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Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on August 17, 2012 at 9:04am

That's a star nut -it's the thing the long bolt you took out (to remove the stem) threads into.  You should have let it be -now you will need to replace it with a special tool called a star-nut setter.  It's best you just take it to your LBS at this point as the cost of the tool will be much more than having them do it for you.

Here is some homework reading on how star nuts work with threadless headsets. 

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Permalink Reply by Doug Haynes on August 17, 2012 at 9:07am

That is the star nut, it is what sets and holds the pre-load on your headset.

If you disturbed it trying to install a stem you are having a very serious parts compatibility problem and need to check with somebody who understands stems and headsets to make sure you have the right parts; as it is now you are only damaging things worse.

Show us a picture of your old stem, new stem, headset and fork so people can tell what your issue is.

There is a lesson here in regards to not getting into stuff you know about...

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Permalink Reply by Tony Adams on August 17, 2012 at 9:49am

We can assume you meant stuff you don't know about right?

Even so, how does one learn anything if one sticks to what one already knows? 

Suggested Soundtrack: "Star Wish" by the Aluminum Group

notoriousDUG said:

...There is a lesson here in regards to not getting into stuff you know about...

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Permalink Reply by S on August 17, 2012 at 10:18am

There's a few places around town that have open shops that will provide tools and you might be able to get advice from the mechanics on hand.  There's quite a few classes on bike maintenance and then there are books with detailed guides.  Finally, there are guides online and probably videos  on youtube and similar.  It's not too difficult to find info if you are willing to do a little research and read up on things.

Tony Adams said:

We can assume you meant stuff you don't know about right?

Even so, how does one learn anything if one sticks to what one already knows? 

Suggested Soundtrack: "Star Wish" by the Aluminum Group

notoriousDUG said:

...There is a lesson here in regards to not getting into stuff you know about...

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Permalink Reply by Doug Haynes on August 17, 2012 at 10:42am

Yes, there should be a 'don't' in there

You get it by reading and learning.

If that star nut is interfering with them installing a stem that means they are trying to install a quill stem into a threadless fork...

If you are going to work on your own bike you should at least know if the parts you have are correct or not.

I may be harsh on this because at least 2 or 3 times a week I see somebody on a bike that they, or their friend who 'knows about bikes,' has built or repaired in a manner that is at the very least questionable and often times flat out unsafe.  In the long run they end up spending more money than they would have in the first place.

Tony Adams said:

We can assume you meant stuff you don't know about right?

Even so, how does one learn anything if one sticks to what one already knows? 

Suggested Soundtrack: "Star Wish" by the Aluminum Group

notoriousDUG said:

...There is a lesson here in regards to not getting into stuff you know about...

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Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on August 17, 2012 at 11:51am

A bit off topic but:  Did you ever sell your Lotus?  If so, what did you get for it?  That was a darn nice bike.

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Permalink Reply by David P. on August 17, 2012 at 1:57pm

If it's far enough down there you might be able to just set another star-fangled nut in there. But all of DUG's points are correct, so you're probably better off taking it to a shop at this point.

David

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Permalink Reply by Samuel Diaz on August 17, 2012 at 7:12pm

I did sell it. I got 350 for it

James BlackHeron said:

A bit off topic but:  Did you ever sell your Lotus?  If so, what did you get for it?  That was a darn nice bike.

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Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on August 18, 2012 at 1:44am

I'm sorry that a vintage bike didn't meet all your needs -but it is a great thing that you were able to make a small profit out if it in the end.  You did your homework and found a killer deal on it when you bought.  I was a bit jealous, at the time, for the killer bargain you found with that seller.

Hopefully you can get the stem on your current bike fixed up soon and get back to riding.  Getting your bars in the right place, both height and reach, is essential for proper bike fit.  

Samuel Diaz said:

I did sell it. I got 350 for it

James BlackHeron said:

A bit off topic but:  Did you ever sell your Lotus?  If so, what did you get for it?  That was a darn nice bike.

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