Tune GumGum vs. Extralite Ultrastar2

[prendrefeu]

Hello -

Yes, there is a slight weight difference, that I know. What I'm wondering is about life span.
Both the GumGum and Ultrastar2 rely on a a rubber bit in some manner (in the gum gum, the rubber bit is compressed, which expands its outer diameter, which pushes against the steerer tube, and in the ultrastar the rubber ring holds the bits of aluminum together at one end so they can angle into the steerer tube).

How long would these things last before they corrode away and have to be replaced? Which one is expected to have a longer lifespan relative to the other?

I've got 4 Ultrastars that, so far, I can't use. This past weekend I had to build up a new bike... and none of the forks I had on hand had an Inner Diameter large enough for the Ultrastar. Not even an Easton EC90 SLX. Nothing.
But the GumGum? Fit in there perfectly.

So I'm frustrated at this... and in trying to figure out what direction I should take for the future, I want to know: which one will last longer and be better off for me in the long-run (both of compatibility and usability)

Thanks.

[j0m]

One reason I don't post that much about bike stuff is that I don't trust my memory that much. Sometimes I realize later that I was completely wrong. So take whatever I say with a grain of salt.

Anyhow, I haven't used the GumGum but have used the Ultrastar for several years without any problems.

[rlpaul]

I've used both for a couple seasons without issue. The Ultrastar2 has been ridden in wet conditions, the GumGum I ended up giving away as I didn't like it as much from a setup perspective. Its still in use however in its new home.

I just popped in the Ultrastar into a new bike a couple months ago and it felt just like it did when I bought it new. I'm surprised it didn't fit for you. I've installed it in several different forks, all with varying degrees of steerer thickness.

[mdeth1313]

love the ultrastar, I've used it now on 3 different bikes- only issue I had was my own, when I stripped the bolt for tightening, loosening the ultrastar- fortunately, I've got tools- lots and lots of tools- extracted the bolt- killed it, but was able to score a new ultrastar for $25. Other than my own stupidity, the thing has been flawless. Why other manufacturers can't learn from this piece I'll never know/understand.

[Juanmoretime]

I'm a big fan of the Ultrastar 2 too. I used it on my Planet X tt bike and plan to use it on my Scott but haven't tried to see if it fits. It does fit in the Reynolds fork on my cross bike.

[prendrefeu]

Thanks guys.

So I'm looking at two options then:
-sell off these forks and eventually find ones where the UltraStar2's will fit down the steerer tubes
-dremel out the interior of the steerer tubes a little bit.

Thoughts?

[Boonen]

I'd sand down the ultrastar or find something that fits before I'd sand the steerer tubes.

[prendrefeu]

Thanks all, I'm weight my options now. It's too bad many fork mfgs don't list their steerer internal diameters.

[Tommasini]

So I'm looking at two options then:
-sell off these forks and eventually find ones where the UltraStar2's will fit down the steerer tubes
-dremel out the interior of the steerer tubes a little bit.

Thoughts?

SHIT...Don't replace or modify the fork just because of the insert......SHIT

Modifying the insert might be a good choice.......gosh do we sometimes go after grams reduction with such a blind pashion that we lose sight of having a great safe ride??

[UpFromOne]

+1 - Carbon steerers are problematic enough without creating stress risers. Remember when carbon breaks, it gives no indication beforehand. Ask anyone whose fork broke.

[Cyco]

Ultra Star doesn't need the rubber bits, they are just there to make it easier to install, so degradation isn't an issue

[j0m]

+1 - Carbon steerers are problematic enough without creating stress risers. Remember when carbon breaks, it gives no indication beforehand. Ask anyone whose fork broke.

While I wouldn't recommend sanding the steerer down I didn't know carbon steerers were problematic in general. Please educate me.

[UpFromOne]

What peeves me is that manufacturers should publish the recommended fork ID range for these plugs.
Internal steerer diameters are all different, and all 1 1/8" plugs won't fit all 1 1/8" forks.

The GumGum has a wide fork ID range (but I can't tell what it is exactly), but I found that it doesn't hold as well because it rotates easily.
I just ordered an Ultrastar from FW as they came back into stock, for use with an Edge 1.0 fork (which has a thinner steerer wall than
the 2.0, and therefore a larger ID).

[nickf]

Just installed a ultrastar2 and tune top cap in a cdale premium fork yesterday. Easy install. Super secure and did not slip when tighning top cap. Looked at the gum gum but heard to many mixed reviews on it. Both prices came in at 12g.