View Full Version : Serotta F3 fork question
Matthew
12-24-2015, 01:49 PM
Got an F3 coming my way in the near future. After installing my stem for proper fit I am not likely to have room for a spacer on top of my stem as the steerer tube is already cut. Seems to me that some manufacturers encourage folks to place a spacer on top of the stem and then install the headset top cap. Is this the case with the F3? I have looked at various bikes in the galleries and see lots of different set ups. Some with spacers, some without. I shot Mike Lopez a PM already and am waiting for his reply as he is certainly the expert to go to. So basically, is a spacer advised on top of the stem for a carbon steerer or not really a big deal? Thanks!!!!!
Matthew
12-24-2015, 01:53 PM
My set up would look just like many styles' smoking hot Moots that is in the bike gallery. His fork is an Enve though. Would look just like that though.
tumbler
12-24-2015, 02:36 PM
So basically, is a spacer advised on top of the stem for a carbon steerer or not really a big deal? Thanks!!!!!
A spacer is generally advised. Some folks go without one, and I've read here that some manufactures don't require it (never seen any of these manufacturer guidelines firsthand though), but the idea of having the steerer high enough so the stem can clamp it fully/evenly (ie. long enough steerer w/ a spacer on top) makes sense to me and is the only way I would do it.
Matthew
12-24-2015, 03:29 PM
I also need to pick up a compression plug for it. Any recommendations for a quality plug? Never had to purchase one before so I have no idea who makes the better ones. Thanks, Matthew
maverick_1
12-24-2015, 05:58 PM
I would recommend the Hirame compression plug.
http://store.shopping.yahoo.co.jp/ys-crossroad-paddock/hrm-0015sss.html?sc_e=afvc_shp
Well known for its pump head, quality and reliability of the Hirame plugs are second to none IMHO.
Probably a little difficult to source for one in the US, but if you can find something similar go for it!
Matthew
12-24-2015, 06:31 PM
How about the Specialized compression plug? Have seen some good things about it online.
Joachim
12-24-2015, 06:33 PM
How about the Specialized compression plug? Have seen some good things about it online.
I had two of them getting stuck inside a carbon steerer. No way getting it out. I like the Deda Spadca and will be using it in my F3.
https://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=29439
Matthew
12-24-2015, 06:37 PM
What happens with the Specialized? It looks like it has a lip that allows it to sit on top of the steerer tube? Or does that go inside the tube. It says stem clamp on it and has an arrow?
Joachim
12-24-2015, 06:47 PM
What happens with the Specialized? It looks like it has a lip that allows it to sit on top of the steerer tube? Or does that go inside the tube. It says stem clamp on it and has an arrow?
That red or black part is a loose 'sleeve'. That got stuck and no way of getting it out. Use on your own risk. Others had good luck with it. I prefer not to take he risk if there are perfectly good alternatives out there..
tigoat
12-24-2015, 06:54 PM
I had two of them getting stuck inside a carbon steerer. No way getting it out. I like the Deda Spadca and will be using it in my F3.
https://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=29439
Sure it can come out if one is stuck inside the steerer tube. It sounds like you unscrewed the top part too much before pulling the whole plug assembly out of the steerer tube. If that happens, then just use a rod to punch the bottom part down inside the tube and then the rest will be loose and come out.
Matthew
12-24-2015, 06:54 PM
Ok, makes sense on the sleeve. That Deda looks nice. Appears to have a lip, does it rest on top of the steerer tube? Thanks for the link. May get one of those. Matthew
Matthew
12-24-2015, 06:58 PM
Any thoughts on the spacer above the stem question? Thanks
saab2000
12-24-2015, 07:05 PM
That red or black part is a loose 'sleeve'. That got stuck and no way of getting it out. Use on your own risk. Others had good luck with it. I prefer not to take he risk if there are perfectly good alternatives out there..
I've had great success with these and have them in virtually all my carbon steerers, including an F3.
The F3 is a fantastic fork BTW. I have one on my CIII and it's a great combo. I got really lucky to find one that matched the geometry and the color combo.
Any thoughts on the spacer above the stem question? Thanks
And yes, when I cut the fork I left just enough on top that a small spacer is needed to prevent the top cap and bolt from bottoming out against the top of the fork. There's a Specialized expander inside this pictured fork.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3912/14626939372_3cc3a6fb7b_b.jpg
Dead Man
12-24-2015, 07:33 PM
Really like the look of spacerless stem, but yea.. I've always read to leave at least one spacer above, so that's what I've always done.
I don't remember why, though.. I mean, every compression plug is different and plugs differently..
Maybe I'll start hackin' 'em flush
Matthew
12-24-2015, 07:39 PM
I have a 5mm spacer on top of my stem on my Meivici and I would for this new fork but I am not sure the steerer tube will be long enough to allow me to do that when I install it on my Moots. It's going to be very close, may allow for a small spacer but not sure. Sounds like the Deda or Specialized expanders will work fine.
saab2000
12-24-2015, 07:54 PM
I guess use some carbon assembly paste if in doubt. I haven't had an issue but that could change of course. I use these on everything and my Giant comes with one for the 1.25 fork that is very similar to the Specialized. I'm a fan.
Highpowernut
12-24-2015, 08:57 PM
I'm using the envelope plug.does the job. No issues.
I would love to find a F-3 to fit my legend
Joachim
12-24-2015, 09:25 PM
I'm using the envelope plug.does the job. No issues.
I would love to find a F-3 to fit my legend
The ML forks made by Mike Lopez are the same as the F3 forks and a little bit cheaper than the Serottas were.
tigoat
12-25-2015, 06:10 AM
The reason to have a spacer above the stem is so the clamp will put an even pressure around the side wall of steerer tube. The hoop strength of a steerer tube is generally very robust, structurally speaking. Without a spacer, the top of the steerer tube must be below the stem, and this means the top part the clamp will be putting an even pressure onto the steerer tube, which is not ideal. In fact, it might not work well at all without a spacer on top for some stems.
Really like the look of spacerless stem, but yea.. I've always read to leave at least one spacer above, so that's what I've always done.
I don't remember why, though.. I mean, every compression plug is different and plugs differently..
Maybe I'll start hackin' 'em flush
Mike Lopez
12-25-2015, 12:31 PM
Got an F3 coming my way in the near future. After installing my stem for proper fit I am not likely to have room for a spacer on top of my stem as the steerer tube is already cut. Seems to me that some manufacturers encourage folks to place a spacer on top of the stem and then install the headset top cap. Is this the case with the F3? I have looked at various bikes in the galleries and see lots of different set ups. Some with spacers, some without. I shot Mike Lopez a PM already and am waiting for his reply as he is certainly the expert to go to. So basically, is a spacer advised on top of the stem for a carbon steerer or not really a big deal? Thanks!!!!!
Its not a bad practice so that you're not clamping on the edge of the steerer but isn't necessary with that fork.
I remember this becoming popular in the early days of carbon forks/steerers and we did some testing with/without on the Ouzo Pros and found no difference on our products.
Keep in mind that not all carbon steerers have the same wall thickness and layups so I have no doubt there have been problems with certain combinations.
It's generally best to try to use the OE expander/preload device if possible cause they were designed to give the best fit for good support from the clamping forces from the stem.
The preload devices we supplied with the Ouzo Pros did a great job of internally supporting the upper edge of the steerer so going long and adding the cap on top didn't really buy anything past adjustability if one wanted to raise the stem a bit.
If anyone needs an original OP preload I've still got some but they say Reynolds on top.....
happycampyer
12-25-2015, 12:54 PM
Thanks, Mike! It's always great to get the info direct from the source!
Best wishes for the New Year!
bicycletricycle
12-25-2015, 01:02 PM
Maybe use this Serotta item ? Looks like it needs glue
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=252210674717&globalID=EBAY-US
guyintense
12-25-2015, 01:43 PM
Maybe use this Serotta item ? Looks like it needs glue
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=252210674717&globalID=EBAY-US
Those are very cool, glued in once you're sure of your stem height. I bought an official Ti Serotta like that years ago, then I copied the design out of aluminium. No need for a spacer on top.
Matthew
12-25-2015, 05:21 PM
Appreciate your expertise in this. I will ride it in confidence if I indeed run it without the top spacer. How do I get the expander you are writing about? Thanks!!! Matthew
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