Submitted by
Mr. Holmes
a Cross Country Rider
from upstate New York
Date Reviewed: April 7, 2010
Strengths: Strong, lightweight, affordable
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
I stole this stem from JensonUSA for $12. Many people complain that the 2 bolt clasp gives them problems with creaking and such. There has been no creaking or detectable flex whatsoever. Easton EA70 monkeybars are pretty wide, and as a result, can really lever stem around. It's been working flawlessly. Also, I can notice the extra stiffness the EA50 stem has compared to the EA30.
This stem is great for a XC rider looking for a upgraded stem. I bought it to fit 31.8mm thick EA70 monkeybar.
Highly recommended!
Bike Setup: Kona King Kikapu with Easton carbon riser bar.
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Submitted by
TheBigC
a Cross Country Rider
from Tampa, FL
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2004
Strengths: Strong, Fairly light, Looks cool.
Weaknesses: None yet
Bottom Line:
It works. Its acceptably light. Looks pretty darn cool. I haven't noticed any flex. Alafai isn't exactly downhill, but it's not easy on bikes, either. It has held up just fine. It is a stem. When it is doing its job, there not much to say. Find em on sale all over the place.
Submitted by
Clifford Louie
a Cross Country Rider
from Bellevue, Wa. USA
Date Reviewed: January 10, 2004
Strengths: Appearance worthy of classic sculpture. Draws favorable comments especially when paired with Easton's Monkey Lite bars. A superb value when you buy it on sale for $25.
Weaknesses: Not the stiffest stem on the block plus it creaks which can be remedied by using grease when installing. But totally adequate for XC use. The steerer tube clamp bolts are a little long leaving its sharp ends to poke tender skin.
Bottom Line:
If you're thinking of a new stem for your ride consider this one. I feel that Easton faltered when it brought out the'04 EA50 to replace this one. Judge it yourself.
Similar Products Used: Ritchey CompLite stem, Kore Lite stem
Bike Setup: 2000 Intense Tracer with full XTR and v-brakes. Thomson seatpost, Mavic ceramic rims, SDG BelAir saddle, Monkey Lite bars, EA50 stem, Marzocchi Z3 100 mm travel air/oil shock.
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Submitted by
adam
a Cross Country Rider
from kokomo, IN
Date Reviewed: September 3, 2003
Strengths: very light, looks good, and doesn't flex
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
buy it, it is priced right and is solid. it also says "easton" on the side. it says that you know your bike and you also know what works.
Strengths: Extremely tough black finish, good construction, durable so far.
Weaknesses: Too much flex, narrow clamp, performance doesn't match the price or the name.
Bottom Line:
I rode a hard tail with stock EA50 stem and flat bar last year and noticed some flex but didn't think much of it. The new Marin came with an FSA stem that was too long and the dealer had an EA 50 stem that was the right length, so on it went. It was surprising how much more flex the EA 50 stem had compared to the FSA, every time you sprint or climb it is apparent. I have to admit the riser bars are a couple of inches wider and that doesn't help the situation.
Hard to say if it is the narrow clamp or narrow rectangular section that is the cause. Either way, I wouldn't recommend the stem with anything other than narrow flat bars on an XC ride. After a couple more back to back comparisons (Race Face and Pazzaz) and I am even less impressed.
Easton really needs to sharpen up on this one. Maybe a four bolt clamp would have been better value than the forged and machined emblem in the face plate...
Similar Products Used: FSA XC190, Race Face Prodigy, Pazzaz XC
Bike Setup: 2003 Marin Riftzone, works darn fine!
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Submitted by
Andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from Down South
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2003
Strengths: Weight to cost ratio
Bottom Line:
Great Fitting, fairly lightweight stem with cool Easton emblem up front. The only thing I don't like is the bar clamp screws are M7x20, nobody in the freakin' world uses M7. It's impossible to source titanium or stainless steel replacements. You'll have to deal with those cheap steel screws when they start rusting. Weight weenies beware! 5-10 extra grams... This could have been a better product.
A fit and forget component, easy to fit and doesn't creak. Its solid enough for me (10st) riding trails and x country, but probably not up to freeride. Its not much heavier than the more expensive Easton stems, and appears just as well-made. Why pay more?
Bike Setup: Cannondale frame, rock shox duke race, mainly XT with race face and hope bits
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Submitted by
Craig Seifert
a Cross Country Rider
from Glenshee in Scotland
Date Reviewed: September 17, 2002
Strengths: sexy, strong, lightweight(180g), good value and non flexy
Weaknesses: You always want to take it of your bike and see how light and good looking it is
Bottom Line:
Just seeing this beuty will make you buy it, the stem itself is half the weight of the ea50 monkeylite bars that go with it. It is fairly skinny so I can fit my BLT lights on the bar either side of it. The silver E logo on the front is very smart.
Very nice stem. Light. No flex. Clean weld and nice clean finish. Complements my Easton monkey bars. I do wish they had the stem in more rises. I can only find them in 0 and 10 degree rise. Otherwise, fantastic stem.
Submitted by
Con deHonc
a Weekend Warrior
from BrisVegas, Queensland
Date Reviewed: May 16, 2002
Strengths: Finish, build strength and function
Weaknesses: Won't fix me a Rum and Coke after my ride
Bottom Line:
Great Stem - Complemented my riding position and fixed my sore neck. (I bought this stem to correct my riding position as I ride almost completly on the tar)
