do require careful installation and the stem requires the steady alternating tightening of the bolts to the correct torque limits so a torque wrench is a must with carbon. I've been doing my own bike setup and maintenance for 30 years but if you're unsure of what you're doing with ultra lightweight kit it would be best to get your LBS to do it. Your bike coming apart while out riding is embarrassing at best and death/serious injury inducing at worst.

@adamcoatham 2 года назад

I’ll be honest, I’d already hammered the Like button before the end of that intro 😂😂😂

@TraceVelo 2 года назад

Ha, amazing, cheers Adam!

@ldt8492 2 года назад

Actually I would prefer the gold version since it has more lateral flat surface in contact with carbon. The red version seems very sharp in the contact point with the fork. By the way, great content!

@jaro6985 2 года назад

Yeah the red version looks like total trash. The gold version at least is based on an existing design.

@TheTrev53 2 года назад

If you’ve a chimney of spacers above your stem, the stem won’t be clamping to an expander bolt unless you use an extra long one. A component that you shouldn’t really be trying to save loads of weight on

@ChrisDittrick 2 года назад

Great vid as always! I tried a lightweight plug from Extralite on my MTB and just could not get it to stay in place - too much up / down forces on the mountain bike. Ended up going back to a standard plug on that. But for a road bike I'd go for it.

@makncheese6836 2 года назад

id think that sanding the metal so its not so smooth might be a little helpful

@sebbelito2975 2 года назад

The kind of stem used must also be taken into consideration. I bought the fancy Carbon Ti 14g expander which looks incredibly similar to the second variant that you bought from Ali. But I am also using Extralite Hyperstem and you cannot use that kind of expander plug with that stem as it will completely destroy the steerer. Using a 40m expander as it is critical the plug can cover the entire inside of the stem. Overall, great video and content :)

@davidgoon1978 2 года назад

have been using hyperstem for a while now and exactly the same expander plug shown here, not sure if i place the expander on the right position , but so far so good .. might be goin back to normal expander plug tho.. after watching this very video..

@richardggeorge 2 года назад

That's similar to my Cannondale stem that cut into my steerer (didn't spread the load over a large area). Get a minimum 50mm plug

@bdogsp0012 2 года назад

Cool video there as always Luke. Have you considered doing a review on bar tape?

@andytownsend9163 2 года назад

Intresting, both my bikes use the Acros headset so there is no expander plug. Great content buddy.

@TraceVelo 2 года назад

Cool, thanks Andy!

@kylehagertybanana 2 года назад

good vid, enjoyed it

@kuman1212 2 года назад

The other ones are the best. The longest and widest are good.

@brunospasta 10 месяцев назад

If you dont plan to sell your bike ever or cut away more from the steerer, to get the best out of both worlds is to machine an alluminum sleeve and glue it into the fork : ) I have seen people go as low as 10g with this for 40mm length "compression" plugs.

@gushle 2 года назад

interesting subject, as always. In my newly built budget chinese bike I bought and put a 5 cm expansion plug (longer than the one sent to me with the frame), for the reasons you explained in the video. I've ridden and I ride chinese frames, forks, handlebars, groupsets, etc. but I will NEVER try one of these super light expanders. It's not a matter of chinese or branded but a question of simple physics laws. You explained very well that there is a good chance not to have problems with these, but it's always an higher chance than having problems with a common/longer expander, and we are talking of problems that might cost you a lot of health and dentist money, and probably the cost of a new bike, not a ruined ride like a groupset problem can cause

@MrBubba3494 2 года назад

I've only found 4cm plugs, do you think it would be enough? Or Could you send the link of the 5cm if you got it from aliexpress?

@gushle 2 года назад

@@MrBubba3494 It was my fault, i've got the 4cm model (5cm is the measure including all the parts). I think is more than enough. To be precise I think che classic 2,8cm is enough, but I prefer the longer one to be more confident. I don't even consider the superlight under 2,8cm, they are a bet, and I don't like to bet on my health

@cpt.slackbladder3187 2 года назад

I have them in two bikes for over a year…zero issues

@TraceVelo 2 года назад

Nice, good to know! Thanks for the comment

@cpt.slackbladder3187 2 года назад

@@TraceVelo the sliver and red one you have are total trash…but the red and black or gold and black ones are fine. One of mine is on a gravel bike, really tested it…zero issues

@MrIanD1 2 года назад

That is one hell of a drop from your seat to your head tube.

@TraceVelo 2 года назад

Yeah, i have quite long legs, and prefer a pretty agressive riding style. So a high saddle works for me :)

@Demon09-_- 2 года назад

for me the 50grams or so is worth not worrying about it. some light weight sutff just is not worth it tbh. aluminum chain rings are one of those things. shimano t30 ones are better then others but they still break quite easy over time compared to there steel counter parts and with only 4 bolts on shimano they get done up quite tight.

@percival3830 2 года назад

Fab intro, had me giggling!

@TraceVelo 2 года назад

Glad you enjoyed it

@stormeporm 2 года назад

Great video! yeah if that 35 gram is really important just take a sip from your water bottle before you leave. Way saver.

@TraceVelo 2 года назад

Yeah fair enough. This mod definitely isnt for everyone

@arifazhari7598 2 года назад

I did use that slammed stem with tower of spacer above the stem, 30 mm to be exact. But i use 70 mm long expander plug. Heavy but sturdy enough for my gravel bike. And also using torque wrench for safety reason. So my steerer tube and stem is still supported by the long plug i installed. Perhaps that is my suggestion for everyone who wanna slammed the stem but not wanting to cut the steerer tube.

@TraceVelo 2 года назад

Yeah those longer expander plugs can be a bit of a life saver to be fair. Also yeah i would be interested to see how these held up on a gravel bike, or even a mountain bike for that matter....

@arifazhari7598 2 года назад

@@TraceVelo but you said you are not eheeem eheem mountain bikers. Nevertheless, looking forward to see you for your cheapness on the road and off road. Perhaps You should cover brakepad on hydraulic disc brake, especially on your bike. Since now you’re using disc brake now. I am still looking for the cheap but good quality breaking performance. Even standard shimano k03s is still expensive to me.

@gobgobcachoo 2 года назад

Careful with the assembly paste around the head tube. Some of those glass shards could find their way inside of the bearings and cause a whole lot of trouble

@richardggeorge 2 года назад

Yes. Totally agree. Paste should be nowhere near headset bearings

@jaro6985 2 года назад

Bearings are sealed, should be ok.

@gobgobcachoo 2 года назад

@@jaro6985 the frame and fork material will abrade until failure

@billbrett365 2 года назад

I use polypropylisonitrate lubricant on things like this . Sometime sewing machine oil works but I don't recommend it.

@davidgarza2267 2 года назад

Another factor to keep in mind is the inside of the stem where it clamps the steerer. Some stems have a sharper edge than others and if the that contact point is not directly supported by the plug, that edge will slowly cut into the steerer with each minor impact. Even slighlty pulling on the bars when sprinting can put enough pressure for it to dig in if the edge is sharp. IMO, hard pass on these tiny plugs. Not worth the multitude of risk factors.

@MrBubba3494 2 года назад

Im looking at a 40mm plug the replace the small one that came stock with the frame, do you think it would be enough or should I look for a longer one?

@richardggeorge 2 года назад

@@MrBubba3494 get 50mm minimum. I use 50-78mm ones depending on how many spacers above headset bearing. Ideally you want the entire steerer supported from top cap to top headset bearing. I wrote my cautionary tale underneath the top comment

@richardggeorge 2 года назад

That's what happened to my Cannondale. I have detailed explanation above

@davidgarza2267 2 года назад

@@MrBubba3494 50mm I’d recommend and no spacers above stem. This is arguably the most critical contact point on the bike. No reason to play with fire.

@leedorney 2 года назад

I'll just add one more comment: I bought the longest expander plug I could find, think it's about 50mm to spread the load over a greater section of the steerer to offset what Luke is saying here 👍

@TraceVelo 2 года назад

Yeah fair enough. A longer expander plug is definitely safer, especially if you do alot of sprinting, putting torque through the steerer. This mod definitely isnt for everyone