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Submitted by
Paul Engman
a Weekend Warrior
from Stockholm, Sweden
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Bob Sled Trail, Salt Lake City, Utah | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$80.00 | | Purchased At: | CykelCity Stockholm Sweden | | Strengths: | Stiffy says it all. Superstrong and zeroflex. | | Weaknesses: | Cant find any weakness on this product. | | Similar Products Used: | Kalloy Uno, Kore Lite, Zoom | | Bike Setup: | Giant AC2, RS Psylo XC, Öhlins Racing Rearsuspensinon, Full XT, Hope C2 brakes, Profile Riserbar, Flite Gel, Nokian Gazza 2,6 front, Hunchington Octopus 2,3 rear. | | Bottom Line: | A great stem that works for all kind of biking. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lefty
a Cross Country Rider
from Cincinnati
Date Reviewed: October 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Nebo Ridge , IN | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$29.00 | | Purchased At: | Online | | Strengths: | STIFF. Looks brutally strong. 3 bolt holder for bars. An Aftermarket stem that fits my 1.5 steerer tubed Cannondale! | | Weaknesses: | A little heavy, but that means strength! | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Coda (Stock)85mm length by 35 degree rise. | | Bike Setup: | 2002 Jekyll 1000 w/lefty fork, magura Louise FR discs, Easton risers, Sram Gripshifters, Thompson Post, Time pedals, Sun Singletrack rims on coda hubs, Conti Vertical ProTection 2.3s, a 4X4 inch FS 30 Lb trail bike for sure. It's all good under a clydesdale warrior like me! | | Bottom Line: | This really is Stiffer than the CODA stems that come on Cdales, I prefer that feel so that I can get better feedback from the front end. I have the 105mm long by 14 degree incline and these are "flipable" for you XC racers. So far so Good. Time will tell on durability. I dont forsee issues. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Badger
a Weekend Warrior
from England
Date Reviewed: October 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Red Bull | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Use it with Profile carbon bars on a Ti hardtail and Marzzochi Xflys. It is a very stiff setup that makes the forks look the weakest part. the longish stem (120mm zero rise) helps to make it steer very quickly through rooty singletrack switchbacks which is where I have used it most. Clamp design is good but a shame I didnt get the titanium bolts as the steel ones are rusting already. Nice name and lazer etched graphics. Good value compared to a Race Face or easton equivalent. | | Weaknesses: | Rusting bolts! | | Similar Products Used: | None as good | | Bike Setup: | Airborne Lucky Strike Ti hardtail with Sram 9.0sl rear mech and shifters, Shimano Hollowtech crank, XTR front mech, Hope hubs and mini discs on Mavic 317 rims | | Bottom Line: | Well priced stem which does its job very well and allows easy bar removal. Nice finish too. Loads of sizes to suit. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kelvin
a Cross Country Rider
from Wiltshire, England
Date Reviewed: October 2, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Now stiffer than old two bolt version | | Weaknesses: | Steel bolts replaced the nice Ti bolts - rust, but its no big problem | | Bike Setup: | Ti hardtail with pace and other Uk stuff | | Bottom Line: | Well I heard about the recall after I'd done a race and I phoned the Uk distributer for profile who are called Madison. The guy I talked to basically said they'd had a few failures and I could probably safely keep using it. Being an Engineer I just did not trust him and instead directly e-mailed profile US telling them of the advice I was given. They promptly said to ship it to them for a brand new stem and they would refund the small shipping charge. A week later I get a nice new trustable stem which is slightly more weighty but stiffer.
Anyone in the Uk - take care when dealing with madison - I was not amused to find out the advice they gave was a pile of sh&t.
Five chillis to Profile USA for prompt service. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: March 3, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Stiff, unique looks, wide assortment of lengths & rises,
well made, cool name. | | Weaknesses: | None for the 3-bolt handlebar clamp model. | | Similar Products Used: | Ritchey, Syncros, Salsa, Kore | | Bike Setup: | Jamis Dakar Team | | Bottom Line: | I am now riding with the 2nd Stiffy stem I've bought, on a
new bike I just built up. This is an excellent product. It is very stiff, comes in a wide assortment of lengths & rises, making it easy to get that "just right" fit.
I've had no problems in the past year with the 3-bolt clamp model. The previous post about a recall was for the old 2-bolt model. I have been impressed with the quality of this stem, and its unique good looks is a bonus.
Give this stem a try; you'll be pleased with your new Stiffy!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
x
a
from x
Date Reviewed: December 1, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Weaknesses: | I came across a safety recall on these listed in the Consumer Product Safety Commission website. For more information, call Profile Design toll-free at (888) 800-5999
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml01/01044.html | | Bottom Line: | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Profile Design Recall Hotline: (888) 800-5999
November 30, 2000
CPSC CONTACT: Kim Dulic
Release # 01-044
(301) 504-0580 Ext. 11183
Profile Design Contact: John Cameron
(888) 800-5999
CPSC, Profile Design Announce Recall of Bicycle Handlebar Stems
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Profile Design LLC, of Carson, Calif., is voluntarily
recalling about 8,000 mountain bike handlebar stems. The stem connects the bicycle's handlebars to the fork. These stems can break during use, causing the bicycle
rider to crash and suffer serious injuries.
Profile Design has received reports of six riders crashing when the stems on their bicycles broke, resulting in teeth injuries, bruises and abrasions.
This recall only involves "Stiffy"TM threadless mountain bike stems. Threadless stems clamp directly around the fork's steering tube. These stems were sold
individually, and also on custom-built bicycles and in bicycle parts kits distributed by:
Porter Frames
Slingshot Bicycle Co.
Cicili Fondriest
Javelin Cycle
Hillside Mountain Cycles
Security Bicycle Accessories
Mountain Cycle
Ellsworth Bicycles
G. Joannou Cycle Co.
Simo Cycle Corp.
Jamis Bicycles
Samchulu Bicycle Co.
Softride Bicycle Co.
The recalled stems have "Profile" and "Stiffy" written on them. The rear portion of the steer tube clamp is sharply angled (45 degrees) at the top and the front
handlebar clamp has two bolts. The recalled stems were sold in black, red, blue, yellow and cream.
Independent bicycle dealers nationwide sold bicycles and parts kits with these stems and individual stems from March 1997 through April 2000. The stems sold for
about $50.
Consumers should stop using bicycles with these stems immediately, and either call Profile Design to get a free replacement stem, or return the bicycle with the
recalled stem to a Profile-Design retailer to have the stem replaced free of charge. For more information, call Profile Design toll-free at (888) 800-5999 between
8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday. "Stiffy"TM stems with "Profile Design" written on the side and that have three bolts on the handlebar clamp are not
included in the recall.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission protects the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death from 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. To
report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270, or visit CPSC's web site at
http://www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. For information on CPSC's fax-on-demand service, call the above numbers or visit the web site at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/103.html. To order a
press release through fax-on-demand, call (301) 504-0051 from the handset of your fax machine and enter the release number. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information at
CPSC's web site at http://www.cpsc.gov. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a Racer
from Nova Scotia, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Wrandees | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Light, Reasonably Stiff, Cheap, Looks cool | | Weaknesses: | Threads stripped after about 9 months | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized, Thomson | | Bike Setup: | 99 Kona Kula | | Bottom Line: | It was light, pretty stiff, priced right, and matched the paint on my Kula. Stood up to the technical stuff well. One day I was loosening the steer tube clamp bolts to change the steerer on my fork, and the the threads on the stem (not the bolt)stripped. Helicoiled it, and put a new bolt in, worked fine. Then I was changing my handlebar, and the same thing happened at the bar clamp. While it worked, it was great. 1 for durability, 5 for everything else. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Darren Weagly
a Cross Country Rider
from Baltimore
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Loch Raven | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Cheap, looks good, stiff, gets the job done with no hassle. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Control Tech | | Bike Setup: | Bontrager Race with with SunRhyno Lite-XTR Hub wheels. Race Face Cranks, Seatpost, and bars. | | Bottom Line: | Went from 135 mm 5 degree rise Control Tech to a 120 mm 10 degree rise Stiffee: best purchase I've made yet for my bike and my riding. I know changing the geometry has added to the stability of my bike, but above and beyond that the Stiffee feels more sturdy and sure thru technical trails. Great buy for a great price. Looks cool, too. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
crazy bob
a Cross Country Rider
from flagstaff,az
Date Reviewed: February 22, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | all of arizona | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | stem(s) look good and are priced right(around $55) | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | too many to list | | Bike Setup: | 5 mountain bikes. too much stuff to list | | Bottom Line: | i have 2 different STIFFY stems. The old 2-bolt stem on my 1997 Proflex Beast and the new OS stem(3 bolt) on my 1999 Cannondale SV500. The CDale stem is proportionally bigger than the Proflex stem (1 1/2 vs 1 1/8). I am quite happy with both stems and it is nice to have a reasonably priced alternative to the basic C-Dale EOM stem.Mine are both 135mm with 12 degree rise. I say "try it, you'll like it." | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Thomas
a Cross-Country Rider
from Fayetteville, Ga
Date Reviewed: October 9, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Windridge | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Everything.Great company. | | Weaknesses: |
none | | Similar Products Used: |
Cannondale stems | | Bike Setup: |
Cannondale F3000
Ultra fork
XTR, King hubs | | Bottom Line: | Great stem for any Cannondale driver.The company really stands behind there product and you never get an answering machine when you call.Iweigh 200 lbs and no problems yet. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
FRANCISCO DILER
a Cross-Country Rider
from TORREON COAH.
Date Reviewed: August 22, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
THE QUALITY OF THIS STEM IS VERY GOOD. ITS STIFF
AND VERY LIGHT PLUS I LIKE THE SLIM LOOK OF ITS DIAMOND SHAPE. | | Weaknesses: |
NONE | | Similar Products Used: |
I´VE TRIED ANSWER, KORE, CONTROL TECH. | | Bike Setup: |
MY RIDE IS A MOUNTAIN CYCLE MOHO CXS
WITH MANITOU SX TI FORK | | Bottom Line: | ALL AROUND GOOD STEM. MINE CAME WITH THE LASER ETCHED NAMES. NO PROBLEM WITH PAINT EITHER. INSTALLATION WAS VERY EASY.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joa
a Cross-Country Rider
from Karlsruhe
Date Reviewed: July 23, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
low weight, looks | | Weaknesses: |
flex, color chips off easily | | Similar Products Used: |
Bontrager race light 80mm/10 | | Bike Setup: |
Gary Fisher HT, 6degree flat bar | | Bottom Line: | Does Stiify imply it's stiff? Well, it is not. It flexes a lot, only riders who are light themselves should use this light product.
BTW: I don't understand the reviews here that rate 1 because of Kore-like design. Imagine ALL products on this site were rated suchlike...
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jason
a Cross-Country Rider
from columbus, ohio
Date Reviewed: June 18, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
looks cool | | Weaknesses: |
I rode a stiffy on my trials bike for three months... broke in half. | | Similar Products Used: |
Kore, Azonic, Salsa | | Bike Setup: |
16 Ridged GT Avalanche | | Bottom Line: | Don't waste your money. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick
a Downhiller
from Denver
Date Reviewed: May 14, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
White Ranch | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Does not creak, seems to be machined quite well | | Weaknesses: |
Paint chips easily | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized Ti stem that creaked a lot | | Bike Setup: |
Seven Sola, SID 80mm | | Bottom Line: | Pretty cheap and it works well | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mountain Dewed
a Weekend Warrior
from Philly, PA
Date Reviewed: May 14, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
O'Hara Trails | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Stiff
Removable face-plate
Great finish
Excellent size variety | | Weaknesses: |
None found yet..... | | Similar Products Used: |
Control Tech | | Bike Setup: |
C'dale Hardtail
Manitou FS Ti | | Bottom Line: | First off, what else can you say about that name??
I got one of these at a great price from Profile (while working at a bike shop), great stem for the money. Profile even sent a set of Ti bolts that should have come with the stem to me about 2 weeks later (it came with Al). The decals on mine are laser-etched, so no problems with them coming off as described in posts below. I just bought a new one for my little bro from Marketplace which is yellow powdercoat, the decals on that are just vinyl, so I can see them being a problem down the line... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nat
a Weekend Warrior
from WA
Date Reviewed: April 5, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
It's in San Diego | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Easy to install | | Weaknesses: |
Decals yukk. | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized | | Bike Setup: |
97 Stumper | | Bottom Line: | Yukk, the graphics are coming off on mine. Oh well. The stem is as strong as ever, maybe I should take off half a chili for the grafix, but that would be nit picking on an otherwise fine product. Be warned potential buyers, if you are a brand freak and losing the logos upsets you, consider it before you buy. Then again, if you are a brand freak then hell, you'd get Syncros or Kore. Maybe even Dean. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross-Country Rider
from Paducah, Kentucky
Date Reviewed: April 3, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Looks good
Stiff
Strong
Removeable faceplate | | Weaknesses: |
Profile Sticker Logo | | Similar Products Used: |
You name it..... | | Bike Setup: |
Litespeed Obed
Judy SL
Chris King Wheel set | | Bottom Line: | Looks good, it can take a hit when you crash (we all do sometimes), stiff and has a removeable faceplate for the times when you need to take your bars off quickly. Get one!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Calif
Date Reviewed: March 29, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: |
none | | Weaknesses: |
copy of a Kore Lite Stem 3, but turned upside down | | Bottom Line: | Nat, What the guy is saying is that Profile has knocked off a Kore Lite Stem 3 by taking the same rear and front clamp and turning them upside down. It is a shame in this industry when this has to happen, and yes its companies like Profile that keep lawyers happy! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nat
a weekend warrior
from WA
Date Reviewed: March 4, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought mine like a month ago... Red.. 105mm with 10 degree rise. Hmm.. what is that guy who said it looked like a Kore stem talking about? Well, what else do you expect a stem to look like? Almost all frames look alike don't they? And handle bars are either rise or flat.. but you don't see em suing each other. Anyways, on to the informative part which is the purpose of this reviews page.
The cross section is like a diamond... The bolts look like they are titanium. The face of the stem is removable so you can swap stems without taking everything off of your handlebars. It's a light stem too.. I got mine for $60.00. I bought it coz my Stumper (with stock 120mm stem) gets nervous at high speeds going down slopes. The shorter Profile made it stabler.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kelvin
a racer
from England
Date Reviewed: December 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Brought mine from my trusted LBS - needed a stem with no rise to replace an old 10 degree hell stem. Went onto the steerer real smooth - close fit ensured I didn't have to torque it really hard. One of a kind looks sold me onto it, and the stiffy is stiff. One two hour blast showed it worked as well as a stem could. Great name and cool laser etched graphics - now I can boast that I've got a long, solid stiffy on my bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SteveN
a cross-country rider
from Montana
Date Reviewed: November 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Mike Kruz U sound like an idiot(previous posting). I have had my stiffy for about 6mo. I did end up using the replacement warrenty and the area rep swapped it at no cost. The stem is stiff and light, a real performer. The new 3 bolt design will be an added improvement for 1999. Good product & company | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JOHN
a cross-country rider
from BLOOMFIELD, NJ
Date Reviewed: October 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I'VE HAD MY STIFFY FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS NOW AND HAVE NOTHING TO COMPLAIN
ABOUT. WHAT CAN I SAY. IT'S STIFF LIGHT AND MY BARS HAVEN'T LOOSENED ONE BIT.
AND I RIDE REALLY TECHNICAL ROCKY TERRAIN.I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMEND IT TO
ANYONE.I'M THINKING ABOUT GETTING A PROFILE SEATPOST ALSO. IF ANY ONE HAS
HAD EXPERIENCE WITH IT I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR GOOD OR BAD. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Curtis McDonald
a cross-country rider
from Virginia Beach
Date Reviewed: October 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I had this stem on my Mantra Race and it never let me down. It lives up to its name and looks good doing it. I've used this stem in every condition from weekend fun rides to 3 day adventure races. Numerous friends of mine have stiffys and brag about them as well. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike kruz
a cross-country rider
from So Cal
Date Reviewed: September 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Shame, Shame, Shame on you Profile, I came by your booth at the trade show in Vegas and saw your new stems that looked just like a Kore Lite 3 stem that I use on my Xcountry bike. Except your stem was upside down, Same front and rear clamps with your square tube, What gives? Does kore know about this? do you licence this from them? You should probably stick with your own design! I cant give a zero chile because of somebody elses design, so I will give you one | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BS
a cross-country rider
from NC
Date Reviewed: September 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Bought this stem to replace a non-removable face Syncros stem (to install a Profile riser bar). Sweet stem. Lighter than the Syncros and just as stiff. The finish is superior to Syncros - the logos are etched rather than cheap stickers. Also Profile stuff is cheaper and has a lifetime warranty! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matt
a racer
from Florida
Date Reviewed: September 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought this stem overseas in 1997 and never saw it in the states till this year. I love it. The shape is totally dirrerent from any stem I have seen being that it isn't round, but square. The real reason I wanted it though was for the name. Now my bike can have a stiffy too. | | Overall Rating: |
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