The star fangled nut — or ‘star nut’, as it’s known — is pressed into the steerer tube and allows the fork and headset components to be pulled into place in the frame’s head tube. If you have a new fork or have just cut down your steerer tube, you may need to fit a new star nut.

Do you need a Starnut?

It isn’t mandatory to use a star nut and there are ways to adjust a stem/fork interface without one, but it isn’t typically a “beginner” skill.

Can I reuse a Crown race?

yes tap carefully, and it’ll come off fine.