Anyone use this S-works compression plug?

[cgolvin]

I went to install this last night and even when fully expanded it doesn't come anywhere near large enough to compress a 1 1/8" steerer. Am I missing something? It came bundled with a new S-Works SL stem and I can't imagine they'd sell a plug intended for a 1" steerer these days.

[ridethecliche]

Is it missing something on the bottom?

[donevwil]

That's an odd one, someone at Specialized toss an old plug in the new plug bin? Looks worn to heck as well.

My new, 2 years ago, S-Works SL stem came with one of these, the only Specialized compression plug I've seen in decades (and the best out there).

[Mark McM]

As above, that's not the standard expander plug that comes with the S-Works SL stem. The one that donevwil shows is the correct one. I've had a few S-Works SL stems, and they've all come with the one in donevwil's post. I'm guessing that someone took the stem out of the box for whatever reason, and then put the wrong compression plug back in the box.

[cgolvin]

I think you're right. I now recall that when I went to the Specialized store, after having them put one aside, they had the stem and then had to go hunt around the store for a compression plug. I'll go back and make them give me the right one, thanks.

[.RJ]

yeah that doesnt look right.

the brand-s compression plugs are pretty nice.

[Turkle]

I think it's worth getting the actual Specialized compression plug.

On a bike of mine, I couldn't stop compression plugs from slipping in the steerer tube. Someone here recommended the Specialized plug. Sure enough, that thing is in there probably until the end of time.

Now they're the only plug I'll use in any steerer tube.

[jds108]

Years ago when I bought a couple of those, each came with two different knurled pieces. Those were to fit differing thickness 1 1/8 forks.

[Gummee]

Originally Posted by Turkle

I think it's worth getting the actual Specialized compression plug.

On a bike of mine, I couldn't stop compression plugs from slipping in the steerer tube. Someone here recommended the Specialized plug. Sure enough, that thing is in there probably until the end of time.

Now they're the only plug I'll use in any steerer tube.

I still have a couple extras floating around my drawer o' headset parts cause they work so well.

Started using them when I finally figured out the compression plug on another bike was the problem of why that headset kept getting loose. /problem

M

[mcteague]

Originally Posted by donevwil

That's an odd one, someone at Specialized toss an old plug in the new plug bin? Looks worn to heck as well.

My new, 2 years ago, S-Works SL stem came with one of these, the only Specialized compression plug I've seen in decades (and the best out there).

I've used the Spec plug in the past but like the Deda version better. It's a bit longer and easier to remove.

Tim

[Dave]

I avoid expansion plugs entirely. My steering tubes have thread insertd located low enough that the steerer could be cut short enough for the stem to be slammed and the tube is entirely filled with JB Weld epoxy. No worrying about over tightening, slipping or inadequate support.

[ColonelJLloyd]

Originally Posted by Dave

I avoid expansion plugs entirely. My steering tubes have thread insertd located low enough that the steerer could be cut short enough for the stem to slammed and the tube is entirely filled with JB Weld epoxy. No worrying about over tightening, slipping or inadequate support.

[Dave]

Originally Posted by ColonelJLloyd

Not sure what sort of comment is intended. Never heard of this before? Engineers sometimes do things differently.

[donevwil]

Originally Posted by mcteague

I've used the Spec plug in the past but like the Deda version better. It's a bit longer and easier to remove.

Fair enough, I should have written "best OEM plug that I have used". I agree that the Specialized plug is a bear to remove, but I was coming from an Enve one which has to be a bottom feeder as compression plugs go. When running a lot of spacers I do choose a plug that extends below the upper headset. I used the 90mm Origin8 expander on my brother's bike for just that reason, he doesn't do any maintenance and isn't a weight weenie so I figured it was a bit of cheap insurance.

[jds108]

My Spec plug with the two slightly different thickness pieces: