Question about stems
 

Can anyone recommend a good relatively inexpensive OS carbon stem in 130mm size, looking for an upgrade to the one that came stock on my Cdale. TIA

FSA OS-99

It aint carbon.... Just lighter and stronger than most carbon stems.

3t

how well does it absorb road vibrations

Not a meaningful factor. IMHO carbon stems are about the biggest sham in high end cycle components.

There's a million high quality, lightweight alloy stems out there, take your pick.

Carbon is a poor material for a stem and good carbon is never cheap. Most weigh more than a good aluminum stem. My favorite stem is the Ritchey 4-axis. I never paid more than $65 for one on E-bay.

My stem is pretty much the only thing other than the drivetrain that isn't carbon....

carbon tires!

Take a look at Bikewagon.com. I agree, stay away from Carbon Stems! I use 3T, Thompson, and Syncros. The latter of the three is the most under rated and very strong.

I like Ritchey stems myself, although apparently it's not a favorite of BF. Aluminum. And I got rid of a Cannondale carbon one (I think I gave it away) to "downgrade" to the Ritchey (SystemSix bike).

cdr

4-axis WCS ftw!

I like the Alpha Q stems you get on Ebay - light, strong and cheap. FTW.

I agree with others...carbon for the stem just doesn't work well for stems. I don't know about the 4-axis stems but the older wcs was too flexy for me (I do have a ritchey pro that works well for me)...my favs: 3t and thomson. 3t is light stiff (seems like all the 3t stems are stiff) and the thomson elite is way stiff but not the lightest...the really great thing about the elite is that there are no bolts to scrap my knees on...the new model is lighter but has bolts in the back.

easton ec70 should be available at a good price

don't hate but Forte stems. my 90mm is 120g and 35 bucks. thats a hard to beat deal.

I would reconsider carbon for the stem as many of the others have stated. You can find excellent alloy stems which will serve you better. I personally like the 3T's, but the FSA stems are nice also.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=138100

3T Team Arx, 100mm is 110g
Alu body w/ Ti bolts, 60 bucks

Ritchey and 3T alloy stems work for me. They're light, stiff, and hold your handle bars. What more do you want?

My original thoughts were that carbon stems were worth it but to avoid carbon bars, but from the replies i take it carbon stems are not worth it. Lightness isnt really a factor just wanted a good bar/stem setup to absorb road vibrations.