The stem has somewhat the same shape as those funky bontrager stems. Looks like Rabo will be using the Defy SL-0 for Paris-Roubaix next year. As far pricing goes the top model SL-0 is meant for the tours so of course it's going to have a ridiculous price tag. I am pretty sure they are going to sell it as frameset only as well to bring the price down. The SL and SL-0 are too much for me so I will be looking at the Advanced for next year. Hoping Giant still keeps the price tag of the new Advanced at ~$1300 even with the new enhancements.