Submitted by
Prince74
a Cross Country Rider
from Ottawa Date Reviewed: June 5, 2009
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$29.00
Purchased At:
on line
Strengths:
Well when I first saw this stem I was amazed at its looks!
What a work of art. The welds are beautiful, KORE’S clamping system is smart and sharp and the laser etched logo’s sweet.
- Looks awesome
- Light
- Stiff
- Ti bolts
Weaknesses:
NONE!
Similar Products Used:
Kore Lite 3
Bike Setup:
Eclipse Bike, Atomic Comp Momentum Rims, DT Aerolite Bladed Spokes, Vittoria Diamante Pro Kevlar Carbon Tires, Carbon Fork, Winwood Carbon Spacer Headset Kit, Bontragger ACC Carbon Seat Post, Specialized Avatar Gel Saddle, FSA Moto EXO Crank, Shimano LX front / XT Rear, Avid Arch Rival Mag 50’s, Kool Stop Dual Compounds, Avid Arch Rival SD2.0L levers.
Bottom Line:
Best of the best!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Benny
a Weekend Warrior
from CA Date Reviewed: March 19, 2008
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
on line
Strengths:
No other stem compares. I have had most all of them either already on the bike I bought or purchased seperatly. The Kore stem is superb in every way. I have had my Elite stem for over three years and why change it to something inferior when it does everything its suppose to! Stiff, easy loading and still looks great with that lazer engraving logo. I love it, check it out, you wont be disappointed. Thanks Kore
Weaknesses:
na
Similar Products Used:
you name it, i used it, been MTB riding for over 25 years
Bottom Line:
The last stem I will buy
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Q
a Cross Country Rider
from Northern Virginia Date Reviewed: October 13, 2007
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Supergo (RIP!)
Strengths:
Excellent design, finish, and performance
Weaknesses:
Current model has changed slightly from earlier design
Similar Products Used:
Kore Lite
Bike Setup:
hardtail
Bottom Line:
Great stem! More companies should copy/steal the single piece Kneesaver rear clamp design -- it works! The single bolt, sliding face of the handlebar clamp is smart too. Overall clean looks along with the laser cut/machined graphics and bead blasted finish make it an attractive, hard wearing stem. I bought this to replace my Kore Lite, since it wouldn't take a riser bar, and my friend had been using an Elite and was very happy. I always thought the Ti bolts were a little soft (using a torque wrench and following specifications) and I eventually replaced them with SS ones, but everyone else seems to love them, so who knows. This stem is staying on my current bike, and future bikes for as long as possible!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul C
a Weekend Warrior
from Boca Raton, FL, USA Date Reviewed: December 23, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$23.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Lite, strong, minimlaistic.
Weaknesses:
Can be tough to mount with a riser stem.
Similar Products Used:
GT forged stem
Bike Setup:
GT Avalanche 3.0 disk
Bottom Line:
Light stem, love how it only has one bolt to adjust the handlebar. Only problem i found is that you have to slide the stem face in and then bolt it to the main stem. Good things are the titanium bolts, rock solid, cool colors (I got the anodized red), light. All around a good stem.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from San Antonio, Texas Date Reviewed: September 30, 2005
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Extremely well built product with outstanding longevity.
Weaknesses:
Absolutely none after more than 3 years.
Similar Products Used:
Ritchey stems.
Bike Setup:
Intense Tracer. Stem holds an Easton CT2 Carbon Handlebar. Shimano XT Drivetrain, Hollowtech II Cranks, Thomson Seatpost.
Bottom Line:
This is an update to my first review of this stem from roughly four years ago.
Since then, I have exposed this stem to rigorous riding in all sorts of conditions on many trails. The stem still looks as good as new although it has gone through a whole bunch of wipe outs. Construction: The stem has a clamping mechanism on the face-plate which holds the handlebar. This eliminates the need for multiple bolts and saves weight. The stem has a bead-blasted finish with laser etched logos. This finish is very durable and scratch resistant. The titanium bolts are the icing on the cake. No corrosion, and simply an amazing material to combine with such a high-quality stem. I can only recommend it after years of serious use !
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
doods
a Weekend Warrior
from p.i Date Reviewed: March 16, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
no flex great shape bulky and bomb proof!!!! i have the 120mm zero rise and my ride was pimped out!!
Weaknesses:
nada!!!
Similar Products Used:
raceface prodigy
Bike Setup:
sram 9.0 all the way baby,trek 4300,mavic-xtr-dt rev
Bottom Line:
if you want the best stem out ther get kore elite you'll never regret getting it...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Downhiller
from Mpls Minn Date Reviewed: October 28, 2004
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
Jeds Cycles
Strengths:
Everything you need, Stiff, Sweet looking, Light
Weaknesses:
Nothing
Similar Products Used:
Ritchey,tompson
Bottom Line:
I would not buy anything else. Had other stems on other bikes, this setm out last them all and still performs like day one. Keep up the great components Kore and dont change this stem its SWEEEET!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Angus Beef
a Cross Country Rider
from Ridgefield,Ct,06877 Date Reviewed: September 27, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Huntington
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Strengths:
price,front removeable clamp
Weaknesses:
welded design,bulky,cheap stickers
Similar Products Used:
ringle,ritchey........
Bike Setup:
c'dale h-tail all high end custom
Bottom Line:
After 1 year of riding this stem I was washing my bike and doing an inspection when I found a hairline crack about 1" long at the weld of the stem. Hasn't been making noise but I will replace asap. There is a reason this stem is $12- at pricepoint now. It served its purpose though for the price. I way 220 and would not reccommend to anyone my size. I'll be buying a raceface deus now
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from New Haven, CT Date Reviewed: April 4, 2004
Favorite Trail:
All of them
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Excellent looks, easy to take the bar off when needed, very light, super stiff, not getting bitten by my stem.
Weaknesses:
NONE
Similar Products Used:
Control tech, Coda
Bike Setup:
Old school '95 Cannondale Tried and true XT, Mavic 517 XTR, carbon, Chris King, Race Face
Bottom Line:
Awesome, excellent, and any other superlatives that come to mind. I wish I bought 10 of them to make sure I have one for every bike I'll ever own.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pierre
a Cross Country Rider
from Black Mountain, NC Date Reviewed: March 5, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Kitsuma NC
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$24.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
25 degree rise, good looking and stiff.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Iron Horse stem.
Bike Setup:
Hardtail, Iron Horse, 24 speed, clippless pedals, Elite Kore Stem, Linear pull brakes, Grip shifters.
Bottom Line:
The original stem on my bike was way to long and low. The Kore stem with the 25 degree rise and short length of 105mm is perfect. It has really helped with the tough climbs when you need to pull down and back on the handlebars. It looks great (I got a red one.), performs wonderfully and at $24 on ebay, it was a super buy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Vic
a Racer
from Westchester,Ca USA Date Reviewed: October 4, 2003
Favorite Trail:
everything local and CO.
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
bikeology
Strengths:
Stiff, Single bolt front clamp, The best looking
Weaknesses:
nada
Similar Products Used:
tompson
Bottom Line:
Kore rocks!! after all they originated the headset stem and thats why I have two Kore elite stems. They are definetly the best out there, The tompson stem slipped. The Kore stem is lighter and better looking too. check it out and compare.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
weather expert
a Weekend Warrior
from iowa Date Reviewed: May 30, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
eBay (yeah!)
Strengths:
STIFF with capital S. bead peened for strength and scratch resistence. subtle graphics look good.
Weaknesses:
you kiddin me?
Similar Products Used:
nashbar (pretty good), control tech (if it's not mis-aligned POS it's just a mediocre stem, unless it says team issue), salsa moto ace (non-SUL=mediocre), syncros (pain in the @ss), etc
Bike Setup:
what's relevant: steel xc hardtail with a z2 in front, 5d 580mm flat bar. 135mm kore elite stem. fsa xl2 headset.
Bottom Line:
best stem i've used, period.
i've used kore elite on my friends bikes before and i was impressed. now i have one on my xc rig and the differencec shows.
kore elite, even at 135mm, is WAY stiff and lasts a lifetime. bar clamp is wide and the faceplate is interlocked, so the stress is not on the bolt but the stem itself (so they can use ti bolt to save weight and resist rust). good engineering. also, the interlock also makes stem stiffer than most every 4-bolt. single bolt saves hassle of torquing each bolt in turn and kicks out the possibility of uneven torque. i'm more of a SS type so i stand up a lot. when hammering or steering our of ruts, the stiff stem really brings back some feel of my rigid SS bike. better yet, the subtle graphics matches stealthy look of my bike perfecctly.
retail price is pretty high though, and dealers are rare and far in between. if you find a deal, go for it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Craig
a Cross Country Rider
from Irvine, Ca Date Reviewed: May 6, 2003
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Strong, easy adjustments, awesome look!
Weaknesses:
Price..maybe.
Bottom Line:
I have had this stem for over 2 years and have had no problems with it nor have I needed to make any adjustment (tightening due to riding) to it. I am very happy with the look, strength, and ease of adjustment. I bought the silver as I was afraid that the colored stems would scratch silver. I remember that the stem was pricy, but it is worth every penny.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean
a Cross Country Rider
from Leicester GB Date Reviewed: May 1, 2003
Favorite Trail:
My back yard
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
Mac's bikes
Strengths:
Stiff, Doesnt make noise like other high end stems, holds tight
Similar Products Used:
race face, tompson
Bottom Line:
I think its safe to say that since I have been riding this stem for over a year now here in Europe I can say the stem works flawlessly. I have tried many high end stems that claim they are the best but dont even work as nice as my stock stem that came with my bike. Kore elite stem is definetly the best upgrade I made
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Graham
a
from Los Angeles Date Reviewed: April 9, 2003
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$90.00
Strengths:
Very stiff, very nice looking, Titanium bolts, laser engraved logos
Weaknesses:
nothing
Bottom Line:
I wouldnt buy anything else. This stem is the best peroid!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jay K
a Weekend Warrior
from Canandaigua, NY Date Reviewed: January 27, 2003
Favorite Trail:
many local
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
Stiff, rad lookin
Weaknesses:
nothing i could ever find
Similar Products Used:
azonic
Bottom Line:
I have a 120mm with a 10 degree rise in black. I bought it in Dec of 01. It still performs like new. never worry about it like my other parts. I paid for quality and got it. Thanks Kore. I will buy more.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Barbara,Ca. USA Date Reviewed: July 4, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$90.00
Strengths:
Stiff, only stem with Ti Bolts that I could find, also round knee saver rear clamp and super trick sliding front clamp
Weaknesses:
Like to see it cheaper but oh well
Similar Products Used:
Azonic, raceface
Bottom Line:
I saw the people choice for this stem and new I had a winner. This stem rules and I bought the big stem to fit my Cannondale headshock. It has the best finish that I have seen on any stem. Keep up the great products Kore!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
eelpie
a Cross Country Rider
from virginia Date Reviewed: February 26, 2002
Favorite Trail:
avalon/patapsco
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
speedgoat.com
Strengths:
plenty stiff one fat bastid shot-peened finish cheap (the goat was blowing them out for a day w/ free shipping) knee-saver steer clamp design titanium hardware ("wow" factor)
Weaknesses:
don't know of any real weaknesses yet (though I would have listed price if I paid the $140 retail)...not exactly light, but not overly heavy (200 gram range); welded, so not as aesthetically pleasing as the Thomson.
Similar Products Used:
Thomson Elite, Titec Lil Al
Bike Setup:
Aeon Isis
Bottom Line:
Good stem if you can get it at the ridiculous $35 price. Not as elegant as the Thomson. Seems as stiff (but then again, the Titec wasn't exactly lacking in that department either; it's all subjective to an extent). If you like loud graphics, it's a must.
Though it's got the knee-saver steerer clamp (no bolt heads hanging out), the clamp design is much thicker than the Thomson, so the knee-saving benefit is not as good.
I will say that I stripped an allen wrench (US-made, no less) on the bar clamp titanium bolt, so it's plenty strong.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Todd
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas, Tx Date Reviewed: January 25, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Jensonusa.com
Strengths:
Strong, proven design
Weaknesses:
maybe the weight? Tall headtube clamp requires a lot of steerer tube (not really a drawback, you just need to cut your steerer tube to compensate for it)
Similar Products Used:
Kore Lite, Trek house brand
Bike Setup:
Klein Pulse, Easton XC riser bar
Bottom Line:
I got the 135/0 degree model to get some extra reach, the Klein cockpit was a bit cramped for my gorilla arms. It works like a good stem should, install and forget it.
It's big, it's burly, it's overbuilt. Around 200g, but so what.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida Date Reviewed: January 24, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Markham Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Speedgoat
Strengths:
Great knee protection
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Stock Stem
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Super V 500 '01, FSA Crankset, XTR V-brakes, Easton EA70, Sram 9.0 levers, XT drivetrain,Panaracer Fire XC, Etc.
Bottom Line:
After suffering a major downhill crash and comparing the two holes in my knee to the two bolts on my old stem, the choice was obvious. No more knee holes..........da.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
AlEx
a Downhiller
from Union city Date Reviewed: December 11, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Skegg point
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Jenson USA
Strengths:
very stiff, light (200g), and ti bolts
Weaknesses:
none so far?
Similar Products Used:
easton 70, kore stems
Bike Setup:
KHS 2000 elite with judy race'00 all XT components, kore 2 seatpost, azonic dh handle bars and Hot S tires
Bottom Line:
This kore elite is the best stem I ever purchased. I spent only $35 bucks."WOW" compared to the easton 70 for $100. The powdered black looks color is pretty sharp.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marc Tremain
a Cross Country Rider
from NJ, USA Date Reviewed: October 10, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Mahlon, allamuchy, etc
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$75.00
Purchased At:
price point
Strengths:
Great looks, knee saver ti bolts, etched graphics
Weaknesses:
design not stiff enough... Stem bent and twisted after less than a year of cross country riding.
Similar Products Used:
Race Face System Titec Big al Ibis Stem Kore Lite 3d Ritchey KONA DH and plenty more
Bike Setup:
GT hardtail 2001 z3 qr20 all raceface sunrims, avid discs, SDG, Azonic bars, thomson post, XTR components
Bottom Line:
This stem is very good looking and rides very well. Unfourtunatley mine has twisted and cracked... I am not too confident in KORE products now that I have snapped a pair of their bars, stipped out bolt holes on a stem, twisted this stem, and almost oblidirated all the pins on their platform pedals. I will be staying away from Kore from now on, stems are not supposed to break...ever!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Racer
from San Antonio, Texas Date Reviewed: September 6, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Flat Rock Ranch
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$59.00
Strengths:
Looks solid, well machined, light, good design.
Weaknesses:
Price
Similar Products Used:
the usual
Bottom Line:
This stem looks like a work of art, is light and superstiff. The permanent logos are kick ass too. I have a 130mm with 0 deg. rise on my Intense Tracer. Will probably get a shorter Elite with more rise though.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Randy Savage
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake, UT Date Reviewed: August 31, 2001
Favorite Trail:
soix run, Blazers'single track
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$85.00
Purchased At:
Paus bikes
Strengths:
Best engineered
Weaknesses:
nothing
Similar Products Used:
raceface
Bottom Line:
My buddy had this stem for years without a problem so when I sold my bike and built a new one I went with a Kore Elite stem and Kore freeride bars. This is got to be the best combo around. Everthing is so stiff and makes me feel more confident when I ride. Oh the stem is sweet too. no stickers, great idea and TI bolts to keep the weight down. Glad I went with the Kore.Looking at getting a Kore seatpost next.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Carlsbad, Ca Date Reviewed: August 21, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$85.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
all you need
Weaknesses:
nada
Similar Products Used:
stock junk
Bottom Line:
This is the lightest, stiffest, best looking stem around. I have had this stem with absolutly not one problem with it. Had a Ti stem before which had razor sharp bolt boses on the back. I cut my knee so bad, had to have 15 stiches! Chucked that stem. Thats whats nice about the Kore stem, its rounded around the back. Kore gave some serious thought in designing this stem. I had a syncros stem before that had that cam/wedge clamp that I couldn't keep tight if my life depended on it, and it did, especially decending. Dont beleive me, check them out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ray
a Racer
from carlsbad, Ca. Date Reviewed: February 27, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$85.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
Clamps tight, unlike my last stem!
Weaknesses:
nothing
Similar Products Used:
controltech
Bottom Line:
The control tech stem was strong butI gashed my knee on the rear bolt one too many times. Bought the Kore Elite with the "knee saver design" Now I don't have that worry. Oh ya the elite has permanent logos that won't rub off and look terrible like most stems.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mike
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego Ca usa Date Reviewed: December 21, 2000
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
everything you want in the stem
Weaknesses:
little pricey
Similar Products Used:
raceface
Bottom Line:
My stem is a sweet 120m with a 10 deg rise. can a stem give you bigger ba___? i think so! This stem is solid but yet feels very comfortable. I recommend this stem over others because paying a couple bucks extra goes along ways.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Cambridge Date Reviewed: October 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Too many to pick just one...
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$105.00
Purchased At:
www.speedgoat.com
Strengths:
Just a thing of absolute beauty
Completely and utterly flex and creak free
Recessed clamp bolts
Laser etched and CNCed logos
Did I mention this thing looks like a work of art?
Weaknesses:
Priced like a work of art, seriously, is this the most expensive non-titanium stem you can buy?
Mega-logo is not for those who want to blend in, particularly in red like mine.
Similar Products Used:
Dean, Specialized, Control Tech, too many housebrands to remember
Bike Setup:
99 Specialized FSR XC Pro, modified in an attempt to make it feel like my old RM 250
Bottom Line:
Do you blanch at the thought of spending $100 on a handlebar? $250 for a pair of cranks? Does $2300 seem like a reasonable amount to spend on a bike, although "it isn't quite speced as nice as I'd like"? If so then this stem, along with the Thompson and Race Face are your kind of products. But unlike the Thompson anyway, this thing just screams "look at me! I am beautiful! Don't you wish you were me?" I mean the "Kore" logo on the side is legible from 200 yards, the shot-peened anodized red finish bedazzles onlookers with its gem-like luster. Its kind of like a supermodel while the Thompson is like an attractive woman, who is also a doctor (sorry to any women reading this I mean no offense by the analogy). Not sure what the Race Face is...
Does this stem actually work any better than a $20 forged no-name though? Well, uh....hmmm...ok, probably not. I mean what does a stem do anyway. I will say that this stem does "seem" stiffer than the run-of-the-mill aluminum Dean stem it replaced, which is not suprising given its collosal diameter (looks about the same as the bikes downtube ;-). Also, while I have absolutely no sound scientific evidence to back this up, I would rather be using this stout stem than a minimalist low-weight special when coming off a bad wheelie drop (which all mine are).
So they really are not much better than something you find in a a bin at your local bike store for $15. But hey, cubic zirconia look just like diamonds and have the same chemical composition right? Just try getting engaged with one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ross
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado Springs, CO Date Reviewed: September 27, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim, Moab
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$105.00
Purchased At:
Colorado Cyclist
Strengths:
light weight, great engineering, strong as an ox, great looks with the laser engraving
Weaknesses:
creaks a bit, titanium bolts get stuck
Similar Products Used:
Kalloy, Icon
Bike Setup:
Specialized HT, RockShox SID XL, XT drivetrain, Syncros post, Cane Creek headset, Mavic X517/XT wheelset, Tioga Factory DH 2.1s, Easton Scandium DH bar
Bottom Line:
What can be said that hasn't already. This is a great stem with good looks and excellent engineering (swing clamp, recessed bolts). It creaks a bit when I stand up in a climb, but that can be fixed with a little dry-lube on the hinge. I replaced the easily-stuck titanium bolts with steel ones and have had no problems. Looks good with my Salsa stem cap...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jason
a Weekend Warrior
from natick, massachusetts Date Reviewed: June 23, 2000
Favorite Trail:
lynn woods
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
one of the only aftermarket company that makes a stem that fits the cannondale headshok system
I purchased my kore elite from cambria. it was a little pricy but they're the only distributors that sells compatible headshok stems. My stem is silver with a negative one degree rise which is also perfect for the cannondale geometry. The stem works great and looks trick. If you have some dough, get rid of your coda and get a kore.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a
from Stony Brook Ny USA Date Reviewed: June 13, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Anything with dirt
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Light, very rigid, reducing flex during tough climbs, single bolt attachment makes for fast bar changes
Weaknesses:
so far none, but if i find any you'll hear bout it for sure
Similar Products Used:
stock mongoose stem
Bottom Line:
Bought the stem because my old one had two major problems. 1) it was too long and hurt my back a lot 2)it also had a lot of flex to it, and was inhibiting on long climbs, plus it creaked a lot. the kore stem is light despite it's massive diamter, (way larger than my mongoose one), looks great, and is rock solid. on the second ride with it i t tookk a nice header, resulting a a crushed rim, not a scratch on the stem though. it's a little pricy, but it will probably be the last stem you ever buy, so who cares.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Racer
from Oak Brook, IL Date Reviewed: June 12, 2000
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
no worries
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Syncros
Bottom Line:
I bought this stem because the last stem I had kept coming loose after tightening it. It had a wedge design that would push up against the aluminum steer tube of my fork. The Kore stem clamped basically like most with two bolts around back, except they have a nice design to hide pertruding bolt bosses that can make hamburger out of your knees when climbing. The stem is stiff and has the trickest removable front loading design I have found. I recomend this stem to anyone
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe Lorenzo
a Cross Country Rider
from Downing, Mo. Date Reviewed: May 31, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Bills,sidewinder
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
THE THREE SSS stout, stiff, strong!
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Syncros, controltech, dean
Bike Setup:
control dept-king headset,kore elite bars,
Bottom Line:
this stem rocks! last stem for this bike I will buy. had it over two years with no problems. no stickers, all lasered logos, trick removable front loading face plate. this is by far the best stem I have owned.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Banks
a Cross Country Rider
from Woodland Hills, CA. Date Reviewed: March 13, 2000
Favorite Trail:
evrything local&Utah
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Stiff, well built
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
controltech, Kore lite
Bottom Line:
Had a controltech that was welded crooked, finally got rid of it, bought a Kore lite stem, great stem for the money, but I wanted a removeable front clamp for packing up my rig, so i put the lite stem on my home bike. The elite is much diferant than the lite. It has laser instead of stickers and Ti bolts instead of steel. A nicer bead finish as well. A little pricey at first but the price fades when I hit the trail for the first time. Get one you wont be sorry!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marc
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose, CA Date Reviewed: February 9, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Light, strong and damn nice looking. I gaot the ball-bunished model so there are no trashings that show
Weaknesses:
none..a bit $$ but hey..it is quality that you pay for!
Bottom Line:
Great Laser etching, more manufacturers should pay heed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Cross Country Rider
from Springfield, VA, U.S.A. Date Reviewed: February 9, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Great design, stiff and strong
Weaknesses:
Price (but well worth it!)
Similar Products Used:
Kore Lite
Bike Setup:
GT w/ XTR and Judy SL
Bottom Line:
I like this stem a lot. It has a removable face, a kneesaver design, ti bolts and a simple design. The graphics and logos are all etched/machined well. It's stiff and strong for cross country riding. This stem is easy to install and change bars. Gram counters and anyoe not able to pay around $100 for a problem-free will probably stay away.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill M
a Weekend Warrior
from NYC Date Reviewed: November 8, 1999
Favorite Trail:
all of em
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
I'd agree with the rest, this stem is very sweet
Weaknesses:
price (retail), laser etching doesnt show up that well on a silver stem.
Similar Products Used:
generic stems
Bike Setup:
trek930, manitou sx-r, ck s5 headset.
Bottom Line:
If you can get it on sale (got it for 65) its not too painful to buy. Excellent quality, finish, etc. Wish the etched logos showed up better though.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Don Gras
a Weekend Warrior
from Ontario, Ca Date Reviewed: October 5, 1999
Favorite Trail:
all good
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
light, stiff
Similar Products Used:
syncros
Bottom Line:
had a syncros stem on my other bike and the hinge front broke apart. I bought another kore for that bike as well! No stickers-laser engraving like no other stem-its great
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Racer
from Peoria, IL Date Reviewed: September 3, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Jubilee park plank trail
Duration Product Used:
more than 3 years
Strengths:
Good looking stem Customer service lives up to its name three years later
Weaknesses:
None, Zero, Nada!
Similar Products Used:
Sorry, but a stock $15 dollar Tahoma stem can hardly be considered similar.
Bike Setup:
1998 Custom Kona KU White Bros. SC72UL Kore Elite Stem(duh) Wheels, seat, and bar
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is this. This stem is one of the best purchases I have made in building up my custom frame. It is light, strong, and easy to look at. But where I feel this stem rises above the rest of the field is its customer service. After three years and a dozen bike/fork swaps I wasn't surprised when the kneesaver clamp threads finally pooped out on me. I was surprised at the total and complete cooperation Kore gave me in getting it fixed. With no questions asked they retapped the threads and mailed it back for a total of $15. Even better, I had the stem back in about 10 business days from my shipping it off! I now sing the praise of Kore to all who will listen! If you are reading this then you are probably looking for a new stem, so do what I did. Buy a Kore and worry no more!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MarkBernstein
a Weekend Warrior
from Kahului Hawaii Date Reviewed: August 18, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Gregory's
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
stiff, easy assembly, no stickers
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
control tech, easton
Bottom Line:
had a hinge stem- no more! kore's slide front clamp is da kine!!! My stem taks a pounding on hard rock. no problems its da best bra!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bradon
a Cross-Country Rider
from Reno Date Reviewed: July 22, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Peavine
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
simple design allows you to change bars by removing the faceplate. It's also very safe.
Weaknesses:
price, price and price
Similar Products Used:
syncross, controltech
Bike Setup:
ti bike w/ xt stuff and a SID
Bottom Line:
I ask for three things when I buy a stem; lightwieght, durability and saftey. I used to have a Syncross stem and the top cap slid off leaving an edge that sliced me up in a crash. I also had a controltech. I slid into the exposed bolts causing some internal injuries. The Kore has no such bolts or edges to damage the family jewels. Just a smooth and effective clamp. Take a hard look at your stem and think about what would happen if you slid into it. If you don't like the idea get a Kore, they're definately the safest. I've got to give it five chilies regardless of the price because frankly, when it comes to safety, money is no object.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Downhiller
from Bellflower,CA Date Reviewed: July 7, 1999
Favorite Trail:
O.C.
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Looks Cool,easy to change stems
Weaknesses:
Price,WEAK!!!!!!!!!!
Similar Products Used:
Other Kore stems now using a AC DH stem(ROCKS!!)
Bike Setup:
GT LTS hand built
Bottom Line:
Piece of crap!! The bolt and clamp sheared off during a descent,leaving my bars in my hands and I allmost killed myself!!!!I will never,ever,ever but any kore product again!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cultus
a Weekend Warrior
from Singapore Date Reviewed: June 22, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Light weight Strong and durable nice appearance
Weaknesses:
too expensive
Similar Products Used:
Kore Lite Bontrager
Bike Setup:
Klein Attitude Comp
Bottom Line:
Just don't care about the expensive price and grab one now for yourself. It may be the last stem u ever need.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Stevens
a Racer
from Ventura, Ca. Date Reviewed: June 10, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Dolcey's singletrack
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Everthing you need in a stem.
Similar Products Used:
Syncros, raceface
Bottom Line:
Best buy I made for my bike. gives me full confidence with overall stiffness and strenght, light too!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
RaverRave
a Racer
from San Francisco Date Reviewed: June 3, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Streets of San Francisco
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Super stiff, wide contact areas, oversized tube, lazer etched logos.
Weaknesses:
Expensive; people want it from me and they can't have it!!!
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager, Syncros, RaceFace.
Bike Setup:
Airborne Lucky Strike frame, Manitou SX Ti fork, Ibis Ti bar, Onza Ti bar ends, Bontrager grips.
Bottom Line:
This is the nicest stem I have owned. I got it specifically to eliminate stem flex, and that is exactly what it did. Any trade-off in comfortability is made up by my titanium bar. I would expecially recommend this stem to people who have titanium bars and who want to minimize flex without switching bars. Oh yeah, I weigh 215 lbs., so I should know about flex. Get this stem!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James T. Remmings
a Weekend Warrior
from Provo Utah Date Reviewed: May 31, 1999
Favorite Trail:
pinos total
Duration Product Used:
more than 3 years
Strengths:
Strong,clean looks,brand reconition
Weaknesses:
absolutly nothing
Similar Products Used:
syncros,controltech
Bike Setup:
trek800,sids
Bottom Line:
This stem is by far the best stem I have owned.The others were early disappointments with locking cams slipping on the steer tube.The front locking/sliding clamp is the cleanest design I have seen so far-work of art.laser logos that dont scratch off are a plus also. Oh ya bought the Kore speed rims as well. So far forthey have taken a serious beating and stayed true(see rim reveiw)
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
frank leblond
a Weekend Warrior
from running springs ca Date Reviewed: May 20, 1999
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
cool looking and very strong, no stickers, nice finish, no purtruding bolts
Weaknesses:
nothing
Similar Products Used:
syncros
Bike Setup:
gt sid
Bottom Line:
stopped by the kore booth at the mtb nationals last weekend, great company with great support, thanks for the dual slalom party-great products
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chung Leong
a Weekend Warrior
from Singapore Date Reviewed: May 1, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Doesn't get knocked askew. Great looks. Strong. Light!
Weaknesses:
Scratchable laser etched lettering Single bolt removable faceplate finicky to remove. Expensive.
I got it in a trade for my Profile stem. I wouldn't have spent money to get it otherwise. But it cleared up my bike's steep-descent handling nervousness, so that's good. Lots of comments about it's looks, good steerer tube clamping (it never got knock out of alignment even in crashes) Good product, but pretty expensive because it doesn't offer all that much over cheaper stems to justify the cost.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Charles H.
a Weekend Warrior
from Montville, NJ Date Reviewed: May 1, 1999
Favorite Trail:
workman flats
Duration Product Used:
more than 3 years
Strengths:
very well constructed, and very well thought out design
Weaknesses:
nothing so far
Similar Products Used:
raceface
Bike Setup:
kore elite bars with kore elite stem-perfect combo
Bottom Line:
I hd this stem already a year and a half longer than my last stem. This one wont break and I like it for it is easy to load and unload the bars.good job kore
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob McNeal
a Weekend Warrior
from San Jose ca. Date Reviewed: April 17, 1999
Favorite Trail:
marin co.
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
STIFF, EXCELLANT REMOVABLE FRONT CLAMP, LAZER GRAFICS
Weaknesses:
price
Similar Products Used:
syncros,titec, controltech
Bike Setup:
Intense uzzi, BBshock
Bottom Line:
this stem out performs all the other stems I have tried, its no wonder Kore has the stem market! if you can afford it- buyit!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bricen Burnstein
a Downhiller
from Irvine, Ca Date Reviewed: March 28, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Ortega Hwy
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Very stiff even for downhill, cool laser logo, nicely engineered front clamp
Weaknesses:
zero, nada
Similar Products Used:
controltech, profile
Bike Setup:
Elsworth Dare, Bullit bros shock
Bottom Line:
I have the kore elite stem even on my other downhill rig then put it on my dare. its a 120mm long with 10 degress of rise-I love it!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from New Orleans, La Date Reviewed: March 22, 1999
Favorite Trail:
End of the Lane
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Design, finish, machining quality
Weaknesses:
None, so far
Similar Products Used:
Control Tech, Titec
Bike Setup:
VooDoo Bantu/ Marzocchi Z3
Bottom Line:
Very impressive. At first glance, I was a bit unsure of the hinged design (it's in quotes, 'cause it's not really a hinge). However after further thought, I realized that the hinge distributes the load over a greater area than does a single bolt. So the entire load is distributed over a larger area and there is one less bolt to strip out! Knee saver stem clamp design is a plus, finish is fantastic, logos are etched rather than stick-on decals, welding looks very professional, and the damn thing is STIFF! Looks good on the bike, too. Got it for $50 at SuperGo - what a deal! Five flamers!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Cross-Country Rider
from Arlington, VA Date Reviewed: March 17, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Cool Color and style
Weaknesses:
Hard to find for Cannondale
Similar Products Used:
Boring Cannondale Coda Stems
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Raven
Bottom Line:
I lucked up and found a stem for a 1 and 1/2 inch Cannondale headshock in a mail order cataloge and bought it for $95. I have been very satisfied with it. It creaked at first and then after aplying some loctite, it was fine. I recommend this stem to other Cannondale riders if they can get their hands on one.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pat Kluger
a racer
from Germany Date Reviewed: February 21, 1999
Bottom Line:
This is a very strong stem,I had the cheper kore stem also,but didn't like the stickers also this stem has a removable front loading system that has been brilulantly engineered. I recomend this stem.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chester Evans
a cross-country rider
from Richfield, Utah Date Reviewed: February 16, 1999
Bottom Line:
I have the 120mm long stem with a 10 degree rise. i feel this is the most comfortable size there is. Had the 135, but at 5-10 it was a little long. This stem is everything that people brag about, even the high price, but I guess you get what you pay for! Nice stuff Kore!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Ward
a cross-country rider
from LA Date Reviewed: January 21, 1999
Bottom Line:
The single bolt on the front loading clamp is sweeeeeet! This is the nicest looking stem that I have seen I have only had it for about five months now, but i ride about three time a day so I think I can give a accurate assestment to this product. Its very stiff, cleans up very well not worring about stickers peeling, and has a knee saver rear clamp design that I especially appreciate after ripping a hole in my knee cap on another design. Love this stem
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bricen March
a cross-country rider
from LA USA Date Reviewed: December 28, 1998
Bottom Line:
I took a couple of bad diggers last weekend and didnt hurt my elite stem at all! Snaped by bars in two and the stem stayed put. This is one piece of fine equiptment that I am glad I purchased.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brandon Heins
a cross-country rider
from Hauppauge, NY Date Reviewed: December 19, 1998
Bottom Line:
I think Kore is the only company that uses the Titanium bolts in a stem. I have the Ti bolts in my Elite stem that work fine. The stem is brillant with its locking front loading clamp. Its also a very stiff stem and the laser logos look the best! nice touch
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Billy Treavor
a cross-country rider
from Toledo, Ohio Date Reviewed: December 17, 1998
Bottom Line:
Hey Mac (previous reveiw) the Torque specs on the Ti Bolts for your Elite stem is to tighten it no more than 9 foot lbs. I have the Elite stem as well and I think its the best stem out there, but you have to get the correct specs to tighten Ti bolts. I know Kore has been working to upgrade their web page, maybe thats the reason for the delayed responce. You can try calling them also 714-979-5673, I did and got great customer service.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mack
a cross-country rider
from U.S.A. Date Reviewed: December 15, 1998
Bottom Line:
I ordered this stem in the red color, 120 mm / 10 degree rise configuration. The stem is noticably stiffer than my stock stem, and is much better looking to boot. I read the reviews on this stem before i bought it, and took notice that you have to be careful when you tighten the titanium hardware. I have a torque wrench, so i figured that i could e-mail KORE and get the torgue specs to install the stem correctly the first time. I sent the message on 11/20, and so far i haven't heard a word. A person would think that with the amount of money a customer spends on a elite stem, KORE could at least send the torque specs to someone who wants to set it up properly.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kim Stewart
a cross-country rider
from Georgetown,Ont. Date Reviewed: December 4, 1998
Bottom Line:
I bought this stem a year ago thinking I paid too much. I was wrong. My friends stem broke after one season and I havent had the lease amount of problems with my stem. I can also say that my stem looks very nice on my bike. It is really a work of art like other people have said. Nice job Kore!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Lamier
a cross-country rider
from Janesville, Wi Date Reviewed: November 19, 1998
Bottom Line:
I use the 135m long stem with a 10 degre lift on both bikes I have. I put in about 50 miles a week in the dirt and another 50 miles a week on the slab. I feel this stem was one of the best buys for my bike. Its everything that its suppose to be (stiff and well built) and more with its looks.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sandy Brennen
a
from Colorado Springs, Co. Date Reviewed: November 1, 1998
Bottom Line:
I feel I can make a good judgement call on this product because I have ridden it over 500 rides for the last two years. Its a very well maintained stem that has had zero problems, doesn't make noise when the going gets tuff, especially like the other removable front loading stems I have ridden.This stem basically looks as nice as it performs. Keep up the great products Kore!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben Hamlin
a downhiller
from Date Reviewed: October 26, 1998
Bottom Line:
Let see what can i say, This stem is bad a__ It has the trickest removable front loading system among all the other designs, it's very stiff, no cheap stickers to fall off and has their knee saver design that has definetly saved my knee caps a few times. Its the best, nothing else said!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Billy Kernan
a weekend warrior
from Moeb Utah Date Reviewed: September 20, 1998
Bottom Line:
Well it looks like it didn't take long for someone known as ICON to knock off this great design of a removable front clamp. The Icon stem looks cheap and probably dosen't perform as well as it looks. I bought the Kore Elite stem three years ago, and its the best stem I have ever had. All my buds have been running Kore on our bikes for three years and its sad news when a company cant come up with its own ideas like ICON. Keep up the great work Kore!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Javi
a cross-country rider
from Centreville, VA Date Reviewed: September 17, 1998
Bottom Line:
I think this is a great stem. Stiff, good looks, and very functional. I've only had a minor a problem. Luckily, I was taken care off by Kores's great customer service department and specially somebody there named Ken. This gusy took care of my request for a new Elite stem very courteously (even though I just sent the stem without calling them first and thus having to get their mandatory RMA#.)
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cris Deaton
a racer
from Oakland ca. Date Reviewed: September 15, 1998
Bottom Line:
I stopped by Kore at the Interbike show this past weekend in Vegas. I was really pleased to talk face to face with the staff there. I use an Elite stem with the removable clamp/ single bolt combo, its great- bottom line! I was not aware of all the other stem designs they had there. They were very informative and I would definitly buy another stem from Kore.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Turney
a racer
from Redwood City, Ca. Date Reviewed: July 15, 1998
Bottom Line:
My elite stem I purchased last summer has had no problems at all. I love the single track up here in the woods and it can get very technical. This stem is by far the stiffest available, and I have tried most of the high end stems out there, I just wished I had purchased it a long time ago! Keep up the great work Kore!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim
a cross-country rider
from Salida Ca Date Reviewed: June 29, 1998
Bottom Line:
I bought the KORE ELETE 3 months ago and at first I thought the stem was a bit heavy for XC use. The 2 side ti bolts stripped and the front one snapped off. After some work I got all bolts removed and now im on a hunt for some stainless steel high tenchen bolts that match the same size/thread pattern as the old ones. They are different than ordenary sizes. Plus I bought the hype of buying a KORE. I probably would have been just as happy buing a less expencive brand
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marken Berger
a cross-country rider
from Berlin ,Germany Date Reviewed: June 28, 1998
Bottom Line:
Kore has very nice products! My team uses Kore stems and is very please with the performance of them. No problems at all and very durable. The design on the Elite Stem makes for a quick change when needed. Hope to see Kore at the trade show here as I will attend with my shop.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick Swanson
a weekend warrior
from Redwood City, Ca. Date Reviewed: May 13, 1998
Bottom Line:
I have been using the Kore Elite Stem now for a couple years. The finish has held up very well due to the bead blast finish. It is a very sturdy stem with a nice looking locking devise for the front handlebar clamp. I can't imagine buying another brand or stem except for maybe the B-52 bomber stem that Kore makes also. Nice work deserves the best rating!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Alberstein
a downhiller
from San Diego, Ca. Date Reviewed: April 22, 1998
Bottom Line:
I have the latest creation from Kore witch is the new Elite stem that is not pictured for some reason. It's definetly a work of art with its lazor logo on each side and a machined name into the front cap. Mine is red with a bead blasted finish. It has a very well designed locking mechinism in the front cap that is securred by one bolt. Definetly the best I have used!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rudy Softy
a downhiller
from Santa Cruz, Ca. Date Reviewed: April 9, 1998
Bottom Line:
I race and ride locally five days out of the week. My bike sports an Elite stem with a 10 degree raise. Its lenght is 120mm long. Its a great stem and is everything that I hoped for. It is very well built and is very beefy with a nice bead blasted finish. Congrats on the great products
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chuck Gates
a downhiller
from San Diego Date Reviewed: March 23, 1998
Bottom Line:
I purchased a Kore Elite 1-18-135mm long with a 10 deg rise. This is by far the best stem I have ever owned. It is very durable in every respect including the markings in Laser Engraving. What more could you ask for? Keep up the great products, as Kore has my crews total support!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Holden
a downhiller
from Los Angeles, Ca. Date Reviewed: March 21, 1998
Bottom Line:
I witnessed a crooked stem myself so I called Kore. They told me that there was a Quality control problem when they switched factories last year, and that by mistake bad stems got out to the marketplace. They have since corrected the problem. This was assured that it affected only the imported products as I have had two flawless Elite Stems made in the USA. I have been using Kore stems for about five years with no problems , so I know this was a unique problem with them. Kore products are some of the best products I have witnessed in the marketplace. I am confident that Kore will resolve this problem ASAP.I give five chilis for great customer support.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave the Equipment Whore
a weekend warrior
from SoCal, USA Date Reviewed: March 10, 1998
Bottom Line:
I held off reviewing this product until I had a full year's worth of durability assesment.My non-OEM Kore Elite stem has been perfect in terms of aesthetics and function. By function I mean that it's perfectly aligned, seats perfectly between the upper headset race and cap, completely flex-free, and installs/adjusts easily. It does everything I want a stem to do, which unfortunately isn't that easy to achieve, seeing how a few of my previous stems of other models or makes were. It isn't nearly as light as Kore would have you believe, though.One thing I made sure to do before anything was to call up Kore (they're local to me) and get the torque specs for each Ti bolt. The steerer clamp bolts should be around 11 Nm, and the bar clamp bolt should be around 12 Nm. Don't forget to generously Ti-prep everything. Proper wrenching technique ALWAYS requires the use a torque wrench to bring critical fasteners up to spec slowly and evenly.5 chilies for the product itself, 3 for the price.PS - Quite a few of the Kore Lite and Lite 3 stems I've seen and have passed through my possession were hideously misaligned. Either the handlebar would sit at some crazy angle, or the steerer clamp wouldn't sit flush with the upper headset race without misaligning it. Kore really needs to get its foreign production in order or stop making them altogether, because they're tarnishing some otherwise fine products.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jay
a cross-country rider
from Vancouver, Wash. Date Reviewed: March 2, 1998
Bottom Line:
I have the Kore Elite on my bike (135/5). I don't get the hype on this stem. It works, holds handlebar in place, unless your handlebar is too skinny.I had a Ti handlebar that I had to shim the crap out it so the Kore would hold it. My old forged cheapy would hold it no problem.Also, this stem is not light. It is 40 grams heavier than the stock stem. I don't know, it does look cool, but save your money and buy another stem (ie, Profile Stiffys are great stems)....Good luck in your decision.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marky
a racer
from Brockville Date Reviewed: February 24, 1998
Bottom Line:
Hard to rate the performance of a stem...as long as it holds the bar and doesn't break, it's doing it's job. The Elite however does this with style!! Beautiful, clean welds, laser etched graphics, ti hardware, removable faceplate, and it is light (201 g for 120mm with 10 degree rise).
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Connor
a weekend warrior
from Westfield, NJ Date Reviewed: January 20, 1998
Bottom Line:
I recently purchased a Kore Elite stem. So far I have not had any trouble it and it is working very well. I would definetly recomend this stem to any one. Though it is a bit heavy with Ti bolts.It is very stiff and responsive and most of all its BEEFY!! It definetly deserves a high raiting.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Cavalier
a cross-country rider
from Pittsburgh, PA Date Reviewed: January 13, 1998
Bottom Line:
My Kore Elite stem seems to be holding up well. It seems pretty light, and is very rigid both along the stem and laterally, and it grips my steerer tube well. I really like the front loading interlocking plate, which made installation a breeze, and the knee-saver bolt design. Brings my bike up a few points in the looks department, too.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a racer
from Akron Ohio Date Reviewed: October 17, 1997
Bottom Line:
Just thought I would jump in here, I use the KORE Elite (135x0). The stem is extra stiff which allows for great handling, extra light for you racing weight weenies (myself included). The easy removable face plate is nice for you tech. guys who like to make quick raceday alterations. Last but not least, who wouldn't like the laser etched graphics! (I suggest the anodized red to piss off your friends that think you are too flashy)
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Denny Rue
a cross-country rider
from St. Paul Date Reviewed: October 10, 1997
Bottom Line:
(Elite 135mm 5 deg rise black) Nice look, made in USA. Only two complaints are 1) getting hinge to slide easily over o-ring that holds aluminum shims to White Bros. Ti-bar and 2) getting bolt to thread into clamp (front). I was worried about cross-threading and it didn't turn as easy as I thought it would. Good price on OEM close-out from SuperGo.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Allen
a racer
from Peacham, Vermont Date Reviewed: September 26, 1997
Bottom Line:
I have been racing with the Kore Elite for a year now. I haven't had any problems with it. People always ask me how I like it, and I tell them its by far the best stem I have ever used. I also have the Elite bars mounted on the same bike and they really compliment each other. Keep up the good work.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Haight
a
from racer Date Reviewed: September 19, 1997
Bottom Line:
I have been racing with the Kore Elite stem for about a year and a half and I totally dig it. Its very stiff and gives you a solid feel in the corners. My friends and I all have Kore stems and we ride almost every nite of the week. Go out and pick one up. It will put a smile on your face!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill Dornbaker
a cross-country rider
from Park City, Utah Date Reviewed: August 14, 1997
Bottom Line:
I have tried many stems in my 15 years of mountain biking, and I gotta say the KORE ELITE STEM takes the cake with flying colors! What more could you ask for? No pinch bolts out back, Stifff, Trick, No chezzy stickers or graphics, Right-On Kore!!! 100 chiles
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Kruslender
a cross-country rider
from North Dakota Date Reviewed: August 4, 1997
Bottom Line:
I have an Elite stem on my Moho, and its definitly worth the price. I like the rounded design around the back, and the beefy tube keeps it stiff. It has a very hi-tek machined front locking system that is very strong. Very nice design. I would recommend this stem if you can afford it!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Jefferies
a racer
from Toledo, Ohio Date Reviewed: July 30, 1997
Bottom Line:
I bought an Elite stem about six months ago for my Cannondale rig. Kore had the only aftermarket stem that would fit the oversize steer tube. What an improvment. The removable clamp is trick and works excellant with rise bars. Absolutly No FLEX! Great product, I recommend this stem to all!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg Malconi
a cross-country rider
from New York City, New York Date Reviewed: July 21, 1997
Bottom Line:
I have an Elite Stem on both my street and dirt bike. They are remarkably stifffff! I put on my street bike about 150 miles a week as a messinger and about 50 miles on my dirt bike a week with absolutly no problems. One stem seemed to have longer bolts so I grinded them down on my belt sander, now there fine. Didnt mine the fine tuning! Kore's products are right ON!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Durring
a downhiller
from Colorado Springs Co. Date Reviewed: July 17, 1997
Bottom Line:
I have the Kore Elite Stem. What a work of art!! This is the single best investment on my bike. It is remarkably stiff considering it has a removable front clamp. It matches in color with my Kore Elite seatpost perfectly. Good work Kore!!!!!!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeffrey Harris
a cross-country rider
from Brooklyn, NY Date Reviewed: July 12, 1997
Bottom Line:
Just got a new KORE Elite (120mm, 10° rise) after using a loaner KORE Aheadlite for about a month.I must say it is a beautiful piece of engineering! The fit of the faceplate, the welds and finish are excellent. It just looks sweet. No tacky stick-on graphics!The ride is solid and reponsive and feels much nicer than the Aheadlite.The removable faceplate is a nice touch, especially when travelling. No need to remove the whole stem to pack up!If you've got a few extra bucks to spend, this thing is worth it!
Overall Rating:
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