Skip to main content

Race Face Atlas stem


AVAILABLE TO SUIT both size bars and with a super-short 35mm length option in the larger diameter, there’s an Atlas stem to suit most tastes. The faceplate uses 4mm bolts, while the steerer clamp has bigger 5mm bolts.

This means you need two Allen keys to fit the stem, but keeps strength up where it’s needed most, while saving weight elsewhere. Our 50mm example weighed a respectable 148g, yet felt as stiff as anything here, while the 40mm stack height and bombproof construction provide a rock-solid connection to the fork.

The greased steerer bolts are rated up to a torque setting of 13.6Nm, which is more than ample to hold the stem firm on the steerer – ours stayed in place despite some big crashes during testing. The interlocking faceplate is a neat design that cradles the bar securely. It’s also claimed to spread the load of the clamp evenly to prevent damage. Angle markings around the bar clamp help with set-up, especially when used in tandem with Race Face bars. It’s well finished to boot.

The Atlas may not be the cheapest or the lightest stem in this test, but it’s not far off on either front, falling into the top half of both categories. Crucially, it’s also well thought out, easy to use and as sturdy as you’ll ever need. It’s available in a choice of three colours – black, red or blue – too. Overall, we think the Atlas delivers the best balance of performance and cost.

WEIGHT: 148g (50x31.8mm)
LENGTH(S): 35, 50, 65mm
CLAMPS(S): 31.8, 35mm

Price 110$




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'.

iXS Asper BC shorts

THEY AREN’T CHEAP, but these well made and feature packed shorts are the epitome of classic mountainbike-specific functionality, and on the bike they don’t disappoint.

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.

Gusset Magnum stem

SO GOOD Gusset’s 50mm stem is nicely CNC machined from 7075 alloy and the faceplate and internal steerer clamp are available in a range of five anodised colours to complement the black body. The hidden steerer clamp keeps sharp edges to a minimum and removes stress from the body of the stem. Out on the bike, the stem proved flex free and bombproof.

Fizik Thar Manganese Rail Saddle

The Fizik Thar is claimed to be the world's first 29er-specific saddle. Yep, you read that correctly, 29er specific. So what makes it so 29er specific?