stem choices/advice

snik

Looking to go in for a 50mm stem, and the market is huge. Want something strong, and good quality.

Ive stumbled upon the Answer Rove Dirt Jump Stem in 50mm, as its very sturdy and hard wearing, or the Renthal duo. Does anyone have experience of either of these for trails/XC? im aware a DJ stem isnt suited, but i've heard its solid and lasts forever.

Thanks in advance

1mancity2

Why isn't a DJ suited?

Look at Superstarcomponents they do a 50mm DH stem.

.blitz

Someone will be along in just a minute to tell you they are overpriced tat but I recently bought a 50mm Thomson X4 and it is the best stem I've ever used.

Fitting it on to the steerer is an experience it is a really tight fit but that's because the inside of the stem is perfectly in contact with the steerer - not just bits of it making contact here and there. Once in place it barely needs tightening up it's superb.

Stack height is quite high but it has an iron grip on the steerer and the quality is unreal.

£45 from Merlin.

snik

id taken a look at thomsons, but got directed more towards the first mentioned because someone said they were overpriced. But all i hear about most thomson parts is that they are great. £45 seems very reasonable too.

Edit: Cant find it for 45 on merlin? seems to be £60 in most places?

supersonic

But there are plenty of stems cheaper that are just as good. TBH it is difficult to say what good is. Most stems do the same job, don't come loose, and don't break if used for the correct purposes. You pay more for lighter weight.

If you want cheap and bombproof (but heavy!) then the Titec El Norte is a good bet.

http://www.onyourbike.co.uk/parts/handl ... tem-te2767

Mid priced, tough, great weight, the Gusset Staff:

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Gusset-Staff-MTB-Stem_36935.htm

or the Pro FRS:

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Pro-FRS-Alloy-Stem_30056.htm

The reason I like these better than Thomson is because, (apart from the price) is that they are forged, not CNCd. This results in a stronger structure. I have seen more broken Thomson stems than any other, by a long way.

snik

Like the sound of forged, I have a bad run of luck with breaking parts, so I want something that will take it. Sounds bad, but I just dont like the look of them though (looks has to play as part as essentially they all do the same thing no?)

.blitz

snik wrote:

Edit: Cant find it for 45 on merlin? seems to be £60 in most places?

Price has gone up to £55 but there's 10% off: http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/Bike+Shop ... mm_421.htm

Bargain

Chunkers1980

If you break stuff, go 1 step up from your usual riding style.

snik

.blitz wrote:

snik wrote:

Edit: Cant find it for 45 on merlin? seems to be £60 in most places?

Price has gone up to £55 but there's 10% off: http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/Bike+Shop ... mm_421.htm

Bargain

WOW thats a hell of a deal. very tempting.

bennett_346

My god guys its a stem, just buy cheap ones and be done with, we aren't fitting them to the space shuttle.

snik

ive brought cheap in the past, and its always been a regret. I'm only after a good quality bit of kit, and i thought here was a good place to ask for advice?

supersonic

Get the Titec then. It is 230g, totally bombproof and a tenner. It was £60, if that nmakes a difference to you. Though you'd have to ring to order (and check steerer size).