mellowJohnny wrote:Does not look like less support from what I've seen - the difference seems to be the scalloping of the "top cap" vs the current solid design. Looks like an old school plastic bar end plug now with "fins".
Since the clamping forces will be directly against the new "fins" there should be no loss in strength. Similar to the way a cardboard box is extremely strong on one axis but not the other.
Looks smart.
I was referring more to the actual expander, which on the old version looks longer and is in full contact with the inner surface of the steerer. As for the top cap, which is supposed to provide support as well, on my Evo I can remove it easily after the stem is installed to 4-5nm. Easily, meaning, no difference in resistance than when the bolts on the stem are loose. Which means, it is not providing support anyway...