Skip to main content

Race Face AEffect 35 stem


THE AEFFECT IS the cheapest stem on test by some margin but you’d struggle to tell on the trail. It uses a similar interlocking faceplate design to the more expensive Atlas, which holds the bar snugly, but the finish and fit is slightly cruder and it’s a bit heavier at 166g.

This 50mm example is the shortest of the five lengths available. Ours held the bar with no appreciable flex, though longer versions are likely to be less stiff. All six 4mm bolts are greased for easier tightening and the 9Nm recommended torque was plenty to hold the steerer with no twisting. The six-degree rise means you can lower your bar height by flipping the stem. There’s no 31.8 option, and we wish there was a shorter length too. If it fits though, performance is bang on for the price.

WEIGHT: 166g (50x35mm)
LENGTH(S): 50-90mm
CLAMPS(S): 35mm

Price 55$
Labels

Popular posts from this blog

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'.

READ MORE >>

Pinnacle Ramin

Bikes in the 750$ to 1500$ range have never been so good. However, on many of these bikes a suspension fork from one of the major manufacturers is too expensive, and the cheaper alternatives don't quite pull their weight. They tend to be poorly sealed and before long become almost rigid, hefty lumps of metal attached to your frame.

READ MORE >>

Merida Big Seven 100

We've rolled up to our local woods, with a meandering blue trail, some natural wooded tracks and a bit of fire road chucked into the mix to see how the Big Seven 100 tackles trails that entry-level riders are likely to cut their teeth on.

READ MORE >>

Kona Precept

Climbing aboard Kona’s entry level 120mm trail bike looks a promising proposition. With 760mm wide bars and fairly short (60mm) stem, there’s a promise of confident handling, and comfortable feel. The Shimano Deore chainset and derailleurs afforded solid shifting performance, and the fast-rolling Maxxis Ardent tyres allow for swift traversing.

READ MORE >>

Scott Stego MIPS helmet

Scott’s top-end aggressive trail helmet is only available with MIPS, as the Swiss brand were early adopters of the system. The EPS extends low at the rear without clashing with the retention system and the strap attachment points are external to the liner, maximising the amount of material around the temples. This is the closest-fitting helmet on test, with very little clearance inside the liner. Despite this, and although the Stego has fewer vents than some other lids here, we never felt too hot-headed. Scott spent time developing the ventilation system using a wind tunnel and it seems to have paid off. The thin pads don’t offer quite as much comfort as some competitors’, and while the short peak is removable, it doesn’t offer any height adjustment. Weight 340g Sizing S, M, L Price $180

READ MORE >>