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Submitted by
Q
a Cross Country Rider
from Northern Virginia
Date Reviewed: October 13, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | came preinstalled | | Strengths: | Kneesaver clamp, they stopped making it | | Weaknesses: | flat bars only, stickers suck | | Similar Products Used: | Kore Elite | | Bike Setup: | hardtail | | Bottom Line: | Simple, flat bar only stem (no risers…ever!) with Kore's excellent Kneesaver clamp. Stickers don't stick well, and are tacky looking, especially compared to Kore's better models (also when you have an Elite flatbar clamped to it). The glossy paint was okay, but nothing compared to the bead blasted finish of the Elite stem, which replaced this on my bike to accommodate a riser bar (I guess if you have a sledge and some swear words you could fit a riser on this stem). Decent for OEM, but I would never have recommended it to anyone for aftermarket. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rob
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto,ont,Can
Date Reviewed: May 21, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | DVP secret trails | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Strong, single handlebar clamp, clean welds, stiff. | | Weaknesses: | No longer in production. | | Similar Products Used: | Control Tech, Zoom | | Bike Setup: | 01 Jamis Dakar Expert with 130mm 10 degree Kore. SRAM 7 drivetrain, syncros seat post, white industries hubs with Ti spokes and mavic 221 rims. | | Bottom Line: | Great stem for the money. I switched from a Control Tech and the difference is amazing. No more twisting at the bars. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas, Texas
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Grapevine Lake | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Supergo.com | | Strengths: | None. | | Weaknesses: | Bad design. Bolt size and angles make it immpossible to assemble correctly. | | Similar Products Used: | N/A | | Bike Setup: | KHS Elite 2000 | | Bottom Line: | The Kore stem came with my bike. The night I put it together, the bottom bolt stipped and basically ruined the stem before I could ever use it. I now have a Bontrager stem and it looks and feels better anyway. I just hate that I had to shell out the extra cash when I was suppose to get a good stem from the jump. I would stay away from the Kore stem if you can help it. I think most bike shops will switch that out for you if it happens to be on the bike you're looking at. Trust me, it will make your life easier. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Frank
a
from Perth, Australia
Date Reviewed: February 23, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Light, easy to work with | | Weaknesses: | Weak steerer tube clamp threads. | | Similar Products Used: | Unbranded cheapies (great!), Zoom, Profile. | | Bike Setup: | GT Zaskar LE, XTR gruppo, Titec Hellbent bars, Judy SL | | Bottom Line: | This is my second Kore stem on which the threads stripped. The first I might have overtightened (although the threads should be strong enough for an Allen key with no extensions) and it let go on a rough descent.
The second stem stripped the threads today on a similar descent. I didn't overtighten this one... I learned from the first.
I also found, when I bought this stem, that the bottom face on the steerer calmp was about 1mm out of square, making headset adjustment difficult until I filed the thing flat.
I've never had a problem with the cheap unbranded stems... do labels make the product weaker?
The Kore stem works well until it lets go... don't trust it! Too easy to lose teeth when (not if) it fails.
Rated very low on a safety principle. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charlie
a Cross Country Rider
from Hell City, AZ
Date Reviewed: September 6, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | hawes | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Connects handlebar to bike. Looks kinda nice. | | Weaknesses: | Flexy, no removable faceplate, and bottom surface of steerer clamp not square. | | Similar Products Used: | Profile Designs, old quill stems... | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz Heckler | | Bottom Line: | This stem is like a noodle the way it flexes. I got used to the flexiness, but found that I could not get a good adjustment on my headset. After replacing the stem for a good square fit with my King headset, I realized that the stem had been way too flexible. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kenny McCormick
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: May 22, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Don River | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Strong. | | Weaknesses: | Decals suck. I can't believe they just come off after 2 weeks of use. | | Bottom Line: | Can't get a better stem for the money- 'cept for the peeling decals. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken
a Cross Country Rider
from Illinois
Date Reviewed: February 25, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | low price, nice colors, range of sizes | | Weaknesses: | poor quality control, no customer service | | Bike Setup: | kore lite 3 | | Bottom Line: | The headset surface is not flat, 1mm offset between the faceplate and the stem body. No response from customer service. Bought this stem based on the high overall ratings but I would not recommend buying this from mail order. If you must buy this stem visually inspect it carefully for flaws, especially the headset surface and the faceplate alignment. This stem really doesn't deserve such a high rating. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matthew
a Cross Country Rider
from vienna va usa
Date Reviewed: February 11, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | absolutely bombproof. dont even remember when i put this thing on. its seen many handle bar changes. | | Weaknesses: | stickers wear off long before it will be replaced | | Similar Products Used: | control tech | | Bike Setup: | '94 zaskar le | | Bottom Line: | great investment for your control center | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cadel
a Weekend Warrior
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: December 9, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Toilet | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
too weak to have any strengths... | | Weaknesses: |
Treads on stem comes out easily..
lousy decals..
blah blah blah | | Bike Setup: |
Mountain Bike | | Bottom Line: | Sucks......i got 2 of em and both stem are now threadless...
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daron Tan
a Weekend Warrior
from Kuching, Malaysia
Date Reviewed: October 15, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
still looking for it.... | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
This stem is well made with all edges smoothed. The stem is very durable and light. | | Weaknesses: |
The decals comes off after wetrides. The bolt turns rusty too quickly. Would have have given it full marks except for these 2 minor flaws. | | Similar Products Used: |
Zoom | | Bike Setup: |
Marin Nail Trail 19, RST Mozo Pro3.5, LX/STX RC Groupo, Mavic 517 | | Bottom Line: | I have no reservation recommending this stem for XC riders using flat bars. Great value for money/performance product. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fritz
a Cross-Country Rider
from Carrboro, NC
Date Reviewed: September 10, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Dunn RD, Raleigh | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Light
Looks good
Will not hurt knees | | Weaknesses: |
Poor quality
Poor design and use of materials | | Similar Products Used: |
Rocket Power stem | | Bike Setup: |
Ellsworth Truth, Marzocchi Z1, XTR Drive, Chris King Headset, Race Face Cranks | | Bottom Line: | The stem bends easily . I don't know how or why b/c it looks very tough, but mine was bent so bad I couldn't turn my bike without the steerer tube rubbing the headset. I would never have imagined this would bend and it is surprising since I only ride cross country. I don't reccomend this stem to anyone b/c of potential safety issues if you do ride hard. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Billy Bob
a Cross-Country Rider
from Kansas
Date Reviewed: August 1, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
The pigs manour heap round back uh my house | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
This son o B will put you through Hell and High water and still keep your britches clean | | Weaknesses: |
The metal is as pussy as the fat cats
who made it | | Similar Products Used: |
Tioga Alchemy
Kore lite3d | | Bike Setup: |
Full suspensionGT | | Bottom Line: | What it lacks in strength it makes up for by being as light as hogs eyelash.
Also it's paint never fades even after being pelted with doggarn all the pig crap in
southern Texas. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a Weekend Warrior
from NY`
Date Reviewed: May 30, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
some dirt mound by my house | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
KORE name, Strength, clamping power. | | Weaknesses: |
Not really any except for the decals | | Similar Products Used: |
Azonic ORC(piece of shit) | | Bike Setup: |
98 GT tequesta Judy XCs
kore lite bar and stem | | Bottom Line: | great stem. came stock on my tequesta and has never failed me. It is very strong and light. couldnt ask for anything elese. the only problem is the decals are acctually stickers. i hope they don't come off! The KORE name is one of my favorite parts of the stem. oh well. 5 | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ramon
a Cross-Country Rider
from Daraga, Philippines
Date Reviewed: April 26, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
bumpy congested roads | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Ample handle bar clamp area. humongous no-non-sense design. Clamp is tighter than the grip of a snapping turtle. | | Weaknesses: |
Too shiny. Get the painted version. Watch out when trading to this stem. You need a lot of steerer tube for it to be clamped the right way. | | Similar Products Used: |
Syncros CattleHead | | Bike Setup: |
Answer/Balance AL-750. Sun/ChrisKing/Syncros/Shinao XTR | | Bottom Line: | Great trade-up aheadstem. Install and forget mechenism. No need to retighten or regrease. I causion riders buying the polished finish. I had a couple of times where I was momentarily blinded from the super-reflectiveness of this darn thing. I had to trade up this one with the syncros. If I had bought a painted model I wouldn't have gotten rid of it. Also. Kore should have include titanium bold instead of steel one. The steel one formed a layer of rust whenever it touches water. BEST STEM AROUND. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean C.
a Cross-Country Rider
from Houston, TX
Date Reviewed: April 20, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
W/O Bunny Lovers | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Light weight and price, since it has been discontinued? On clearance everywhere... | | Weaknesses: |
One bolt clamping of the bars means you have to strip your bars to install it....has held my carbon fiber bars in place thus far though! | | Similar Products Used: |
Titec on same dimensions, 120mm, 10 degree rise...HEAVIER | | Bike Setup: |
Giant XTC SE-1 | | Bottom Line: | Lighter, cheap weight savings, has not slipped yet!Log it! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
justin
a Racer
from wi
Date Reviewed: April 14, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Stiff ride | | Bottom Line: | I first purchased this stem right before the race season of '98. Greased the bolts before tightening. The first time I took it off so I could clean the headset the threads came out with the bolt. I only had it for one race. I was a little dissappointed because it was such a great riding stem. I had to get a cheaper stem to replace it. I think I will stay away from Kore until I hear some better reviews across the board. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Uncle Kevin
a cross-country rider
from Sayreville, NJ USA
Date Reviewed: March 10, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Decals? Who gives a rat's a$$? I'd rather have a decal fail than a weld. Been riding with Kore stems for about seven years. Zero complaints. I hit a tree that ripped the end of my bar off but the stem was undamaged. C'mon folks the stem is a componant you want to put on then not worry about. This is it.
Beefy design, beefy welds, recessed bolts to save your knees. The design has remained unchanged for years...that means they got it right the first time!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greig
a weekend warrior
from Greenville SC
Date Reviewed: February 21, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
had the stem for 4 year, strong, never sliped or stripped. broke my ti frame. i have a new bike coming. this stem will go on my new bike. for all you wimps who are worried about your pretty little logos. piss off. maybe if sticker held your bike together if would mean something. so don't judge a stem on decal durabilty but on it's proformance you stupid idiots. boo hoo my stickers fell off, boo hoo. this is one light , stiff , simple and damn good stem. buy them !!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mango Man
a downhiller
from Sweden
Date Reviewed: February 16, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
As a Downhiller this stem is to long for me thinks everyone, but oi think its wonderful...
It has no flex in wrong directions (as i had in my coda-stem i had before this)
It feels so nice i would have bought two if i needed tehm... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam
a cross-country rider
from Australia
Date Reviewed: February 7, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
After looking at stems for a couple of months I decided to purchase the Kore. It wasnt an easy decision as the Kore is an expensive stem in Australia, fitted well, looked good, was straight and felt good. The problem I had was the first time I washed the bike. Using a standard garden hose to wash the dirt off the bike I couldnt believe it when I looked and saw NO DECALS left on the stem. I didnt expect this from a company like Kore. I e-mailed them about the problem TWICE, and both times I was promised new decals in the mail. Well its been 3 months now since I wrote to them last and guess what, NOTHING in the mail. If Kore arent too worried about there image then why should I be, maybe I'll stick some Azonic or Control Tech decals on just to piss them off. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd
a cross-country rider
from Dallas, Tx
Date Reviewed: December 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I'm surprised to hear about the problems some folks are having with threads, welds, etc. Kore must be slacking in the Quality Control department, which is a shame because this is one great product when you get one that is made correctly. A light, stiff, strong stem that's perfect for XC riding. Nothing chi-chi, just a great stem (and one that helped put Kore on the map). Can be had for less than forty bones, too. Stems are one of those bike parts you shouldn't find yourself thinking about while riding, unlike drivetrain components. If you do, something's probably wrong, and in a big way. As with all welded parts, it's probably a good idea to check the welds periodically for signs of cracks.But what's with the cheapo stickers?? Kore silkscreens the logo on other products, so why not here? I mean, let's face it, the markup is probably 978% anyway, spend another eighteen cents and put the logo on right! This is almost as bad as my Judy's plastic top caps! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Big Dave
a
from Moreno Valley, CA
Date Reviewed: October 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
If you are a x-country rider, then this is the best stem to have. Maybe if you are a downhiller who rides down Mammoth or Big Bear, you might need a sturdier stem, but for most x-country riding with ordinary descents, this is the best stem on the market. Not only is it the lightest, but it is sturdy and reliable. Not to mention that it is the most respected stem on the trail. Kore rules. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ricardo Decker
a cross-country rider
from Riverside, CA
Date Reviewed: October 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I hate to keep this so short but I don't have much to say. This stem is incredible. I have had it for a year now and I absolutely love it. It is light yet reliable. Who needs a removable face plate? It is a car stereo or a stem? I love this stem. Kore is truly the king of stems. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JL
a cross-country rider
from Montreal, Canada
Date Reviewed: October 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is my first Kore stem. What a good quality product...Didn't even last a ride. The stem threads are already stripped. I couldn't beleive this, that stem had only two full threads to tight the two hex bolts. Be careful, check the quality prior to spend any money on this Kore stem... Too bad, I cannot give less than one... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben Johnson
a cross-country rider
from Los Angeles
Date Reviewed: September 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have used the A-head lite stem for three years without a problem. this is one of the cheaper models from Kore but in my book is far superior than most stems out there. You can get an Elite Kore Stem with the removable front clamp, which is very nice also. I dont change my bars very often, and this stem is very stiff, so its perfect for me. Nice products KORE! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mikey
a racer
from Colorado
Date Reviewed: July 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
These things rock. I don't know what's up with the misalignments and the seizing/striped bolts (try greasing the bolts next time). The lite stems are just that, plus they're super stiff. I'm not a lightweight either at 190 lbs and I've found that the fastest lines are usually the most agressive ones, so this thing has been beaten. It's lasted for four years now and I've got a new one for my new bike (amazing since I rarely find things I truly would buy again). Buy this stem | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jochen
a cross-country rider
from Austria
Date Reviewed: June 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
hey, is there somebody who can buy glasses for the guy that forged my stem - he managed to displace the tube where the bar is fixed by 2mm - I mean the stem has a real good design, it looked very nice on my Zaskar - but for the price I paid I expected a better product. It´s really a pitty!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg Durnning
a cross-country rider
from Idaho
Date Reviewed: May 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had a Kore stem for three years, first off its the best I have ever ridden. The stickers are just now coming off, I sent a letter to Kore, and they sent me two new style stickers. These stickers will not come off, they are one piece. I suggest to the people with the sticker problems to do what I did and call or send a letter to Kore with the size stem you are using. they took care of me, and for that they get five! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Skiver
a
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: May 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Good stem. BUT I'M PISSED ABOUT THE DAMN DECALS!! I only bought it 2 weeks and the bloody stickers are all gone@!@#!@!!# It's okay for me cause I'm not particular about looks, but hey, where the hell is the VALUE FOR MONEY factor?? But it still works great as a stem. Strong and stiff. But given a choice, I'll kiss the Kores goodbye.This only gets 2 chilis...... Damn Decals! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Evan Hollander
a racer
from South Florida
Date Reviewed: May 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
First Kore stem I got from LBS was misaligned at the steerer clamp, returned for one that has misaligned handlebar clamp. I guess some type of jig for assembly id to advanced for indonesia or whereever these chunks of shit come from. Kore decals also peel off at 39.6 mph. ROTTEN TO THE KORE!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Toni
a cross-country rider
from Nashville
Date Reviewed: May 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had this stem for about 3 months and the bolts seized. Then when tring to get the bolt out they stripped. This all happened with in a weeks time. I liked the stem to bad it had to get thrown away. I have heard of this thing happening to others. 1 Chili. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
arne
a cross-country rider
from sweden
Date Reviewed: May 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
It locks really cool and it is so good no flex here and it is although very light
the only bad thing is stickers that doesn't sit tight for so long.
It is very cheap for this kind of stem.
I think this one is one of the better stems on the market, that's five stars of course!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a racer
from Beaverton
Date Reviewed: May 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I busted or cracked 3 lower end stems on a full suspension bike, I got the Kore and this thing is bullet-proof! No flex, no nothing this stem is a piece of machinery..if Kore keeps cranking out stuff like this, it looks like I'll be upgrading more stuff on my LTS-1.. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jhune Reyes
a racer
from Guam, USA
Date Reviewed: April 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
It's beefier than Chef Boyardee! I am amazed with the design, weight and performance.
I was trying to get the Elite but couldn't get the size I need (120mm 0 deg). I am not
disappointed since this stem is probably what I need anyway. I owned a bike for almost
2 years and never needed a quick release faceplate (I don't take handlebar off often).
I only wish they will have an anodized blue color and 110mm 0deg selection in the future.
Overall it's a great value.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fred Garcia
a cross-country rider
from Mexico City, Mexico
Date Reviewed: April 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I use my bike everyday. It has a kore stem that is very strong. Its black with 135mm and has a 10 degre raise. I am a messenger in town and compete in all the local races. I am next buying the kore lite3 stem with the removable cap for the handlebars | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Boy
a cross-country rider
from CA
Date Reviewed: March 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had 2 KORES (an aheadlite and an AWESOME Elite). Over the span of 4 yrs I've swaped them on and off 4 different bikes, flipped them over for Cross riding, you name it.
I've had absolutely no problems whatsoever. I think the LBS below is covering
their own inept mechanics (heehee) Hey its just a stem but the ELITE looks sooo cool. Great idea w/ the removable faceplate.
Unless you're a monkey, you can't go wrong. Great Quality product | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean Stodelle
a racer
from Yucaipa, CA
Date Reviewed: March 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchased a '97 GT LTS-1 and this stem came stock on the bike. I immediately noticed after my first ride that the headset had vibrated loose. I tightened it, and it happened again. I took it to the LBS and they opened and said it wasn't the headset, but the way the top cap sat on the stem. They replaced the top cap and threw in another spacer. When they tightened it, they didn't get it quite straight, so when I got home, I straightened it and while retightening it, I heard a pop. It seemed that the lower threads stripped out, and I wasn't even close to the final tightening process. I called the LBS, and they said to bring it in. The contacted KORE who sent one out the next day. While the LBS was tightening the stem, pop it happened again. They reordered another and got it put on. Then, last week, I was servicing my forks. As I loosened the stem to remove the forks, I noticed that a lot of the threads seemed to have backed out with the screw. After the service, I attempted to put it back on, but the bolt just spun. Again, I took it to the LBS and they ordered another one. I now have a brand new KORE stem that I really don't want to put back on any of my bikes. Even the LBS agreed with me that KORE products are over-priced, heavy, and don't last worth a S--T! Even my KORE seatpost is giving me problems, but that's a differant posting. For the price of one of these pieces of crap, you could by a lighter, cheaper, and longer lasting stem. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Punter
a weekend warrior
from Sydney Australia
Date Reviewed: February 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The Kore Lite StemAttractive - Yes
Built Strong - Yes
Clever Design - Yes
Bright Yellow - Yes
Expensive in Australia - Yes
Did I want one on my bike - Yes
Straight - No
Do I have an Azonic Shorty on mt bike now - Yes
Based on this experience, would I buy anything Kore again - NoHow can a company of this size and product reputation join two pieces of metal at the wrong angle? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gram Fishbach
a racer
from Richfield, Utah
Date Reviewed: December 25, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have been racing with the Lite stem for two years then switched to the elite.This is the baddest stem I have ever used. Totally responsive and great looks.I have a 120mm with a zero rise. It came with Ti bolts and a trick removable front clamp, what more could you ask for? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lancer
a weekend warrior
from Northridge, CA
Date Reviewed: December 19, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I just replaced my Control Tech 120 10 degree stem with the Kore
105 10 degree. The reason for the change was initially to
get a shorter stem (reason for the Kore 105 purchase). The 105 fits me
much better, but the quality of the Kore over the Control Tech
is apparent. The Copntrol Tech is good, but the Kore is even
better. Buy the Kore, it is sturdier, for the few dollars more you will be
happier. Kore offers more sizes too. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
GUS
a cross-country rider
from Minnesota
Date Reviewed: November 25, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This is a great stem! Nice and lite. Very stiff. Make sure to buy the right size. I found out the hard way I bought a 120mm and it changed the way it climbed, Before I had a 135. Like I said it is great. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
leonard fancher
a racer
from anch. ak
Date Reviewed: November 18, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
fair used stem for three years,after a couple of bar changes the clamp
ends started to touch probably from over tighting other wise,i would buy
another good looks | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Southerland
a cross-country rider
from Scottsdale, Az
Date Reviewed: November 10, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I use a 135mill, 10 degree on my Moho. It really compliments my ride with its stiffness and strenght, good looks too! Keep up the great products! To Joe Hall (previos reveiw), my friends ride pro and they DONOT change their stems after every race! I have never herd of any type of failure with any brand stem as the one you had. I suggest you send it back to Kore for replacement! It must have been a defect in the material batch as the workmanship is excellant. Good luck! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Hall
a weekend warrior
from Georgia
Date Reviewed: November 5, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
The stem looks nice. BUT IT BROKE!!!!!!!!! After a few rides the stem snapped and pealed down. Luckily when it gave I was not going fast and it left me some material to dampen the break. I may have gotten a bad one BUT IT BROKE. And my chest cavity lived to tell about it. I don't see how all these pros are racing downhill on the stuff. Maybe it's replaced after each run. Be careful. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Billy Fisher
a downhiller
from Durango, co.
Date Reviewed: November 5, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I use a 120mm-25deg on my down hill rig and a 120-10 on my cross country bike. I have tried alot of other stems, I had problems with them creaking ,cracking and also flex. The Kore stems eliminated all these problems I had in the past. I also use the Kore QR's. Great products!! Thanks. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marc Loney
a weekend warrior
from sf, CA
Date Reviewed: October 13, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a new KORE stem and tried to put it one my bike with my chris king headset. It would not fit because the stem surfaces were not completely flat. Tried to return it to KORE to have it fixed or replaced, but it's turned into a major hassle. I have had great luck with KORE products in the past, but this experience has ruined my opinion of KORE. Very dissapointed!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Keeling
a weekend warrior
from Pittsburgh, PA
Date Reviewed: October 2, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Just got the new Kore Lite3 stem. front plate come off with three screws, kinda cool, light and strong. Way better than the stock flexy stem my bike came with. looks cool. checked out all the stems i could this one seemed the best for the money. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
VIGILANTE
a cross-country rider
from MI
Date Reviewed: September 17, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This is one of the best stems on the market. It is light, strong, economical, looks good, and has a great knee-saver design. If you are a handlebar swapper you might want to try one of the new removable face Kores. For ANY rider, hardcore, or racer for that matter, you can not beat the Kore's price/performance ratio. Go out and buy one right now! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dog vomit
a weekend warrior
from sf bay area
Date Reviewed: May 23, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This stem looks and performs very good. Those of you who have stripped your bolts need to remember that you are working with aluminum! It did suck when I had to change to riser bars. Had to bend the shit out of the thing to keep from scratching the bars. I hope I dont experience a stress crack now | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bikin bob
a cross-country rider
from almost heaven, west virginia
Date Reviewed: May 23, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I got the new Lite III. Lower price than the elite, with a removable faceplate unlike the lite. No creaks, good workmanship, looks cool. Get one!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Devore
a racer
from Durango, Colorado
Date Reviewed: February 1, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This stem rules! It is light, simple, stiff and gives me no headaches. It also makes my bike look really cool! I won't use any other stem on my bike. I have been using Kore stems on my race bikes since they first came out and now I see all the pro's using them. I know a few pro's that would rather race with kore stems for free than get paid to use something else. I highly recommend Kore stems they are the BEST!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Silvers
a cross-country rider
from Novi, Michigan
Date Reviewed: January 21, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This stem is a quality product, but mine in particular is
lacking in attention to detail in one glaring way. The
stem clincher bolts are too long, drawing blood from my
knee when I get a little wild out there! It's really
a pain in the knee. If you don't mind occasional BLOOD
loss, buy this good deal of a stem. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean Vaksman
a cross-country rider
from Highland Park, IL
Date Reviewed: January 18, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have been using the KORE aheadlite stem for almost a year without any sort of problems. It's a great stem and it looks super on any bike! I suggest paying the extra 5-10 bucks for a red one! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tad Piesakowski
a cross-country rider
from London, England
Date Reviewed: December 4, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
For low weight, low price, and aesthetics (particularly the steerer-tube clamp arrangement) nothing beats it.Stripped threads DO seem to be a problem (I haven't managed it, but a bike shop that was working on my bike managed it), but KORE would appear to have a good replacement policy.One complaint: On recent models the steerer tube clinch bolts appear to be too long a now stick out of the die (they didn't on my previous KORE stem) thereby negating the knee-saver design somewhat.NOT INTENDED AS A DOWNHILL STEM - try KORE`s new one for that. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Edward Sholl
a cross-country rider
from Victoria, Australia
Date Reviewed: November 22, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
Normally I enjoy Shimano-type quiet, reliable products, but the Kore stem just
looks SOOO sweet. It feels very secure, and the stem bolts are very cleverly
knee-proof. Not having a removeable front clamp is annoying, but really, how
often do you change your stem? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve KAfasis
a cross-country rider
from Cranbury,NJ
Date Reviewed: October 23, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
This stem is great for the lightness factor. It is stiff which is good. I have seen stem bolts strip on ones that come into the shop that I work at. One of the problems may be that the stem is mass produced by Kalloy in Taiwan. They are only produced in California if they have a great deal on back order. It is a good stem I would give it 2 and a half out of five | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Anthony Lounsbery
a cross-country rider
from Springfield, MO
Date Reviewed: October 16, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
The Kore stem is a great product and I would recommend it to anyone.
I have had great success with mine and the performance is great.
Kore, keep up the good work. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad OConnell
a cross-country rider
from Hammond,Louisiana
Date Reviewed: October 9, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had my KORE stem for over a year and I have to say it has been a great stem. Light,cool looking,affordable and reliable. The trickest of trick parts. Killer Off Road Equiptment. Get one in yellow. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Grand Pooh Bear
a cross-country rider
from USA
Date Reviewed: July 24, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I've been riding my Kore stem for a few months now, and I love it. What more could anyone ask? It's extremely stiff while maintaining light weight and priced below $70. My particular stem is one of fine craftsmanship, contrary to those unfortunate souls who have had poor luck with them. My guess is that they are few and far between. I highly recommend this stem to those who are weight conscious, like myself, but do not want to pay top dollar. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a downhiller
from California
Date Reviewed: July 4, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
This stem worked well for about 1 year. It is very stiff, using ovalized tubing to accomplish this. But, one day when I was working on my bike, I reinstalled the stem and the lower cinch bolt stripped. I did not overtighten it - I had just began to tighten it down. I don't know if this is a prblem inherent in this stem, but after it happened, I went to another brand. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick
a cross-country rider
from Australia
Date Reviewed: June 24, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I really like this stem it is light, strong and available in a large range of sizes. One of my friends also has one of these stems but he managed to bend his and he cannot work out how. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ron Aclan
a racer
from Grover Beach, CA
Date Reviewed: June 13, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had the Kore stem on my bike for over a year now and have yet to experience
any defects or performance problems. To the contrary of a few others who have posted reviews my stem exemplifies true quality craftsmanship...perfect alignment, fit and finish.
I have even taken a few pretty bad diggers and it has been a champ through it all.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a cross-country rider
from Mississippi
Date Reviewed: June 9, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
Light, stiff, favorable hype&flash index rating. Really, Really like the
smoothed in clamp bolt design (haven't snagged anything on it yet, and it's
not for lack of trying :^) Creaks some, but it's not annoying. Key feature:
hasn't broken yet. Yeah, thumbs up (and I've still got both!).
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron Leighton
a cross-country rider
from San Luis Obispo, CA
Date Reviewed: June 3, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I have been using the KORE stem on my GT Avalanche LE for over 8 months and have
had no problems. The construction is excellent and I like the clamp design because
I don't hit my knees on any sharp bolts. Also, it is the best selling stem at the
bike shop I work at and we have yet to have any complaints.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a racer
from Boston, Ma
Date Reviewed: April 27, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
Good design, poor construction. Changed the height of my stem and when I
tightened the steerer tube hex bolts one stripped. I wasn't putting any
outrageous force when tightening either. Ended up helcoiling (sp?) it. You get
what you pay for. Before you buy take a look at one closely.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Kenney
a cross-country rider
from Reseda, CA
Date Reviewed: March 12, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
The Kore stem I was convinced would be better than a Syncros turned
out to be a lemmon. The bottom surface of the steer clamp was milled
2deg away from flat, making the upper headset race sit cockeyed. The
extension tube was not welded straightly to the steer clamp, nor to
the bar clamp. I was very dissatisfied.
| | Overall Rating: |
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