Skip to main content

Crank Bros Iodine 3 stem


Machined stems might be pretty but you can’t beat a cold forged body for solid strength and stiffness. Despite the main difference being microscopic metal grain realignment it’s a difference you can actually feel on the trail. That means the Iodine didn’t flinch or flex obviously even when running 800mm wide bars and it’s covered by a five-year warranty.

The four-bolt clamp holds secure and the Torx bolts are less likely to strip as you torque them up. A big cutaway at the back of the stem (there’s an optional plastic spacer if the open window scares you) kept our 50mm sample very light at under 160g. There’s no 35mm bar clamp option and only 50, 65 or 80mm lengths but if that fits your needs it’s a great all-round bar gripper.

PRICE 135$

Popular posts from this blog

DRC X-Monitor SP1 lap timer

While smartphone apps such as Strava can be a useful way to keep tabs on your mountain bike rides, sometimes you just can’t beat the simplicity and instant feedback that a good old-fashioned stopwatch style lap timer provides.

CUBE REACTION GTC PRO 27.5

Cube have kept their strong 29er race hardtail range for 2014 but added four new bikes with 650b wheels. The Reaction GTC Pro 27.5 is the second-tier carbon model.

ENVE M50 29" Wheels

Utah based company ENVE have been making drool-worthy carbon components for some years now. Despite the fact that carbon rims are becoming more and more common on mountain bikes these days, you can guarantee that ENVE wheels will be a talking point when someone is eyeing off a steed. Instantly, the big bold logos on each rim scream "fast", "light" and to some extent, "expensive" The kids call this 'bling'.

DVO Emerald fork

THE EMERALD HAS been at Jithe centre of a whirlwind of hype since it was first announced. After three months of riding in the UK and Europe, we can finally give you the full lowdown.

Scott Scale 950

The Scale 950 uses the now traditional-for-cross-country 29er wheels to excellent effect, with a fast but fun character that's happy racing or railing.