Carbon Stems

bendertherobot

adamfo wrote:

I can't see how a carbon wrapped alloy stem is anything but cosmetic. Having a stem made entirely of carbon could be a different matter. For example:

http://www.eastoncycling.com/en-us/road ... ce/ec90-sl

http://ritcheylogic.com/road/stems/supe ... -stem.html

Switching to an Easton carbon bar stopped the numb finger ends I was getting on rough roads. It also flexes more than the alloy Cannondale OE one so wouldn't be the choice of a muscular sprinter but great for me.

Can't say I have any data. FSA CLAIM that they use a machined core, machine away the excess then use the carbon to add the structure rather than simple cosmetics. The bike radar review seems to accord with the view that the FSA one I linked to is very very stiff indeed, and very light.

I wouldn't pay £150 for it but for £50 it looks like a good stem.

As I say, if you can find a bargain, then why wouldn't you. If you can't, why would you.

bendertherobot

Oh and what's up with that new Ritchey face plate set up? Surely you have to remove a shifter to fit that?

Grill

bendertherobot wrote:

Oh and what's up with that new Ritchey face plate set up? Surely you have to remove a shifter to fit that?

Yeah you route the bars through the middle. That's the design on all the C260 stems. They're the only stems I use now. Light as hell and super stiff. Don't actually have a reason to take the bars off so it's no worry.

adamfo

bendertherobot wrote:

Oh and what's up with that new Ritchey face plate set up? Surely you have to remove a shifter to fit that?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAmXnDdgCo0

If I was loaded I'd probably buy this set up
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-gfO2BdDtE

bendertherobot

That's easy enough!

Pokerface

Even as someone who actually HAS the 3T Ltd bars and stem, I would still recommend you go for the alloy Team edition.

I personally like the LTD stem better for the look of it, but dollar for dollar it's not worth the extra cash.