Although it’s the cheapest stem here by a long way, Race Face’s Chester works flawlessly. The 5mm steerer clamp bolts, which carry a massive 9Nm max torque spec, mean it clamps super-tight and we couldn’t get it to twist on the steerer, either out on the trail or with the wheel held still. Its traditional four-bolt faceplate works just fine too, and the whole thing feels as stiff and secure as anything else here. At 141g, it’s not even that heavy.
You have to swap Allen keys to fit the faceplate… We’re clutching at straws here!
Price $60