All Arround MTB

NAMED AFTER DR OM – a scientist who reckoned the human soul weighed exactly 21g – the Om 45 has been designed with a firm focus on reducing weight.

AT 123G THIS is among the lightest stems on test, but because the traditional four-bolt faceplate is fairly wide and the steerer clamp is moderately tall it still delivers plenty of stiffness. Ritchey have specced 4mm bolts throughout.

AVAILABLE IN THREE colours and 35mm or 50mm lengths, this CNC machined stem is impressively light at 122g or 137g, respectively. It uses 4mm bolts throughout and detailed internal drilling to shed any excess grams.

REINCARNATING A CLASSIC like the ATAC stem was never going to be an easy task, but Answer have done it, and done it pretty damn well.

If you’re after a properly stout stem this could be the solution. The 45mm longAmXTrail combines the increasingly popular 35mm bar clamp diameter with a decent width (63mm) to hold the handlebar like a vice.

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.

Italian cockpit specialists 3T have been turning out tidy stems for years and the MTB Pro is no exception.

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it" isn't a phrase that sits well with NS Bikes, it would seem, because with the Magneto they've attempted to reinvent the stem.

WEIGHING IN AT 130g , this stumpy stem is machined from 2014-T6 aluminium at Hope's Lancashire factory and accepts a 31.8mm diameter handlebar. It's available in 0 and 20-degree rise options, and both 35 and 50mm lengths.

WHILE THEIR COMPACT Duo is aimed at more aggressive riders, Renthal’s new stem is for all types of mountain biker. 

PRODUCTION PRIVEE PRODUCE some of the most detailed and painstakingly made components out there, and this limited edition Cedric Gracia replica bar and stem don't disappoint.

SO GOOD Lots of thought has gone into the design of the Defy, which has an internal steerer clamp and tilted bar clamp to reduce the stresses going through the 5mm bolts. It has a really low stack height (31mm) and the widest bar clamp on test, which helps to reduce handlebar flex. Aimed at more aggressive riders, the Defy gives a solid feel to the cockpit that definitely gave us confidence when pointing at bigger drops and jumps. It comes with a natty matching top cap too.

SO GOOD This simple, well finished heavy-duty 50mm stem was designed with input from Team CRC-Nukeproof’s 4X racers and has proved more than capable of taking the big hits on an enduro bike too. Where possible, excess material has been shaved away, and the resulting 173g weight is a decent trade-off between gram saving and reassuring substance. The opposing bolts on the steerer clamp help keep tightening forces even.

SO GOOD This distinctive looking 7075 alloy stem has a zero rise and low 30mm stack height, which will help those looking to lower their bar height or with a short fork steerer. 

SO GOOD This basic but neat and tidy forged alloy stem has been designed specifically for modern 5-6in (125-150mm) travel trail bikes. The clamp has been widened compared to previous versions to provide support for bigger bars and has small serrations to make sure they stay put. Our 45mm version weighed a paltry 132g. An ideal entry-level stem if you want to enjoy newer style geometry.

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.

SO GOOD: The Respond is Race Face’s ‘beer budget’ heavy-duty stem. Made from forged 6061 aluminium alloy, it certainly feels built for action.

ANDORRAN BOUTIQUE BRAND Production Privee have always impressed us with their intelligent approach and attention to detail, and this limited edition Cedric Gracia bar and stem are no different.

DESIGNED AROUND THE 35mm handlebar diameter introduced by Race Face's sister company Easton, the Atlas 35 comes in 35,50 and 65mm lengths.

MORTOP AREN'T KIDDING with the super light' suffix - our finely machined 70mm sample weighed in under 90g. The four faceplate bolts and two opposed rear bolts are titanium to lose a few more grams.