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Ritchey WCS 4-Axis Stem

3.57/5 (7 Reviews)

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Weight : 115 grams MSRP : $109.95


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Product Description

This feathery stem is ideal for road or lightweight MTB use. Net-forged 2014 aluminum body, with a narrow, 4-bolt clampThat prevents pinchingTodays lightweight bars. "Bias-cut" steerer clamp is kindTo lightweight steererTubes found onTodays forks


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Reviews 1 - 7 (7 Reviews Total)

User Reviews

Overall Rating:4
Value Rating:4
Submitted by Rmillet a Cross Country Rider

Date Reviewed: April 10, 2012

Strengths:    Looks, finish, graphics, LIGHT. Lengths available.

Weaknesses:    Flex (or does it allow bars to flex more??)

Bottom Line:   
Bought this as I needed a shorter stem and went for some weight shedding at same time. I noticed the flex right away standing over the bike torquing the bars a bit, was worried how they'd ride. But on the trail, NO COMPLAINTS, haven't really noticed it ever on a ride.....maybe they make the ride more supple (like my CrMo 29er frame does when it flexes, vs. stiff alum.). Can't wait to add carbon bars to them. Now if it work hardens and snaps.....I'll change my tune, flexing aluminum will break!

I was thinking the elliptical shape of the sides of the clamping area might allow the bars to flex more vertically (vs. it actually being the stem). It's pretty narrow here (width of the two front bolts plus a bit).

As for complaints about the stem bolts......I have loosened and re-tightened several times getting everything just so....I use a Nm torque wrench set to 5.02Nm........no problems with bolt heads when torqued to spec.

Expand full review >>

Favorite Trail:   Dry Fast ones

Price Paid:    $78.00

Purchased At:   Action Bikes

Similar Products Used:   Easton, azonic, profile, redline, avenir, kore....

Bike Setup:   Raleigh XXIX+G, BlackFlagPro29er wheels, this stem......soon to add EC90bars.
Overall Rating:2
Value Rating:3
Submitted by mattwatkins a Racer from Cambridge, UK

Date Reviewed: February 28, 2011

Strengths:    Stylish design and light weight.

Weaknesses:    Lacks stiffness, noticeable flex while climbing.

Bottom Line:   
I am only ten stone and rarely notice flex in components but I think this stem is just too light. I've replaced it with a Thompson and I'm much happier. Only choose this if you think you can live with the flex and lack of stiffness. It looks nice and is extremely light, but I don't think it performs well enough.

Expand full review >>

Duration Product Used:   1 Year

Purchased At:   Bought with bike

Similar Products Used:   Thompson.

Bike Setup:   Litespeed road bike.
Overall Rating:4
Value Rating:3
Submitted by BokorSolo a Weekend Warrior from Prince William, VA, USA

Date Reviewed: December 25, 2009

Strengths:    Looks great on anybike, comes in standard and oversize clamp sizes, which is excellent. Very light weight, comes with shims for different steerer tubes.

Weaknesses:    It is a bit pricey for just a little bit of weight savings.

Bottom Line:   
Very nice stem I must say. Makes you bike look like a piece of artwork, especially when it is paired with the WCS handlebar. If you can pick it up for a good price go for it, otherwise it is just another piece of expensive hardware.

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Duration Product Used:   6 months

Price Paid:    $45.00

Overall Rating:4
Value Rating:4
Submitted by rassenholf a Cross Country Rider from Singapore

Date Reviewed: September 3, 2009

Strengths:    Good looks, WCS, light-weight.

Weaknesses:    Allen key bolts easily rounded. Can't find replacement for it.

Bottom Line:   
Good for weight savings and looks.

Expand full review >>

Duration Product Used:   6 months

Price Paid:    $25.00

Similar Products Used:   Raceface Prodigy, Kore Lite Stem

Overall Rating:5
Value Rating:5
Submitted by Craig a Cross Country Rider from Omaha, Nebraska

Date Reviewed: March 19, 2008

Strengths:    Very light well crafted MTB stem, no flexing at all...

Weaknesses:    None so far.

Bottom Line:   
I would recommend this stem to anyone looking for a superlight non carbon stem.

Expand full review >>

Favorite Trail:   Swanson Park

Duration Product Used:   Less than 1 month

Price Paid:    $75.00

Purchased At:   Ebay

Similar Products Used:   Easton, Bontrager

Bike Setup:   06 Jamis Dakar XC Expert
Overall Rating:3
Value Rating:4
Submitted by Bubbolo a Weekend Warrior from Florence, Italy

Date Reviewed: March 12, 2008

Strengths:    Light, finish.

Weaknesses:    Degree, poor quality allen bolts

Bottom Line:   
Stem it's light and nice. I don't like the degree, i prefer the 0 degree stems but Ritchey has other idea.
I had to replace 2 allen bolts.
Mount it on XC bike and you'll be happy but do not mount it on a trail/freeride bike.

Expand full review >>

Duration Product Used:   1 Year

Purchased At:   Ebay

Similar Products Used:   Thomson X4

Bike Setup:   Was on SC Heckler, replace with a Thomson X4
Overall Rating:3
Value Rating:3
Submitted by patrick a Cross Country Rider from Brentwood, TN, USA

Date Reviewed: November 12, 2007

Strengths:    Lightweight & looks.

Weaknesses:    A bit too flexy.

Bottom Line:   
I like Ritchey products and have used them for years. I just find the WCS to be too flexy. Didn't really notice when riding SID forks but now that forks have progressed to 32MM stanchions it really shows how flexy this design is. I will be going back to Thomson.

Expand full review >>

Favorite Trail:   Hammy

Duration Product Used:   6 months

Price Paid:    $60.00

Purchased At:   Harpeth Bicycles

Similar Products Used:   Thomson, Race Face Deus, & Bontrager.

Bike Setup:   Sycip Diesel, Marzocchi Corsa World Cup....
Reviews 1 - 7 (7 Reviews Total)

Review Options:  Sorted by Latest Review | Sort by Best Rating

Ritchey stems: old WCS (25.4) vs WCS 4AXIS (31.8)

Is there anyone out there that has a WCS 4AXIS stem who can tell me if its stiffer then the old 25.4 ...
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