alloy steerer tubes...can you spot them failing?

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

if you've got an alloy steerer tube and inspect it say once a month, would you be able to spot it when it was getting knackered and about to fail, i.e are there tell tale signs? for example does the alloy bulge or distort or get stretched?

 

[fossyant]

Too many myths floating about with regards carbon and alloy.

My fixed I use all year round in, all weathers, has an alloy steerer on carbon forks - it's yet to fall to bits after 2 and a half years.

I'd just check them if and when you re-grease the headset. Visual checks on the bike when you clean it is all you need to do, just like you would on any bike for chips/scratches.

If you are ham-fisted then you could overclamp the steerer and distort it.