Headset Star Nut AL7075 CNC Machined
The 7 gram part that decides whether a fork stays preloaded
What It Is and Who It Is For
A star nut is the anchor the top cap bolt pulls against to preload a headset. This one is CNC machined from AL7075 with a hollowed body, weighs 7 grams per set and seats in steerer tubes from 22.8 mm to 25.2 mm internal diameter.
Why Buyers Choose This Part
Machined rather than stamped
Cutting the body from AL7075 instead of folding it from sheet keeps the leg geometry consistent from nut to nut, so preload behaves the same on every build.
Hollowed to save weight
7 grams per set with the material removed from the centre, where it does nothing for grip.
One part covers a range of steerers
22.8 mm to 25.2 mm covers the common aluminium and steel steerer internal diameters.
Problems It Solves
- A pressed star nut that rotates in the steerer makes preload impossible to set
- Stamped star nuts deform when the top cap bolt is torqued and lose their bite
- A nut sized for one steerer will not hold in another
Who It Is For
- Frame and fork builders specifying a headset kit
- Workshops that fit forks daily and are tired of nuts that spin in the steerer
- Brands assembling their own headset sets
Application Scenarios
- Threadless headset installation on road and mountain frames
- Fork replacement in a workshop
- Headset kits sold as a boxed set
Technical Features
- AL7075 rather than a softer 6000-series alloy, because the legs have to bite and stay bitten
- Hollow machined centre so the weight comes out where strength is not needed
- Dimensioned for a 22.8 mm to 25.2 mm steerer bore
Published Specification
| Weight | 7 g per set |
|---|---|
| Material | AL7075 |
| Process | CNC hollow machined |
| Suitable internal diameter | 22.8 mm minimum to 25.2 mm maximum |
Every figure in this table is transcribed from the VALORIDER catalogue specification for this product. Nothing has been estimated.
Product Views
Compared With the Alternatives
Against a stamped steel star nut this is lighter and holds its leg angle better under repeated preloading. Against an expander plug it is cheaper and lighter, but a plug is the correct choice in a carbon steerer, where a star nut should not be used at all.
Customisation and Manufacturing
Machined parts are cut from solid bar on the CNC side of the Shiyan Town plant. Alloy, tolerance and anodised colour are all specified at drawing stage, and the mark is usually lasered rather than printed so it survives handling and solvent.
- Alloy and tolerance built to your drawing
- Laser marking or engraving on the anodised surface
- Anodised colour matched to an approved sample
- Polybag, card or colour box packing
Fitting and Living With It
Step 1
Check the steerer internal diameter is between 22.8 mm and 25.2 mm before starting.
Step 2
Use a star nut setting tool. Driving it with the top cap bolt alone pulls it in crooked.
Step 3
Set it roughly 15 mm below the top of the steerer so the top cap can still compress the stack.
Step 4
Preload the headset with the top cap bolt first, then clamp the stem.
Others in This Part of the Catalogue
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110 gram external cup headset on two sealed cartridge bearings
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Semi-Internal Headsets 6061AL-T6
9.5 mm stack height for frames machined to take the cup inside
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View specificationGuides That Cover This Product
AL6061-T6 or AL7075 Which Alloy Belongs in Which Bike Part
Two aluminium alloys cover almost the whole machined bicycle component market. Here is why a star nut is...
Read the guideChoosing a Bike Headset External or Semi-Internal
The frame decides, not the rider. A 33 mm stack against a 9.5 mm stack, and what happens if you specify the...
Read the guideHeadset Star Nut AL7075 CNC Machined Questions
Can this be used in a carbon steerer?
How far down the steerer should it sit?
Is it reusable if I cut the steerer down?
Can you machine it in another alloy?
Quote Headset Star Nut AL7075 CNC Machined
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