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

KONA SHRED

With a reputation for no-nonsense ruggedness and a background in the always progressive and punishing riding of Canada, Kona have been building hardcore hardtails for longer than almost anyone else. The Shred is the most expensive bike on test but it’s a proper trail tank.

Sam Reynolds' Polygon Collosus N9

WHO IS SAM REYNOLDS? Hailing from South East England, Sam Reynolds is one of the UK's top freeriders, specialising in dirt jumping and slopestyle. But with mates like World Cup downhiller Brendan Fairclough, he also likes to get up to speed in the hills, where he's been introducing the Collosus to some colossal jumps, gaps and drops.

RockShox Pike 26

Waaaay back in 2002, RockShox revolutionized the suspension world with the release of its Psylo range of forks. The forks came with 30mm stanchions, a lockout/compression adjustment, the travel was adjustable from 80-120mm, and......wait for it, they came with a quick release 20mm through axle.

CANYON NERVE AL 8.0

  S ince their entry into the UK market a few years ago, Canyon have made a name for themselves as purveyors of well-made bikes that exhibit often extraordinary value. The secret (or catch, depending on your point of view) is that the brand don’t have dealers – they ship bikes directly to your door.

Cannondale Trail SL 29 SS

The fat aluminium tubes are a constrast to the skinny items seen elsewhere in the test, but this rigid Cannondale uses them to create one of the most old-school - and lightest - rides here.