CNC machined 6061-T6 uses no welds in the construction, giving it incredible strength and durability. Available in a wide range of sizes and colors to give your steed some hot rod charm.
Submitted by
Chuck
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise, Idaho Date Reviewed: September 17, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$10.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
Looks cool. Does what it's supposed to.
Bike Setup:
Steel Hardtail.
Bottom Line:
This is the best looking stem out there. I could drop about 100 grams with something else that's just as sturdy but I like the way it blings my bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fooman
a Weekend Warrior
from Paisley, Scotland Date Reviewed: April 20, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Third one from the left
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
Chain reaction cycles
Strengths:
Easy set up, strength, looks
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Trek non-descript thai special
Bike Setup:
Trek 6000, Rock Shox, Raceface, Kore, X-Lite, Hope
Bottom Line:
Fantastic Stem, not a sound, rattle or hum for the last 2 years.
Set it up and left it, it fits my Kore bar perfectly, theres no rust, and its hardly even chipped which is amazing given my frame is on its way out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ivan
a
from C-Springs Date Reviewed: July 26, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Pancake Rocks
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
CBO or Jenson
Strengths:
Cheap. THese are on closeout everywhere.
Weaknesses:
none yet
Bike Setup:
full rigid
Bottom Line:
I bought this stem because it was on sale at one of the online stores. You can find them ~ 50% of MSRP. Nice 4 bolt front and 2 bolt stem clamps. Stem has held up well to my SS ways.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ferd
a Weekend Warrior
from Cumming, Ga Date Reviewed: June 7, 2005
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
solid no brainer installation
Similar Products Used:
Kore Thompson
Bike Setup:
K2 5000 LT raceface thompson easton mavic
Bottom Line:
This was great stem. It twisted aprox 12 to 15 deg. I called raceface and the said they never heard of one of these stems twisting. ha da easton ec70 bar it cracked at the interface but did not break. raceface said they would look at the stem and probably replace it. I hope so if not 5 years is a good run
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross Country Rider
from OH Date Reviewed: December 19, 2004
Favorite Trail:
vultures knob
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
strong, stiff, works
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Kore elite (stripped threads), deus
Bike Setup:
Titus switchblade, RF next cranks, Marz forks, Mavic 3.1rims on Sh XT hubs, RF stem, Thomson seatpost, candy pedals, WTB saddle, Cane creek headset, Hutch spyder ust tires, Avid discs, Rogue lock on grips and some other stuff.
Bottom Line:
I've used it for 1.5 years and had no problems. stiff and rigid. I actually bought a used one on ebay and then a new one because I liked it so much and could not resist the price. The used one had some rust on the bolts, which are supposedly rust proof? Race face sent me new bolts, what a great company. I've replaced it with the RF Deus though because I needed something shorter on my new bike and had one laying around. You can get these on ebay brand new for a good price too.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
eric hadzima
a Cross Country Rider
from rockville md Date Reviewed: November 30, 2004
Favorite Trail:
patapsco
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$18.00
Purchased At:
performance
Strengths:
looks great . avilible in many colors and its a part that you put on and leave alone . the bolts are super strong and wont strip
great for a rider that wants to make his or her ride different from another . oh yah there on sale now for like 20 bucks on line
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tony
a Weekend Warrior
from Earth Date Reviewed: July 4, 2004
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Super stiff No noise
Weaknesses:
Not one-piece design like Thomson
Similar Products Used:
Thomson Ritchey
Bike Setup:
Yeti ARC
Bottom Line:
As if another positive review is needed...
When you install a stem and never hear from it again (I mean that literally), you know it works. Combined with the RaceFace bar, it's completely silent. Only wish the stem came as a one-piece design - but when it works this well, I realize I'm nitpicking.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mark b.
a Weekend Warrior
from ft wayne, in Date Reviewed: May 28, 2004
Favorite Trail:
unblocked!
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
RF! Stiff, does not flex; good looks -- "ruggedly handsome"
Weaknesses:
limited compatability
Similar Products Used:
RF Prodigy, Profile BOA, OEM crap
Bike Setup:
motobecane x4b2.0, black fork, xt crank, deore-sunDS-2, profile carbon riser
Bottom Line:
a perfect match for the bar! there is NO movement in this combo, no noise, nothing but pure transfer of rider input. Light (makes the whole bike feel 2 lb lighter)w/ the carbon bar, and is a pleasure to the fingers (when i roll it in & out of work for commutes, i steer by the stem). After the extra time on this combo, I can only say YEAAHH, BABY YEAAHH!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mark b.
a Weekend Warrior
from ft wayne, in, usa Date Reviewed: February 25, 2004
Favorite Trail:
the one in front of me
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
exotic looks, stiff (so far)
Weaknesses:
limited success with other bars, works best w/ my profile carbon
Similar Products Used:
RF prodigy, profile BOA
Bike Setup:
black fork, profile carbon riser, XT, deore/sun ds-2
Bottom Line:
can't flex the stem or the bars! stiff, light (lighter bar/stem combo than my bar alone!). doesn't work near as well w/ the titec bar i have, so be careful of the bar you use with it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doug
a Weekend Warrior
from Cleveland, oh, USA Date Reviewed: October 4, 2003
Favorite Trail:
streets
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Looks damn cool, respect from the name alone causes people to tremble in my wake, or perhaps it's the lightning bolts I conjure up from my fingertips to strike down the unworthy... One of the two.
Weaknesses:
The System stem has a SHORT clamp height on the steer tube- Beware! If you ever want to replace it, think about using shims to make up the difference, or suffer the consequences of needing a new fork, as well, because not many stems will fit afterwards, especially stock and/or cheapie replacements. It's more expensive than most.
Similar Products Used:
stock crap, stock on Schwinns, stock on Treks, Titec (who hasn't?)
Bike Setup:
Pre-bankruptcy Schwinn Mesa GSX, with an 'under construction' sign hanging around its neck. '04 marz MX Comp with ETA due in three days!
Bottom Line:
As a large, 6'3", 275lb man, I can assure you that the pressures I exert on this stem will be greater than anything you can come up with in your wildest imaginations. Even buying this used (very nice condition), I have yet to have a single problem with it, other than needing new spacers to compensate for the shorter clamp height. PLEASE NOTE: stems such as these are aluminum, and have a set amount of torque that they can take before the mounting threads stretch. DO NOT yank on the bolts like an ape- you're being as counterproductive as possible. TO all those who hate this stem because it loosens up in 20 minutes or whatever, you've gone too far already. No amount of grease, or locktite, or praying to your favorite God will help you now. You MIGHT get away with Heli-Coiling the holes and starting over with less torque. Even Heli-coils, though, have torque limits. You do NOT need to crank down on one of these things to get it tight! Max torque should be around 15lbs/ft? It's only a little bolt!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gary White
a Cross Country Rider
from London, UK Date Reviewed: September 13, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Old Springs Trail, Marin, Ca
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
Cycle Surgery, London, UK
Strengths:
Very strong, quite low weight, no movement or creaking - an excellent clamping system, good range of sizes and degrees of rise
Weaknesses:
Absolutely none apart from price, but you get what you pay for....
Similar Products Used:
Race Face Prodigy, Easton EA50 & 70
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight A (2001 frame), Fox Float RLC 100mm forks, Mavic Crossmax XL wheelset, Panaracer UST Trailblaster tires, Race Face Turbine LP crankset, XT cassette, Sachs PC69 chain, Race Face stem, carbon Monkeylite bars and seat post, Shimano 959 pedals, XTR shifers and mechs, Hope Mini brakeset
Bottom Line:
Another excellent Race Face product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Daniel
a Weekend Warrior
from Greensboro Date Reviewed: August 28, 2003
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
EBAY
Strengths:
I never had to think about it
Weaknesses:
Heavy. but that makes it strong
Bike Setup:
Airborne,XT,XTR,fox forx
Bottom Line:
I bought this stem two and half years ago. You know its good when you don't think about it. I have taken it apart to remove the fork and the handler bars several time and i never worried about strippen the bolts. its a good stem
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Grand Forks, ND Date Reviewed: April 24, 2003
Submitted by
Charlie Doble
a Cross Country Rider
from San Juan, Puerto Rico Date Reviewed: May 5, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$62.00
Purchased At:
Jenson USA
Strengths:
Strong, stiff, relatively light, and looks awesome to boot.
Weaknesses:
Whatever!
Similar Products Used:
Thomson Elite
Bike Setup:
Trek Y2K 7000, XT hollowtech splined cranks, XT cassette, XT shifter/lever set, XTR V-Brakes, XTR rear and front der., Race Face Air Alloy Flat Bars and Good n'Evil grips, Cane Creek Ergo Control bar ends, Mavic CrossRide Wheels, Race Face XY seatpost, Race Face System Stem, Selle Itallia Prolink TransAm saddle, Time ATAC pedals, Salsa Skewers and Lip-Lock seat collar, SRAM PC-99 chain, Hutchinson Python Gold front tire, Hutchinson Mosquito Gold rear tire, hell, the only stock component left is the metal flake yellow frame...!
Bottom Line:
Excellent stem. And since I previously used a Thomson Elite, it really had enormous shoes to fill. Absolutely no creaking or noises (lightly greased all screws and threads with Finish Line Teflon Grease before installation, obviously). Very stiff, makes me feel very secure no matter what type of terrain I tackle. RaceFace has earned my respect!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
grant
a Cross Country Rider
from sale, victoria,australia Date Reviewed: March 6, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$80.00
Strengths:
Looks good, and finishes my bike with its other raceface bits.
Weaknesses:
It creaks and moans and makes more noise than the rest of my bike and my mate's bike put together.
Similar Products Used:
Syncros, Azonic
Bike Setup:
80mm Hardtail (Reyolds 853 now Ti)
Bottom Line:
The stem seems to work fine. It just makes so much bloody noise. I tried to fault find my front end creaks and ruled out the stem because it was from "raceface". What a joke. It takes more than a good name to be successful for the long term. If this stem performed as advertised I would certainly recommend it to my friends and also buy another myself, but it doesn't. Raceface just lost another half dozen potential sales. That doesn't make good sense to anyone, even a top canadian company like Raceface. They must have known from R and D that their stem design creaks, or why else does the new high-end stem design look so different. Does it work? Convince me Raceface.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle Date Reviewed: January 8, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
Came with bike
Strengths:
Seems strong
Weaknesses:
begins to flex and allows the handlebar to creak, even when installed with a torque wrench.
Similar Products Used:
Titec, Ritchey, Bontrager, etc.
Bike Setup:
Strong Frame, XT Group for the most part, assorted cool stuff.
Bottom Line:
This is my second review. I put a lot of miles on this stem, and only switched because I had to when I put a 100mm fork on the bike. When I put on the Titec Stem the handlebar creak disappeared, and I noticed a lot less flex in the handlebars.
I wouldn't buy another Raceface stem for this reason only.
So far so good with the Titec. Stiffer and lighter than the Raceface, and a more secure fit with my carbon handlebar (load is spread over a much larger faceplate).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BEAUX DUKE
a Weekend Warrior
from HAZZARD Date Reviewed: December 25, 2001
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$75.00
Purchased At:
THE BIKE SHOP
Strengths:
extremely stiff, easy to swap bars if needed, no welds so really is 120mm by 5 deg rise bcs no heat cycle and/or sloppy welding to change things
Weaknesses:
squeeks and squeeks, not too light
Similar Products Used:
stock specialized which failed catastrophically
Bike Setup:
98' stumper all xtr, king, r face, thompson, etc
Bottom Line:
this has been a very reliable stem and has only started squeeking the past 8 mths or so-can't really complain aftr 3 yrs some of which i rode quite a bit and i weigh 205 lbs-5 flamers because i'd buy another one but 4 overall bcs of the squeeking-i really feel that its a good idea to buy a stem that hasn't been welded bcs i've seen several stems at the shop that were supposed to be the same rise and many were off including one thats made by a hi-end ti frame bulder whose name rhymes with shoots!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff Danault
a Racer
from F Date Reviewed: December 22, 2001
Favorite Trail:
L
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$74.00
Purchased At:
super.com
Strengths:
Strength, good reputation
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager
Bike Setup:
Trek 8000, Mavic Crossrock, Pythons tubeless, race face system, easton Monkeylite, Crank Bros egg beaters, race face crank
Bottom Line:
No creaking here, good strength and design good reputation, no flex noticed at all.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Downhiller
from Denver Date Reviewed: November 4, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
stiff, strong, no creeks, looks sweet!
Weaknesses:
the only negative thing about this stem is the decals. they don't last more than a couple of weeks. nothing to worry about
Similar Products Used:
various other DH stems
Bike Setup:
Bullit FR/DH raceface everything
Bottom Line:
This is a stem you can strap on and forget about. I love when I never have to worry about a component coming loose or breaking, and that's the case with this stem. Quality components with great customer service...I have no problem shelling out the extra cash for that. Great investment, I give it five flamin turds!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andreas KLAUSER
a Cross Country Rider
from Feldafing Date Reviewed: October 8, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
radsport rösch munich
Strengths:
Design
Weaknesses:
decals not enduring, else see below
Similar Products Used:
Syntace, Easton, Syncros, Icon, Ritchey, Kore
Bike Setup:
Hot Chili Zymotic Hardtail, Manitou X-Vert Super, Shimano XT, Mavic Ceramic 521, Magura Quick Silver, raceface cranks
Bottom Line:
It looks very nice. Eh, but: it makes noises even with a 560mm XC bar; now I use it with a race face low riser, and it still speaks to me. And it is not as stiff as some others are (Easton, Syntace). At least it stays in the position I fixed it. While the race face cranks are definitely super, the stem is not, sorry to say. If you want a stem with similar messures and optimal performance, try to get hold of a Syntace Mega Force.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adrian D'Souza
a Cross Country Rider
from Ottawa, IL, USA Date Reviewed: October 2, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Good looks, no welds
Weaknesses:
small steerer clamp
Bottom Line:
A great looking stem that is easy to install.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex
a
from Austria Date Reviewed: October 1, 2001
This stem is the f...kin best ive ever seen. to all the people who have problems because the stem gets loose after a while... this may have to do with your steerer. I got both the SYStem and the air alloy riser and it fits perfect. I check the screws app. every month (after heavy riding). Easy install.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James H
a Cross Country Rider
from Swansea, Wales Date Reviewed: September 24, 2001
Favorite Trail:
afan agoed
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Chain Reaction
Strengths:
Looks...err...that's it.
Weaknesses:
Oh yeah. It creaks, squeals, then comes off the steerer.
Similar Products Used:
loads of other stems, some expensive, some cheap. All noteable for quietly getting on with their job.
Bike Setup:
Pace RC200F8 frame, Pace EVOIII forks, RaceFace thermoplastic headset, Hope, Shimano XT etc
Bottom Line:
Are Race Face takin' the flippin' piss? So maybe some of them work, but what has happened to their quality control? There was never a problem with stem design, but those Race Face boys have successfully made the lamest stem I have ever had the displeasure to use. I suppose it manages to hold the handlebars (Race Face ones) on, but what about the steerer? It always loosens after about half an hour of riding. I tried taking it apart and greasing the dove tail and after all that palavar ('just tap out the bolts' yeah, right)it stays tight for 40mins but creaks instead. Absolute, unmitigated tat. If it cost $20 it would be bad, but at $100??????????????????????????????????? To make things worse, I've cut down my steerer to fit it and as it has such a low steerer clamp hight I'm going to have to get another one as nothing else I know will fit.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Downhiller
from Toronto Date Reviewed: September 3, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Kelso - natural selection trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
the bike zone
Strengths:
light weight; durable; no creaking or slipping of the handlebar and steerer tube; damn good looks [black powdercoat].
Weaknesses:
I have the DH SYSem, it is so short that it doesnt have enough room on the main tube to etch the raceface logo on it, so it has the white "RF" sticker on it, which is starting to peel off - OH WELL NO BIGGIE :)
Similar Products Used:
raceface system 120mm length, specialized sworks titanium, various taiwanese threadless stems.
This stem is a component you can bolt on and never have to worry about again. it never loosens and it never creaks, no matter how hard I ride. I weigh 195lbs by the way.
Its the type of component that you dont have to upgrade ever, just like my thomson seatpost.
I've searched around for the ideal length/rise in a stem for a while now, and since I do a lot of drops/jumps/technical/or just plain urban fun, I wanted a shorter more responsive stem. The 70mm length and 15 degree rise is just perfect! I will always buy another RaceFace product again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dane
a Weekend Warrior
from Bedford, IN Date Reviewed: August 11, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$59.00
Purchased At:
Cambria Bicycle Outfitters
Strengths:
None
Weaknesses:
Flex flex flex
Similar Products Used:
Specialized, BMX stems
Bike Setup:
Intense Uzzi SLX
Bottom Line:
This stem makes all kinds of creeking and popping noises. This stem flexes more than any stem I have ever used. The last stem I used before installing this one was a relatively cheap and generic (stock specialized fsr enduro) stem that did not creek and did not flex as bad as this stem does. I thought RaceFace was supposed to make quality components for freeriding ?? You cant always believe the hype surrounding a product, I guess. I would not recommend it to anyone who jumps or wheelie drops more than 1 foot high. Needless to say, I am very disapointed in this product. I will try a Kore B52 next.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ripley Ryder
a Racer
from Possum Trot, Arkansas USA Date Reviewed: August 8, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Uphill singletrack
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
I need to sell this stem because it is the wrong size for my new bike.
Weaknesses:
It is Black and in great shape. It is 120 x 15.
Similar Products Used:
Paypal accepted.
Bike Setup:
$45 shipped
Bottom Line:
email me at RipleyRyder@excite.com for more info.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a
from Calgary, Alberta, Canada Date Reviewed: June 16, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
The Bike Shop
Strengths:
It looks cool and is rather light considering it's apparent strength.
Weaknesses:
It can't clamp the bar tight enough. It uses an odd size of bolt that I cannot find
Similar Products Used:
Syncros hinged, Control tech, Raceface Prodigy,
Bike Setup:
2000 Rocky mountain Blizzard
Bottom Line:
got this thing on sale for half price. It was missing two washers, so they grabbed them from another stem. The instructions said I needed two brass washers or I would crush my handlebar. I put the washers between the faceplate and the stem body and followed the torque specs and everything when installing it. I rode it hard for a week. Then, when I was honking on my barends on a commute, the bar slipped an inch. So, I tightened it, it still slipped. So I tightened it until it would tighten no more and snap! one of my handlebar bolts went. I cannot find the right length anywhere, except at raceface, and they are taking their sweet time sending a couple over. Raceface said they stopped using the brass washers ages ago and that it should work fine without them. But their instructions were saying otherwise. I am running the prodigy stem right now and am having no trouble. I think this stem's chilli rating could go up alot if they updated their instuctions.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ricksom
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, Canada Date Reviewed: June 13, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Strengths:
Somewhat cheap
Weaknesses:
Flexy as can be. Small clamping area to steerer tube.
Similar Products Used:
Syncros Cattlehead Thompson Elite
Bike Setup:
Rocky Instinct
Bottom Line:
This is a review of the Race Face Prodigy stem, not the high-end and expensive System stem.
The Prodigy is really a waste of money. Can't believe Race Face would even make such a product. This stem flexes and torques like you wouldn't believe. Even while holding the handlebars steady while riding over a technical section, the front wheel would jerk and slip sideways.
Immediately exchanged this department store stem for a Thompson Elite stem (which is $30 cheaper than the Race Face System stem and just as good).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Josh
a Cross Country Rider
from OHIO Date Reviewed: June 6, 2001
Favorite Trail:
vultures knob
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$54.00
Purchased At:
price point
Strengths:
stong great looking ,
Weaknesses:
NONE
Bottom Line:
buy it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kenny
a
from philadelphia Date Reviewed: April 25, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$79.00
Purchased At:
Speedgoat Bikes
Strengths:
Great looks, easy assembly/disassembly, stiff
Weaknesses:
just a little heavy for aluminium
Similar Products Used:
head shok stems, syncros
Bike Setup:
Schwinn Homegrown HT, '00 Z2 Atom 80, Race Face Low Riser Bar
Bottom Line:
Great Stem. The heavy weight has no impact on the ride and helps keep the stem very stiff and absorbs vibrations. I have no problems with loose bolts or creaks. I do maintain my bike to the point of obsession which helps. Every Race Face product I own gets a five star rating from me. I would suggest anyone on a ride carry a set of allen keys just in case "any" bolt becomes loose. Common sense. (referencing the other reviewers problems)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cosmo
a Weekend Warrior
from LA, CA, USA Date Reviewed: April 13, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Weaknesses:
three piece body, improper sizing
Similar Products Used:
bontrager, kalloy, pazzaz
Bike Setup:
Uzzi DH, Jr T 2001, 8" hayes front and rear, XTR driveline, sun single wide rims w/ intense 2.7" rubber.
Bottom Line:
race face has the sizing wrong possibly, cause it's easy for the stem to get twisted on the fork with a wheel jolt, even with both screws completely tight. i think a two piece construction would be stiffer then the three piece that it currently uses.
this stem costs alot, and doesnt really fit properly, causing a tendency to loosen up while riding.
besides that, it looks cool and is pretty light. i bought the race face mainly cause i couldnt find anything else around the length that i was looking for (70mm).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
scorch
a
from calgary Date Reviewed: March 19, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
no welds strong and stiff killer looks
Weaknesses:
bolts come loose easily on the steerer clamp expensive
Bottom Line:
This stem almost killed me. The bolts came loose in a muddy ride. I ended up walking all the way home cause i couldn't tighten it at all without allen keys. that's the only beef i had. Other than that, this stem kicks ass. Very nice graphics, nice paintjob and available in a wide variety of colors. I don't feel any flex at all either when climbing or descending.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Racer
from Canada Date Reviewed: March 15, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Works
Strengths:
This will be the only stem i will need cause the raceface is strong like bull!
Weaknesses:
The only thing that bothers me is when i get outa the saddle and start to climb a hill or something I start to hear a creakin sound from my stem which bothers me
Similar Products Used:
Interloc Sh!t and crapy kona stem
Bike Setup:
00 Kona Kula, XTR/XT, Sid XC, RaceFace Stem, Hayes, Crosslinks disc, Thomson post and easton riser
Bottom Line:
Great product! I don't think that it was that much money! Lets put it this way. U get what u pay for and this stem will last me forever! Race Face makes great componets period! Just would be a little bit nicer if it didn't make so much sound when i am out of the saddle!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sam Hanley
a Downhiller
from Tilburg, Netherlands Date Reviewed: March 11, 2001
Favorite Trail:
citycenterisallthatsleft
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$55.00
Purchased At:
jensonusa.com
Strengths:
The strength is it's fantastic design, which has been executed by some of the most knowlegable people in the industry right now. Just have a look at one.. that huge area to clamp the bar. It is also very good to look at, gives the imperssion of strength, and no-one else has got one in my area
Weaknesses:
It is very expensive, sure it is possible to spend three times as much as I did on a stem, but I think that this was a very expensive product. Also this stem has a very low stack hight, which race face mentions in the instrctions, but there are no spacers provided... how cheap is that?
Similar Products Used:
Ringle Zooka.. what a piece of junk! that stem has the worst clamping mechanism you have ever seen. Bonty... not bad and cheap. KORE, kore offer ratsh#ht equiptment!
Bike Setup:
Pace RC200 F8, rigid Pace fork, Full '00 XTR, 519's, protapers, lock ons blah blah blah
Bottom Line:
Have you ever had a stem break on you? I have.. it did nothing for my good looks! this stem might weigh 50grm more than the lightest $200 ti superduper TM stem out there but it is VERY rigid, the amount of time that was spent in R+D more that makes up for the price, in my opinoin it is the best looking stem on the market. Forget looks, forget quality of design, forget warrenty, forget style, this stem is STRONG and that is what really matters
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Drew
a
from guelph, ON, Canada Date Reviewed: March 1, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
It looks awsome, and performs up to its beauty. Its strong, durable, and I promise you it will never have to be replaced. It holds a good grip on the bars which makes me relax about my handle bars not turning one way while i go another.
Weaknesses:
the factory bolts can strip easy if your not careful. A little bit more heavy than most, but not that bad.
Similar Products Used:
Nothing really comparable except for the Easton step which is good too.
Bike Setup:
Race Face throughout the bike, specialized fsr stumpjumper Pro.
Bottom Line:
One of the best investments I have made on my bike, that is the bottom line.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
beaux deuk
a
from hazzard Date Reviewed: February 8, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$75.00
Purchased At:
boneshaker bicycles
Strengths:
super stiff, removeable face, seems to grip the steerer much better w/less torque on the bolts than my last few stems
Weaknesses:
little heavy but then so am i, stickers are gone after about a week for those who care
Similar Products Used:
answer, specialized s-works, old school tioga quill,
Bike Setup:
m2 stmpjmpr
Bottom Line:
was adv by more than one person in the know-a machined stem really is 130 mm by 5'or whatever as opposed to a welded stem that may or may not be claimed dimensions, i.e. saw a seven stem that was at least 3 or 4 degrees off (left side of h-bars were lower than r side, this stem is very stiff and has been great, didn't realize the old one was flexing until i took a ride w/this one, the specialized has since cracked so if you don't aspire to drinking your meals through a tube-then buy one of these
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Somxay
a Racer
from PA Date Reviewed: February 5, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$60.00
Strengths:
Price, looks and quality
Weaknesses:
none at all
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Avalanche full XTR
Bottom Line:
Exellent stem, gets the job done. I really enjoy riding with this stem. It performs well and does the things a stem can do. A great price with looks and Raceface quality to back it up. If you are looking for a stem, check this one out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
wescott
a Downhiller
from kinderhook,ny Date Reviewed: February 1, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
light, nice design
Weaknesses:
two of the clamp bolts have broken already. and it twists when you tighten it down.
Bike Setup:
spooky project x
Bottom Line:
overrated.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mja
a Cross Country Rider
from erie county, pa Date Reviewed: December 30, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
Jenson USA
Bike Setup:
00 Fisher Big Sur
Bottom Line:
Purchased the 120mm, 5 deg., silver. Solid stem. Sure lighter stems are available, but I appreciate the extra heft in a critical area. RaceFace website excellent for choosing colors (shiny silver is true to image provided therein). Some minor difficulty installing: Steerer clamp just began to crush top of my alloy steerer tube, necessitating minor filing of clamp to allow headset top cap to fit once again. Their torque specs on the steerer clamp are probably overkill!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rod Angler
a Weekend Warrior
from nola Date Reviewed: December 14, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$75.00
Strengths:
Strong. Mid-weight. Clever design. Durable. Looks good. Lots of colors.
Weaknesses:
Mid-weight. My clamp was apparently out of tolerance and was too big for my steer tube w/ bolts bottomed out. RaceFace replaced the clamp portion under warranty and I'm a happy customer.
Similar Products Used:
Kore, NukeProof.
Bike Setup:
yep
Bottom Line:
Good strong product. Good warranty and customer support. Worth your investment probably.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
S. t.
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto Date Reviewed: October 10, 2000
Favorite Trail:
whatever I can ride
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$150.00
Strengths:
Stiff Trick looking
Weaknesses:
$$$$$. But I wanted them so I got'em
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager, Profile Stiffy
Bike Setup:
Rocky Moutain Thin Air, XT/XTR drive train, Race Face headset, and XY seatpost, Avid brakes.
Bottom Line:
I am a huge fan of Race Face components. They really know how to build components up here in the Great White North. I found the stem hard to install initially. It took some effort and the horrible shrieking metal on metal sound scared the crap out of my little girl as I twisted it on. But once I got it on the steerer tube there was no looking back. I got out my trusty torque wrench and clamped that baby on and it set up like a dream. You know how sometimes with stem set up the stem will pull either to the left or the right as you tighten the steerer bolts, not this baby, just point it straight ahead and clamp down. After putting it on I knew right away I wouldn't have to worry about it moving or coming off. I immediately noticed a difference in the stiffness right after the first ride. The stem just plain felt right. The handling feels that much better. My only gripe is that I like my stems inverted for a negative rise with my flat bar. This makes the graphics upside down. Oh well can't please everyone all the time. Five big fat reefers for this beauty of a component
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dusty Bottoms
a
from Santa Monica Date Reviewed: October 2, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
The strength is the strength.
Weaknesses:
Read below.
Similar Products Used:
Kore Elite.
Bottom Line:
This is a review of the Race Face DH Stem.
If you have this stem you know that the decals come off if you barely touch them, or even look at them wrong. When this happens call Race Face's quality control(get the number from their web site)and have them send you some new ones. They're good like that. She said they are thinking of going with laser engraving but what good does that do me now?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rod Angler
a Weekend Warrior
from planet of New Orleans Date Reviewed: September 23, 2000
Favorite Trail:
yeah, I got one
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$75.00
Strengths:
Solid. Strong. Light. Easy to install. Looks good. Says "Race Face". What more?
Weaknesses:
price
Similar Products Used:
Kore Lite forged (new $25 versions are a great buy). Nuke Proof.
Bottom Line:
Great stem. Solid. Light enough.
Only problem is price. There seems to be some collusion (conspiracy!!) on price... I own mine now, but never seem to see these anywhere below retail at $75. It seems to be $75 only here in 2000.
I think the new Kore Lite Forged for $25 @ ~200 grams are as good and a much better value. Forgings eliminate welds, and that is always a good thing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
H
a Weekend Warrior
from UK Date Reviewed: September 14, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Strength - looks like it'll last a long time No fuss - fit and forget Looks - killer. Price - not overly expensive Weight - not too heavy Backup - two year warranty. cool. Simple yet effective and sexy design. Stuff like that
Weaknesses:
none that I can see.
Similar Products Used:
Kore, Azonic, Kooka, X-Lite, Pace, etc, lots.
Bike Setup:
Jump bike - jumpy burly sort of kit. FR4's, Race Face, single ring system, you get the idea.
Bottom Line:
I walked into a shop looking for something a bit different. I found the Easton MG stem which looked interesting, but it was too long and crap-coloured - no thanks. So, I walk past the Race Face display case and spot a still too long (90mm DH) SYstem stem. Faced with a choice of a correct length Kore stem and the RF, I decided to go Race Face as I've got too many Kores already.
I headed off to my jump spot straight away and gave it some stick, as they say - and it's good. Very good.
I was very worried about the two-bolt front fixing as opposed to a four-bolt, but I needn't have worried. There's no creak, no movement, no worries altogether and it's well engineered and easier to load bars onto than a 4-bolt. It just plain works. Looking at the materials and processes involved, it looks like it's going to keep on working. THe two-tone nature of the colour scheme is also very badass looking.
If you are, like me, anal about handlebar centering, the SYstem has a cutout front panel which shaves weight I guess without sacrificing strength and also allows you to see the bar inside, so it's a cinch to align it.
The 90mm length is not as much of a handicap as I thought, but it's still a bit too long for me - but that's a personal comment and the fault of the shop (they really only had one of these in stock? and I had to ask for the box... hmmmm). The rise is excellent and puts you in a good position for jumping and DH assuming a LT DC fork and some spacers.
I change components on my bikes more frequently than I change underpants. At the very least once a day something changes on one of my bikes. Race Face kit has a habit of sticking to the bikes, and the SYstem is no exception - I'll find one with a correct length for me and run that.
4 chillies for value - it's a change from the overpriced blocks of CNC alloy that you find at this price range. The two year warranty is also a good thing to have. 5 chillies for function - it doesn't do anything that draws attention to it (apart from the hardcore looks) and that's good.
The verdict? Buy it!
Now if I can get an Easton MG stem in 75mm and black to compare...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Somxay
a Racer
from Phily, PA Date Reviewed: August 20, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$65.00
Strengths:
Price, looks and performace.
Weaknesses:
alittle heavy
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
GT Avanlanche, XTR, Raceface
Bottom Line:
I love the looks of these stem. They are stiff and performance great. I only payed $65 for mine and love them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Breckenridge, CO Date Reviewed: August 19, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$70.00
Strengths:
design, looks, strength
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Kore Lite, Control Tech
Bike Setup:
Kona King Kahuna, XTR, Crossmax, heavy Bomber Z.2
Bottom Line:
i love this stem. got a 120mm, 15 degree rise. not many choices for that measurement. extremely stiff, awesome finish (i have the pewter color), nice bolts, smooth installation. looks killer. good warranty. not that cheap, not super light, but it does the job.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Johnny Yin
a Weekend Warrior
from Fremont, CA, USA Date Reviewed: August 15, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Soquel Demonstration Forest
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
STRONG! not TOO heavy. simple 3-piece 2-bolt design. stiff. no fuss installation and adjustment. no slip. no rear bolts to crack your knee open better than any other stem. not too expensive
Weaknesses:
RaceFace doesnt make their stem in Zero degree rise. but i can deal with it. and the steerer bolts are too close to the handelbar so it makes it hard to tighten and loosen but who cares...
Similar Products Used:
Azonic Shorty, Syncros xc and dh stems, control tech, Durgen Designs DH stem,
Bike Setup:
2 bikes: 1. Santa Cruz Heckler small black, Z2 Bam polished, Sun-Ringle SUV wheelset full black, RaceFace 50mm DH stem black, Azonic world force riser ti color 1.5"rise, full XTR, race face post black, sdg saddle black, michelin hot s, tioga xc extreme. 2. Santa Cruz Chameleon small white, Z1 CR polished, RaceFace XC SYStem 110mm x 5deg black, XTR/517 citron wheels, XTR/XT , azonic world force 2" riser black, thomson post black, selle italia flite ti black, cane creek c2 hs black, specialized team master/control team ed 2.1 tires
Bottom Line:
i have both the xc and dh version of this stem and i have to say it is the best all around stem i have used. easy to set up, easy to install, easy to adjust, simple 2 bolt design means no confusion on which bolt to tighten more, like in 3 or 4 bolt designs. strongest stem i have used with the level of ease. not as strong as azonic shorty but that was a b1tch to set up (too small for my steer tube). the only easier stem to set up is the control tech, but thats not NEARLY as stiff or strong. the only beef i have with race face is that i wish they made a zero degree rise xc stem, or if they do, i couldnt even get one. not the lightest stems but i dont even care. and if you do, then you are buying the wrong stem! also no back steerer bolts to kill your knee. the simple 3-piece design also makes it really easy to install. and its not too expensive for a killer stem. i would rather have this than a syncros, which i tried before. i would like to try the easton ones. buy this stem...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Mississauga, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: August 5, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Beautiful forging and machining, Laser etched graphics, Front Clamp design. Strength and Stiffness!
Weaknesses:
None. Other than the price which is a bit steep, but hey, this stem is worth the price. Actually it isn't that expensive compared to other stems on the market (like the ibis ti).
Similar Products Used:
Norco stock stem. Syncros cattlehead. Some crappy Taiwanese stems.
This stem looks awesome. It truly is a work of industrial art. I love the bolts that hold the bar and clamp the steerer tube. They never creak or loosen. Plus, the bolt heads are heat treated steel so it will be harder to strip them. I consider this stem relatively light for it's strength-to-weight ratio. I purchased it in the gunmetal grey colour, so it matches my xtr parts (soon it will match my black 2K Z2 Atom 80)!
Anyways, as soon as I bolted this baby on, I could notice the steering stiffness and the responsiveness of the front end of my bike. The shot peened surface of the stem adds to the look and durability of it as well.
This stem is the best, I would put it on all my cockpits if I had more than one bike.
btw - it is also good because it relieves stress on my carbon bars, so it gives me added piece of mind >_ Stop figuring out what stem to buy, so go out and purchase this beauty!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nyc_rm6rider
a Cross Country Rider
from New York, NY Date Reviewed: June 28, 2000
Favorite Trail:
all over, some @ mt snow
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Stiff, good design, & sweet looking! Very well made and excellent finish quality
Weaknesses:
don't want to cover with a Roach crotch guard! may last too long? pricey maybe, but so is all the other best MTB stuff. it is heavier? I don't care!
Similar Products Used:
icon, bontrager
Bike Setup:
RM6 w/ Z1 QR20, Hayes, XT/Raceface drive, chris king
Bottom Line:
very happy so far: rides stiff, bolts stay tight, no creaks, & looks great!
Put it on all your bikes!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Charles Coker
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin Date Reviewed: June 28, 2000
Favorite Trail:
City Park, anything more technical
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
strong, stiff
Weaknesses:
a bit on the heavy side compared to others.. ?
Similar Products Used:
most of them
Bike Setup:
custom racerx
Bottom Line:
if you are bigger guy who rides technical terrain and wants a strong, very stiff stem, this is the one to get
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mike
a Racer
from Machesney Park, IL Date Reviewed: June 22, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
color options strong enough for harcore riders light enough for the weight watchers out there....you know who you are!
Weaknesses:
isn't availible in a ZERO degree rise!
HEY RACEFACE MAKE IT IN A ZERO DEGREE RISE!
Similar Products Used:
uno, titec
Bike Setup:
giant mcm team
Bottom Line:
great stem
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
RM ELEMENT
a Cross Country Rider
from East Bay Date Reviewed: May 21, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Redwood
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Zero Flex, Tight Hold, Looks so cool! Feels like Azonic Shorty!
Weaknesses:
Weight will only bother extreme gram counters, hard to get on my steertube(I had to shove a screwdriver grip into the clamp just to get it around the steertube)
Similar Products Used:
Icon, Azonic Shorty
Bike Setup:
99 Rocky Mtn. Element Race
Bottom Line:
Buy it! You will thank yourself!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brandon
a
from Covina, CA Date Reviewed: May 16, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Rocket Ridge
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
It's Race Face...STIFF & looks sweet. No welds or bolts sticking out which my knees appreciate. A little pricey, but worth it.
Weaknesses:
Haven't found any...
Similar Products Used:
S-Works, KORE
Bike Setup:
FSR Frame, Marzocchi, Azonic, Race Face
Bottom Line:
The stem lives up to the Race Face reputation...I love it! Its great to buy a product and high expectations, and actually have the product exceed them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle Date Reviewed: May 3, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Secret
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
stiff, strong, well-engineered, attractive, no bolts to tattoo your knees.
Weaknesses:
very heavy relative to the competition (Kore, etc.).
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Ti, Kore
Bike Setup:
Strong Racing Frame, XT/XTR stuff, Race Face, Chris King, Easton, etc.
Bottom Line:
This section must be talking about some different Race Face stems because, though I love mine, it is very heavy for a stem. It will NEVER break, but it is heavy.
I recommend it for people who want zero stem flex.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jeff warmerdam
a Cross Country Rider
from abbotsford bc canada Date Reviewed: April 29, 2000
Favorite Trail:
mixed bag
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
good looks, light wieght.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
icon stem ,specialized s-works stem
Bike Setup:
trek 7000 all XTR, SID 100
Bottom Line:
very nice looking and strong, buy it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
fragel
a Cross Country Rider
from Plymouth, Michigan Date Reviewed: April 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Black Pawn
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Very stong, No slip or movement of any kind. Excelent selection of colors and a nice finish. no blemishes
Weaknesses:
none yet
Similar Products Used:
syncros cattlehead
Bottom Line:
Love it, orange color does not match same color headset
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shunsuke Adachi
a Weekend Warrior
from Japan Date Reviewed: March 20, 2000
Favorite Trail:
secret of course
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
stiffness, reliable clamp, looking, size variety
Weaknesses:
heavy
Similar Products Used:
specialized a1, easton ea60
Bike Setup:
hardtail
Bottom Line:
no flex or viblation thanks to its extrastiffness leads to precise handling. special clamp system holds handlebar and steerer securely. with this reliable product I have no worry about steering area. when I look down its nice appearance gives me fun. THE BEST STEM EVER.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
big d
a Cross Country Rider
from las vegas Date Reviewed: February 15, 2000
Favorite Trail:
all desert hills
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
looks,strength,lack of silly welds,215 gram weight for my downhill stem
Weaknesses:
pricey for a hunk of alloy[but worth it]
Similar Products Used:
control tech [it broke at a weld
Bike Setup:
chameleon xt-xtr 4"judy
Bottom Line:
its stiff,pretty, and doesn't break.no welds to fail you when you come down hard on the front end. i weigh 220 lbs and this stem seemed perfect and has performed flawlessly.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Wellington, NZ Date Reviewed: January 31, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Its a RaceFace product. Strength, Quality
Weaknesses:
None apart from a creak where the handlebars are clamped
Similar Products Used:
Controltech, Marin
Bike Setup:
Marin East Peak. Upgraded with Girvin Crosslink forks, XT,XTR Maguras
Bottom Line:
I've only been using this stem for a week or so but I am impressed so far. There is no twisting of the stem as you pull on the bars when climbing. The creaking mentioned above is probably more to do with my bars rather than the stem. The bars are 5+ years old Controltech Ti and while they are excellent bars they have seen a few stems and are probably not perfectly cylindrical where the stem clamps them. Value wise this stem is very expensive (I only brought cause I got a very good deal on it) but them most bike parts are expensive in NZ.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim C
a Cross Country Rider
from Michgan Date Reviewed: January 29, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Yankee Springs
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Bombproof construction, no flex, good looks, solid clamps, stainless hardware
Weaknesses:
Model that came with stickered logo, two piece clamp design
Solid stem with no flex; very "beefy". I foolishly bought the initial product when the logo was a sticker instead of etched. It peeled off in about 2 rides. Also, the two-piece clamp design is sketchy. Mine had a 1mm difference in height between the two pieces; they were not flush. This made it so my King headset would not load correctly. The headcup top peice set at an angle. Bad news. Raceface happily set me new decals and a new clamp w/ no problem. Kudos to that gang- always good PR. Great stem, initial problems solved (?).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dominic
a Cross-Country Rider
from Burbank, CA Date Reviewed: December 10, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Chesboro
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
style, color, strength
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Profile, Zoom
Bike Setup:
Fisher Kaitai, Manitou Sx-Ti, Pizzaz Carbon riser bar
Bottom Line:
Let's face it, most of what a stem does is look good and these things are Pretty with a capital P! Bright yellow, compact. No flex experienced, no cracks, no signs of failure, and easily installed w/o having to remove the stuff on the handlebars. I bought the very short stem with no rise. Would definitely get this again.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean Holcombe
a Cross-Country Rider
from Woodstock, GA Date Reviewed: November 30, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
strong, light, looks nifty
Weaknesses:
none
Bike Setup:
raleigh m80
Bottom Line:
If you want a really good stem that does everything a stem is supposed to do, buy this one. I like it.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Hawes
a Racer
from Dartmouth, Ma Date Reviewed: November 30, 1999
Favorite Trail:
freetown
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Short, strong, handles great, light, no welds
Weaknesses:
NONE!
Similar Products Used:
CODA, Haro factory, Kore, Azonic shorty
Bike Setup:
Kona Caldera
Bottom Line:
best stem ive ever tried!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brendan
a Cross-Country Rider
from Auckland NZ Date Reviewed: November 9, 1999
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Set & forget Good price
Weaknesses:
Had to read instuctions setup took time
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
92 Team Marin
Bottom Line:
After the inital setup & reading the instructions this thing is so good does not moan or groan & looks so spunky. And nice & stiff
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
slice
a Racer
from e Date Reviewed: November 3, 1999
Favorite Trail:
illegal
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Bottom Line:
If she creaks,,she dont like you bro
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DH GOAT
a Racer
from NY Date Reviewed: November 3, 1999
Favorite Trail:
MT SNOW (UP & DOWN)
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
LAZERIZED LOGO BURLY YET THINNER THAN MOST HIGH QUALITY IT IS MY COCKPIT OF CHOICE FOR ALL 99-2000 EXPEDITIONS AND HOPEFULLY BEYOND
Weaknesses:
SOME SAY ITS HEAVY
Similar Products Used:
KORE CONTROL TECH CLUBROOST I BEAM
Bike Setup:
HOMEGROWN HARDTAIL
Bottom Line:
BEAUTIFUL AND STRONG, I CAN ASK OF IT NO MORE... PLUS I WONT BE BANGIN MY KNEES ON IT ANYTIME SOON. AFFORDABLE TOO. IAM A GOAT, UP AND DOWN
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
john guentner
a Racer
from magnolia de Date Reviewed: November 2, 1999
Favorite Trail:
fairhill md
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
stiff, sweet looking
Weaknesses:
creeeeeeeaks really bad and you can't get rid of it
Similar Products Used:
kore, answer,etc.
Bike Setup:
trek 8900
Bottom Line:
this stem is nice but it has it's problems. first it creeks like my grandma's knees. second it isn't the lightest pickle in the barrel. when my shop got them in 4 of us put them on and every one of us took it off because of the irreversable creak. I even greased it up inside and out. turns out that the tolerances are to tight on the stem so when you tighten it down it tightens onto the headset cap (if you have aluminum)so if you want to go threw the trouble of trying to de-creak this thing this is the stem for you
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sammybones
a Weekend Warrior
from L.I. new york Date Reviewed: October 15, 1999
Favorite Trail:
NO.6@ killington
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
stiff!!! sweet looking!!
Weaknesses:
screws bottom out before it tightens to steerer
Similar Products Used:
specialized flex-o-romma
Bike Setup:
raceface bar, SX ti fork
Bottom Line:
super rigid,tastey looks, but a sharp torshional hit will make stem slip on steerer. Bars, stem, headset and forks were all purchased/installed at the same time, can't figure it out! Not an every-day problem but I took a digger 'cause of it (OTB!). Might machine a little meat out of the big part. Will post results.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stu Miller
a Cross-Country Rider
from Littleton, CO Date Reviewed: August 30, 1999
Favorite Trail:
dry & technical
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Steerer bolts can't hit knees 2 bolt plate removes bar good looks
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
Salsa
Bike Setup:
Titus Quazi Moto Marzocchi Z1 Nuke Prood Superfly Wheels
Bottom Line:
Easy to set up and forget. Easy acces to bar with removable front plate.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
frank
a Cross-Country Rider
from tallahassee,fl Date Reviewed: August 23, 1999
Favorite Trail:
red bug
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
looks, price, raceface name
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
kore elite, nuke proof
Bike Setup:
haro escape all xtr deraillers and hubs, titec hellbent bars ti, raceface craks
Bottom Line:
this things are bullet proof, check out speedgoat.com and order them from these guys, stems dont get any better than this folks
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jose Riveras
a Cross-Country Rider
from san jose Date Reviewed: August 18, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
solid friction fit- does not rely on the sideways twisting on bolts like most other stems. Stiff-so stiff , you wonder why all stems aren't stiff- because other stems are weak. Steerer attachment is very clean/precise- My King headset fits better due to the flat machining- very noticable.
Weaknesses:
a little hefty- but after you use it, itr
Similar Products Used:
oem stuff- really is flexy, except for titec fat stem
Bike Setup:
stumpie
Bottom Line:
the better steering, climbing torque makes the 30-50 grams worth it. Also don't forget the increase strength- to save your clavicle and it does make my bike hold a technical line better. It's solid and will tighten up a loose front end. It works better than OEM.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Mickelson
a Cross-Country Rider
from Kent, OH Date Reviewed: August 5, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
still holding up after six hard months
Weaknesses:
none long term but works best with any RaceFace bar
Similar Products Used:
Coda 140mm
Bike Setup:
Trek 830, 97 Indy SL
Bottom Line:
Posted a review back on 23 Mar 1999. Tightened this stem up to RaceFace specs once when I slapped their air-alloy low riser bar. Even after some hard riding and some hard crashes it hasn't come loose at all. I even checked it against spec with a torque wrench and it hasn't busted loose. The only drawback I can find is that I needed to use a RaceFace bar, but I've used much worse.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Larry
a Cross-Country Rider
from Mi Date Reviewed: July 15, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Chief Cob-Moo-Sa
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Looks great,very stiff
Weaknesses:
A little on the heavy side
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Ti, Bontrager, Others
Bike Setup:
Specialized
Bottom Line:
Damm! this thing is stiff i feel like im riding a different bike,great control and very tight connections at all points.Race Face puts out some quality stuff and this is no exception.Although a little heavier then some I give it 5 chilies for being one of the best upgrades i've made in a long time.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
PRC
a Cross-Country Rider
from Lisbon Portugal Date Reviewed: July 13, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Stiff, looks, color choices
Weaknesses:
a bit heavy
Similar Products Used:
Kore lite, kore lite 3
Bottom Line:
Another good product from raceface
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Vitor Cordeiro
a Racer
from Batalha, Portugal Date Reviewed: July 13, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Stiffness
Weaknesses:
a bit heavy
Similar Products Used:
Kore Lite 3, ICON, Ritchey
Bottom Line:
I really love this product. Even though it's a bit bulky and heavy it more than makes up for it in stiffness (it's not as bulky as the KORE stem I had).
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick
a Cross-Country Rider
from Kansas Date Reviewed: July 12, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Lawrence River trail.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Looks cool, very strong, , Have'nt run into the machining problems the others have.
Weaknesses:
None that I noticed so far.
Similar Products Used:
Kore, Azonic
Bike Setup:
GT-Zaskar w/Judy XC
Bottom Line:
A fine hunk of metal that I would recommend to others.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Spaceboy
a Cross-Country Rider
from Victoria, BC Date Reviewed: July 5, 1999
This thing needed to be disassembled and filed TWICE to stay tight. Almost killed myself. A cheap stem can stay tight, this little poopie can't. Unbelievable. Inexcusable at this price. Also, some of you must be brain washed big time - this is NOT light. The syncros it replaced was much lighter. It would slice your knee, but someone will be really hurt with this Race Face stem not tightening, and the mother of all lawsuits that results will be richly deserved by Race Face for putting this thing on the market. THIS STEM REALLY HAS NOTHING TO RECOMMEND IT FOR - DONT BUY IT!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Speedracer
a Racer
from Kalamazoo,FL Date Reviewed: May 22, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Rdige
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
CNC mastery- top and bottom of fork clamp is totally precisely flush-can't say that with welded stuff. Mucho machine work.
Weaknesses:
looks nothing like my welded bike
Similar Products Used:
Control Tech
Bike Setup:
IF
Bottom Line:
Stiff, solid front end for prcision handling makes any bike steer quicker, stabler. Put it on a noodle Ti bike and make it handle! A freaking stem does make a difference in performance!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pspot
a Weekend Warrior
from Dakar Date Reviewed: May 21, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Local Portion
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
stiff stiff thick no welds solid connections no creaking
Weaknesses:
a bit heavy slightly large loooking, but not like a huge Kore
Similar Products Used:
control tech bontrager specialized ti-flexomatic
Bike Setup:
Voodoo Wanga
Bottom Line:
This stem helps me climb better by not wagging around. On flats, too I notice better stability. Directional stability is excellent- the front end of my bike now feels solid.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Yessir
a Racer
from Belvedere,ca Date Reviewed: May 20, 1999
Favorite Trail:
The HooKooEKoo
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
No welds- is this sane? Very stiff Canadian stuff is bulletproof Machined all over-wear it like a tatoo
Weaknesses:
fairly hefty, considering 180g is standard not superclean, somewhat chunky side logos are like dusted on-gets dusted off easily
Similar Products Used:
Control tech standard stem Ibis Ti-RockStiff $20 Offshore stem-actually ok stiff, but ugly
Bike Setup:
Ibis Mojo-da best steel there is-its no cookie cutter!
Bottom Line:
This stem is fairly stiff-stiffer than a standard stem. Everything is designed for strength and longevity. The bolts look like Al, but are Steel, cadmium coated-stronger than the usually lightweight Al screws. Each part has a constant contact with another part- no relying on screws for support. Looks like they do woodwork due to the dovetails and wegde joints. All CNCed or machined out - take a closer look next time. It does make my suspension fork work more/feels more solid and slamming the corners is much more stable. Solid feel helps on super, upperbody climbs and on tight uphill switchbacks. Does anyone flex their stem/handlebar like I do? (and I'm certainly not Arnold-like either)
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jacek
a Weekend Warrior
from Oshawa, ONT, CANADA Date Reviewed: April 20, 1999
Favorite Trail:
DAGMAR
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Tough, reliable, great looks, does it's job great.
Weaknesses:
I haven't found any so far. The only thing was that I had to remove the little washers for the front clamp in order to tightly secure my Scott AT-1 LF bar. Holds amazingly now.
Similar Products Used:
Control tech stem, Titec stem
Bike Setup:
I ride a 98 Schwinn Homegrown fully supped up.
Bottom Line:
I would recomend this product to anyone who is looking for a high quality stem. Some people say it's expensive - $169.99 CDN + 15% tax, I think it's well worth it. It does the job great, looks good, and it comes with a warrenty. What alse would you wont? I'll give it five chills for this. For the guys at Race Face - Keep up the good work!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Douglas Savor
a Cross-Country Rider
from Coeur d'Alene, ID Date Reviewed: April 7, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
It's Race Face...quality, strength, and looks pretty damn cool.
Weaknesses:
Those stupid stickers.
Similar Products Used:
Kore and Control Tech
Bike Setup:
Stumpjumper (steel), Race Face, Chris King, XTR, Manitou SXR.
Bottom Line:
I've had no problems with this stems fit and worksmanship listed below. It went on like a snap and fits perfect. Aside from the cheap logo stickers on each side, it's a great stem.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy S
a Cross-Country Rider
from Modesto CA Date Reviewed: April 6, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Any trail that can kick my butt
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Stiff, Light.
Weaknesses:
Poor machining.
Similar Products Used:
Kore, Nuke Proof.
Bike Setup:
Stumpjumper M2 Comp, Judy FSX
Bottom Line:
This stem is great only: If you are willing to do some machine work to make it fit properly (refer to previous review for details on that). I encountered the same problem. Simple filing solved the problem, but sheesh- I think a stem in this calibre should not come out of the factory (or whatever) with this problem. I chose to file my stem down, as I did not feel like playing 'roulette' trying to return it , and getting a properly machined one. Oh well. Aside from that I am *VERY* happy with this stem so far. Just be cautioned if you purchase this stem it may not be perfect... I give it 4 Stars anyway, this is only a minor problem.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a Weekend Warrior
from Victoria, BC Date Reviewed: March 24, 1999
Favorite Trail:
The Dump
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
looks unique, solid, excellent front clamp
Weaknesses:
manufacturing errors are a shame when you pay lotsa $$ for a new stem
Similar Products Used:
Syncros, control tech, kore lite.
Bike Setup:
Uzzi sl with z1 bam
Bottom Line:
think that they have a good product but there needs to be an increase in either quality control or product design. This stem does infact have a slight misalignment between the two pieces at the headset. I called raceface and they said this is only a problem for certain headsets but this shouldn't be the case. regardless of that I didn't want to return it so I asked if filing it down to make it level would void the warrenty and the reply was no it won't. So if you have this problem file away with your metal files! I give this product a 3.5 rating right now because I have to put in some personal effort into this product.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Racer
from Blacksburg, VA, USA Date Reviewed: March 24, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Sidewinder, Brush Mtn., Jeff. Nat'l Forest, Blacksburg, VA
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
This product is a lot stiffer than my old Bontrager, about the same weight, is nice to look at, and is pretty much bombproof as far as I can tell.
Weaknesses:
What's up with the cheesy decals, can i get some laser etching like the Kore and other high end stems.
Similar Products Used:
I've tried the Bontrager Race AHS and also the Kore Lite.
Bike Setup:
Trek Alpha SL frame, XTR, XT drivetrain, Marzocchi Z2 Bam, Chris King NoThreadSet, and an Azonic Double Wall rise bar.
Bottom Line:
Another terrific product from them Canucks up there in 420BC.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Mickelson
a Cross-Country Rider
from Kent, OH Date Reviewed: March 23, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Very light weight, easy installation
Weaknesses:
Careful what kind of bar you use....the minute I put a RaceFace bar into it...it tightened up fine, but my coda was another story
Similar Products Used:
Coda 140mm stem
Bike Setup:
Trek 830, 97 Indy SL
Bottom Line:
Lightweight, durable, no welds..... no problems at all except that the bar clamp may be to wide for other bars
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kenneth Marsh
a downhiller
from Ma. Date Reviewed: February 26, 1999
Bottom Line:
I like the Race Face stem alot. The fit was far superior than many other stems I have used. I see different problems that people have with the fit of their stem and I say that in my experience it is usually solved by applying a little silicon caulking to the steerer tube before putting the stem on. In doing this it bonds and I mean bonds! Only after it cures of course. And it also translates less vibration to the bars. Ken M.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
f. jordheim (mechanic)
a racer
from twin cities Date Reviewed: February 26, 1999
Bottom Line:
many of these stems are not machined very well. they DO NOT sit flush on the headset. I removed the clamp and pins and turned it around. Now the stem sits flush at the bottom and is very slightly off at the top. I dont think this will cause any structural problems and it looks the same reversed. TO RACE FACE: be aware this is a problem that many stems have had, Most people will not bother to check the fit. I have checked many bikes with RF stems, most of them had this problem.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
brian kernan
a cross-country rider
from woodinville,wa Date Reviewed: February 25, 1999
Bottom Line:
my race face stem keeps coming loose. i can see light between my headset and the bottom of the steer clamp on the stem. i have tried to make it flush but no luck, its a real bummer that maybe i can shim it!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tb
a cross-country rider
from corrales, nm, usa Date Reviewed: February 23, 1999
Bottom Line:
I love it. the workmanship is excellent, it fit my specific needs (90mm) and I really like the two tone black. installation was a bit of a challenge - needed to add washers versus the Kore Elite I was replacing (Kore = 8mm, SYStem = 13mm), no big deal, time for a trip to the LBS. Other challenge was fitting it on the steerer tube - it was tight but no impossible. I do recommend the use of a torque wrench.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hab(Matt Merhar)
a cross-country rider
from Cincinnati, Ohio Date Reviewed: January 3, 1999
Bottom Line:
Well, what can I say. I got this stem for $40 (VERY SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES!!)and for the price it's more than one would expect. I'd say It's even worth the $79 retail because of three things: It's light, It looks great, It holds my bar,and It hasn't broken yet ;-P. I would recommend this bar to anyone, and to the people who said their bar slipped, it's probably from improper shimming, not a faulty stem(but a faulty rider heheheheheh :-)Hab
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Darrell
a racer
from Round Mountain, NV Date Reviewed: January 1, 1999
Bottom Line:
Like all Race Face components, the SYStem is awesome, reliable and looks really cool. Installation was painless and I have had no problems whatsoever. It stays tight, works flawless and really compliments the overall appearance of my bike. Can't wait to get my hands on their wicked crankset. I know some of these reviewers have had problems with bolts staying tight but I think it may have something to do with their handlebars. I put mine on my TREK 7000 stock bars and haven't experienced any trouble. Highly recommended.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Albert
a cross-country rider
from Quebec, Canada Date Reviewed: December 14, 1998
Bottom Line:
I bought this stem with the matching Raceface Headset and I am very pleased so far. It is very stiff, probably as stiff as my former Chris King headset, Sweet Parts stem combo. The only gripe that I have is the cheapo stickers that they put on the stem. The thing is already starting to peel off. Oh well, who cares as long as the thing works right?! I have been very pleased with all of the Raceface items which I have purchased so far, event the chainrings! Their bottom bracket is ultra smooth as well. The stem gets 5 burning chilis
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a cross-country rider
from Croton,N.Y. Date Reviewed: December 10, 1998
Bottom Line:
I have had 4 of these stems now, let the buyer beware......... I loved my nukeproof stem but saw the raceface stem at the bike store and it looked so bad ass,so I bought a 5~ 125mm(or 130) and put it on my Ellsworth. After ever ride I had to tighten it up. My bike store told me when you ride the exstreme trails I ride, you are going to haft to tighten it up all the time. I never had to do this with my nukeproof? All my buddies said the bike store mechanic was an IDIOT. To make a long story short, this stem is 2 peices(stem & clamp). My problem was the stem was slightly wider then the clamp.This is the surface that rides on the headset race. So when you tighten down the headset the upper race on my King headset cocks to one side and dosen't ride flush on the bearing.So it comes loose all the time. This was with no spacers. So, bike store got me another one and this one is on my bike and works fine. It is machined better. So, I wanted to get another length and rise stem so I had a diffrent bike shop order me another Raceface stem and this one had the same defect as the first one, and was feturned to Raceface. They sent another one and this one was messed up also. IF you can find one that has been machined FLUSH at the junction of the stem and clamp buy it, The one on my bike NEVER comes loose.but it took 4 stems to find one machined right!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
D-Man
a cross-country rider
from Northern Calif. Date Reviewed: December 2, 1998
Bottom Line:
I've had my Raceface Stem for only 2 months and so far it's been great. Installation was a breeze IF YOU FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS. For the guy below (Brian), you need to tighten the bolts according to the specified Torque specs in the instructions! If you don't have a torque wrench, you bike shop will. My bar rotated also if I didn't tighten it enough. After I checked the torque, I can bounce my full body weight on the end of my barends and the bar won't move. Also, Raceface had awesome customer service-they always promptly and gladly answered any questions I had.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Semmer
a cross-country rider
from New Hamshire Date Reviewed: November 27, 1998
Bottom Line:
I bought this stem because it looked rugged. Right off the bat, I crshed because I thought I had the bars locked down enough. I had to tighten the bolts to were I felt I would break the heads off of them. Maybe the h-bar clamp isn't perfectly round to clamp the bar properly. I guess I will have to give one chile as there is no 1/2 chiles.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stembreaker
a cross-country rider
from Hawaii Date Reviewed: October 13, 1998
Bottom Line:
I purchased the RF System when they were first introduced and so far the relia- bility and durability have held up great. I've used Answers, Ringle and generic forged stems with Ringle's the most prone to failure. There are alot affordable cold-forged stems out there, but when you add the coolness factor especially when it is the most noticeable part on your bike this stem makes it happen. Raceface is great in backing all of its products in tech support and reliability.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan Wolfe
a cross-country rider
from Inpls, In. Date Reviewed: September 20, 1998
Bottom Line:
I have used the Race Face System for a couple of months now. The stem is stiff, easy to install and seems well engineered. I don't see how anyone could have trouble with instalation of this item unless there was some defect either in the stem or the installer. I feel like I have pounded this stem for the last few weeks and it shows no signs of wear. I am a clydesdalec sized rider so my bike gets a workout.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
yahyahyah
a cross-country rider
from UTAH Date Reviewed: September 19, 1998
Bottom Line:
In response to the review posted by ED B . . .Stems are not hard to install . . . did you really think you needed directions?? Directions just serve to confuse people. Perhaps if you bought the product based on advertising and not performance, you shouldn't be complaining. In sympathy, I also initially thought that the stem clamp was too tight to fit around my steerer. But then common sense took over and I easily hammered it onto the tube using a rubber mallet. You should have never filed your tube down since it wasn't necessary. Clamp stack height is really very standard and it is very common to need spacers. Stripping of bolts is caused by not knowing when to stop turning the allen wrench. And I can't imagine you cruising downhill at 40 mph when you don't even know how to install a self-explanatory item. Five peppers still and I will continue to endorse this item.
$ 70.00
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
