Latest and greatest in stems?

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RedRacer
Posts: 412
Joined: Sat Jan 21, 2006 6:13 pm

by RedRacer

I am in the market for a new 31.8mm stem and would like it to be under 120g in a 110mm length.

The Extralite OC is very light and the graphics don't bother me but I wonder how stiff it is for a 95kg rider?

The Syntace Force 109 is likely very stiff and the price is right but the rough finish looks cheap and the design where it clamps to the steerer looks clumsy and could do serious damage to a knee!

The Rotor stems look nice and they are light but the models are confusing and their website isn't heavy on tech data! Which is "the" model to have?

The ZIPP Service Course SL and SL Speed Stem both look great. The SL Speed (carbon) is three times the price to save ~18g. I wonder if it is as stiff as their aluminum Service Course SL model?

Are there any other top brands in the sub-120g range (max $300 MSRP) that I am missing?

by Weenie


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gitsome
Posts: 749
Joined: Thu Mar 20, 2008 3:03 am
Location: nyc

by gitsome

http://www.glorycycles.com/3tarxltdstem.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Attachments
3DARXLTD2188_33122842.gif
My wallet is the lightest thing on my bike.

crimsonbadger
Posts: 86
Joined: Tue Oct 25, 2011 4:50 am

by crimsonbadger

Bontrager Race XXX Lite carbon: 120 g for 110 mm stock, 110 g with titanium bolts. I'm 170 lbs and have never noticed flex. Spec'd on the RadioShack-Nissan-Trek Madones with RL aluminum bars.

RedRacer
Posts: 412
Joined: Sat Jan 21, 2006 6:13 pm

by RedRacer

gitsome wrote:http://www.glorycycles.com/3tarxltdstem.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


That is a nice stem :thumbup: FWIW, it "looks" stiff!

Most pictures of the ARX LTD show it with a matte finish and carbon weave while others show it being glossy black (below). Does anyone know if this stem is in fact offered in different finises?
Attachments
3T.jpg

gitsome
Posts: 749
Joined: Thu Mar 20, 2008 3:03 am
Location: nyc

by gitsome

Its glossy coated carbon (uni-directional, dark, non weave) and very stiff I have it on a 595 and love it thats why i posted it. Bar and stem clamp area is wide and stable and stem is stiff and light. didnt think a stem would matter but this one changed ride significantly for the better
My wallet is the lightest thing on my bike.

thprice
Posts: 252
Joined: Sun Jul 17, 2011 6:34 am

by thprice

You may wish to consider the new Ritchey WCS C260 stems

RedRacer
Posts: 412
Joined: Sat Jan 21, 2006 6:13 pm

by RedRacer

thprice wrote:You may wish to consider the new Ritchey WCS C260 stems


That is a very impressive stem, especially considering the price!

Having said that I am pretty much sold on the 3T ARX LTD - so sexy!

gitsome
Posts: 749
Joined: Thu Mar 20, 2008 3:03 am
Location: nyc

by gitsome

From what I understand Ritchey stems are aluminum coated/covered/wrapped in carbon not reall all-carbon stems.

Arx is great.
My wallet is the lightest thing on my bike.

thisisatest
Shop Owner
Posts: 1980
Joined: Sat Jun 13, 2009 4:02 am
Location: NoVA/DC

by thisisatest

i've never seen an arx-ltd stem in a matte finish.
if you did prefer a matte finish but liked the arx-ltd, take a look at enve's stems. almost identical overall shape, no gloss.
Image

DYG
Posts: 74
Joined: Thu Jun 08, 2006 9:14 am

by DYG

I prefer the stealth look, with no logos.
Is it possible to remove the graphics from Syntace stems with acetone, Goo Off, or other products?

Ciclicasati
Posts: 27
Joined: Tue Sep 14, 2010 1:56 pm

by Ciclicasati

Used to love the old Edge logo, now the Enve one looks a bit tribal.

gumgardner
Posts: 3496
Joined: Sat Jan 06, 2007 9:47 pm
Location: Pittsburgh

by gumgardner

It should be removed anyways. It's too much.

dereksmalls
Posts: 2305
Joined: Tue Aug 02, 2011 9:20 pm
Location: New Zealand

by dereksmalls

In relation to the AX Lightness Zeus - I'm hoping a knock off version comes about soon for a few grams more and 850 Euros cheaper

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ksroadie
Posts: 202
Joined: Tue Apr 01, 2008 9:15 am
Location: east coast

by ksroadie

DYG wrote:...Is it possible to remove the graphics from Syntace stems with acetone, Goo Off, or other products?


Takes seconds with acetone, and doesn't affect the finish.
Attachments
P1010183_2.jpg
Last edited by ksroadie on Mon Jan 30, 2012 6:06 am, edited 1 time in total.

by Weenie


Visit starbike.com Online Retailer for HighEnd cycling components
Great Prices ✓    Broad Selection ✓    Worldwide Delivery ✓

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DYG
Posts: 74
Joined: Thu Jun 08, 2006 9:14 am

by DYG

ksroadie wrote:
DYG wrote:...Is it possible to remove the graphics from Syntace stems with acetone, Goo Off, or other products?


Takes seconds with acetone, and doesn't affect the finish.


Thanks

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