Please tell me which stem is better
08-14-11 | 11:24 AM
#27
Senior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,946
Likes: 1
From: Pennsylvania
Bikes: Pedal Force RS2, Canyon, Basso, Tommaso, Rock Racing, Schwinn, SWOBO, Trek
Stems are one of those components which doesn't get or deserve too much attention................I go strictly by the looks.
Black CF frame w/ a white saddle and a Token white CF stem......way too cool!!!
Ritchey WCS wet white is also very nice.
Black CF frame w/ a white saddle and a Token white CF stem......way too cool!!!
Ritchey WCS wet white is also very nice.
08-14-11 | 12:22 PM
#28
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 312
Likes: 0
huh? 3T ARX Team: 125gr. in 110mm
Ritchey WCS 4-Axis carbon: 123gr in 110mm
Looks are subjective, but I don't like the way 3T stems look. The clamp areas are too bulky looking.
I find the Ritchey and Zipp (alloy) stems to have the nicest profiles. In terms of stiffness, they are all stiff enough.
The only concern I have with the Ritchey carbon wrapped stems is that the carbon layer/clearcoat may crack around the front plate bolt holes. It doesn't seem to affect performance, but can be unnerving when it is first noticed.
Ritchey WCS 4-Axis carbon: 123gr in 110mm
Looks are subjective, but I don't like the way 3T stems look. The clamp areas are too bulky looking.
I find the Ritchey and Zipp (alloy) stems to have the nicest profiles. In terms of stiffness, they are all stiff enough.
The only concern I have with the Ritchey carbon wrapped stems is that the carbon layer/clearcoat may crack around the front plate bolt holes. It doesn't seem to affect performance, but can be unnerving when it is first noticed.
08-15-11 | 01:50 PM
#29
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,785
Likes: 63
From: Prague, Czech Republic
Bikes: Time ADH01, Merlin Extra Light, Orbea Orca, Ritchey Outback,Tomac Revolver Mountain Bike, Cannondale Crit 3.0 now used for time trials.
WHAT good does wrapping an aluminum stem in carbon fiber do??? Get a Thompson, Deda, Synapse, or Syncros.
08-15-11 | 03:27 PM
#31
Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 984
Likes: 1
From: Portland, OR metro area
I have the Pro and I like it fine. It was low cost, and it looks good on my bike. I evaluated the 3T and the Ritchie, and I found the Pro in the size I wanted for a lower cost, so I got it. Never looked back.
08-15-11 | 03:40 PM
#32
Two-Wheeled Aficionado
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 4,903
Likes: 5
From: Wichita
Bikes: Santa Cruz Blur TR, Cannondale Quick CX dropbar conversion & others
Why aren't more people pointing out that 10mm less stem is not enough to make a significant difference?
I only change stems for 3 reasons:
- 20mm or greater length change
- more than 5 degree change (5/6/7 irrelevant, but one of those compared to 12-14 degrees is meaningful change)
- cosmetics
So, yeah. Get the prettiest one.
I only change stems for 3 reasons:
- 20mm or greater length change
- more than 5 degree change (5/6/7 irrelevant, but one of those compared to 12-14 degrees is meaningful change)
- cosmetics
So, yeah. Get the prettiest one.
