Submitted by
teecat
a Weekend Warrior
from Date Reviewed: October 30, 2009
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Strengths:
"Strength" says it all. Still light.
Weaknesses:
Hard to apply the word "weakness" to this part. Did'nt think the 4mm fasteners would be up to snuff, but they have'nt budged 0.001" in over 1000+ hard dirt miles.
The Thomson replaced a cracked Truvativ stem with a single-screw steerer tube clamp that chronically shifted and required re-tightening. This thing is so much stiffer (just look at the diameter compared to anything else on the market). The extra stiffness is apparent in handling even to a hack like me.
Beautifully crafted by machinists that know what they're doing. Would not rate this an exceptional value because of its cost, except that it is still an exceptional value at list price. Never ever worry about my stem failing again, just other stuff now.
Anyone whose cracked this stem makes me suspect the installation. This stem requires meticulous torquing with well lubricated fasteners (follow the instructions, that is!) Install it carefully and never touch it again till you move it to a new bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
amano
a Cross Country Rider
from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Date Reviewed: May 1, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Dream Trail, FRIM, Malaysia
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
R.N Samy Bikes
Strengths:
very nice finishing, all black and looks very strong!
Weaknesses:
clamp cracked horizontally two thirds across
Similar Products Used:
sunline, KCNC
Bike Setup:
Santacruz Heckler with XC setup
Bottom Line:
I don't know when its cracked, is it after I make a few feet drop or after I fall just a few feet high! But the bottom line is the stem is not so strong enough and not as I expected! Very disappointed when seeing the small cracked on clamp horizontally two thirds across!
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Submitted by
Joe_Jitsu
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, OR Date Reviewed: April 27, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Anything dirty...
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Light, strong, good-looking
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Thomson Elite
Bike Setup:
Quiring 29er singlespeed
Bottom Line:
This stem has worked like a champ for years in both full-rigid and front-suspention setups. It is light, it is solid, and I have 100% confidence in it.
I would buy this stem again in an instant. Like a King headset, it should be on every bike you own.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Oliver
a Weekend Warrior
from SD, CA, US Date Reviewed: October 24, 2008
Favorite Trail:
San Juan
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$65.00
Strengths:
Looks
Weaknesses:
Strength, Face plate has cracked twice, and yes I used a torque wrench to install it.
Similar Products Used:
Race Face, Titec, Specialized, and FSA
Bike Setup:
Vassago Bandersnatch, with all the trimmings
Bottom Line:
Love their seat posts, but I have no faith in their stems.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
roachy
a Weekend Warrior
from united kingdom Date Reviewed: October 2, 2008
Favorite Trail:
whites trail afan wales
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$75.00
Strengths:
strong, light , good looking and superb craftsman ship
Weaknesses:
can not think of one
Similar Products Used:
specialized stem
Bike Setup:
specialized epic comp 08
Bottom Line:
superb nothing comes close bye this and the seatpost and join the club
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jubbster
a Cross Country Rider
from UK Date Reviewed: August 11, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Hylands Park
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$89.00
Purchased At:
Evans Cycles
Strengths:
handsome finish
Weaknesses:
clamp cracked horizontally two thirds across
Similar Products Used:
race face bars
Bike Setup:
mint Klein Palomini full XTR
Bottom Line:
Beware! My bikes never been looped (forwards or backwards) and the crack appears to be a stress fracture
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
pedalitup
a Cross Country Rider
from Ashland Oregon Date Reviewed: July 10, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
craigslist
Strengths:
Machining is a work of art, Stiffness to weight ratio, Value
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Titec pluto carbon, Race Face Deus XC, Ritchey WCS, Easton EA-70 and lots of others. . .
Bike Setup:
Salsa El Santo with Reba and XT drivetrain
Bottom Line:
This is the best stem I have ever used. Immediately noticed the increased stiffness. The 90mm, 31.8 version only weighs 161 grams. Like the seatpost, this is a masterpiece. To purchase any other stem for anything short of DH use would be a mistake. Read the rest of these reviews and believe 'em in this case.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mtbnachos
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego Date Reviewed: June 23, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Noble Canyon, CA
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$65.00
Strengths:
Light, pretty, strong
Weaknesses:
Price
Similar Products Used:
Titec, Race Face
Bike Setup:
Soma Juice rigid
Bottom Line:
This is the best stem I've used so far. This is a set and forget component on your bike. I was hesistant spending over 60 bucks for a stem but it's hella worth it! Beautiful craftsmanship by Thomson all for under $75. I've beaten it up either fully rigid or suspension and it keeps ticking. Mountain or road you probably cant go any better for performance and price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
soona
a Weekend Warrior
from Malaysia Date Reviewed: June 2, 2008
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Beautiful CNC Stem.
Weaknesses:
Crack at the steer tube (upper bolts of stem).
Similar Products Used:
FSA, Race Face
Bike Setup:
Intense 6.6 with X9
Bottom Line:
I am towards more XC riding no Freeride and Downhill. I do not understand why it crack....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bubbolo
a Weekend Warrior
from Florence, Italy Date Reviewed: March 12, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
I like this stem, it's stiff and light. It's full CNC with a nice touch. Handlebar clamp is secure.
Weaknesses:
I don't like so much the hollow clamp but it's the price to have less grams... 4 falme for the clamp.
Bike Setup:
Have 2 X4 stems, 90mm on SC Heckler and 70mm on SC Nomad
Bottom Line:
I have 2 X4 stems, so... buy it. Thomson rulez !
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Agustin
a Weekend Warrior
from Philippines Date Reviewed: January 24, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Stiff. Weight is very good considering its strength. Fine craftsmanship.
Weaknesses:
none.
Similar Products Used:
truvativ XR, Team, FSA OS
Bike Setup:
khs XCtrail bike setup, Hone and XT drivetrain, Mavic USTs, DTs with Amclass hubs, Kenda Nevegals 2.1 wheels, Truvativ Carbon bars, Fox Van...
Bottom Line:
By the looks of it, it'll serve me well for years to come. I'm not surprised why few are writing about the X4. Thomson makes the best. 'nough said...get 'em.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JASON
a Racer
from MINNESOTA Date Reviewed: September 15, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Looks sweet; the name says it all
Similar Products Used:
specialized, ritchey
Bottom Line:
This thing is stiff, lightweight and gives an incredible responsive feel to the bike. The 31.8 diameter allows for more absorption too I feel. This is heavier then more of your stems out there, but thomson puts an emphasis on quality, appeal and overall safety then weight; which for a stem is critical.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Novato, CA Date Reviewed: August 22, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Pogonip
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$63.00
Purchased At:
eBikestop
Strengths:
Strong enough for a freerider, but made for an XC racer (like Secret antiperspirant). Nice machining, good-looking.
Weaknesses:
The steer tube clamp bolts are located behind the tube, unlike the older Elite. This hasn't been a problem, though.
Similar Products Used:
Thomson Elite SM-E101, Ritchey WCS 4AXIS 100 mm, Answer Manitou MRD (ok, that's a DH triple-clamp integrated crown/stem, but still a valid comparison considering the stiffness of the Thomson).
For those of you that would balk at spending over $50 for a stem - you haven't tried this one yet. It is noticeably stiffer than any OEM stem that I've ever seen. Its effect on steering feel is evident, especially when hammering in the rough stuff, and on fast transitions.
Relatively low screw torques for bar and steer tube clamping indicate large clamping surface areas and tight tolerances. This is very important when interfacing with carbon fiber parts.
I did not have to de-burr the bar clamping edges, as is recommended with most stems. It did not leave marks on two carbon bars (S-Works Carbon Fiber flat, Race Face Next SL low riser).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gerald
a Weekend Warrior
from Orlando, FL, USA Date Reviewed: July 11, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Jones Trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Design, strength, looks, weight, and finish.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
WTB that can stock with the bike...
Bike Setup:
2004 Raleigh Ram 2.0 fully modded.
Bottom Line:
This stem is gorgeous and it light weight. Truly a work of art. High recommend as you can read the other threads.
I'm really happy with this stem!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
gabriel gallardo
a
from philippines Date Reviewed: March 8, 2007
Favorite Trail:
any where
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
given to me
Strengths:
its the best stem that i used...
Weaknesses:
none... the price
Similar Products Used:
kona dh primo
Bike Setup:
trials, street and dirt
Bottom Line:
i love this product
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston, TX Date Reviewed: March 1, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
JensonUSA
Strengths:
CNC Machined to Perfection. Strong as a crowbar and very light for all of that mass. Last stem you will need - absolutely bullet-proof.
Weaknesses:
None. I would say price, but you really do get what you pay for with Thompson - so this is a bargain - even at full retail of $90.
Similar Products Used:
Ritchey, Race Face, Easton, FSA
Bike Setup:
2007 Specialized Epic Marathon - all stock except added this stem to go with the Thompson Elite Setback Seatpost.
Bottom Line:
This is a product made from a "REAL" Machine Shop that knows how to make superior quality products. CNC Machining is so perfect that it makes me wonder how they can offer this stem for under $100. Anodized aluminum finsih is flawless too. Absolutely no sacrificing "quality" to cut corners like some component mfg's have to do. Buy the Thompson Elite X4 if you have OS bars and want a product that you can have confidence in for the next 10+ years.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Big Daddy Five O
a Weekend Warrior
from Miramar, Florida Date Reviewed: December 18, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Markham Park, FL.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
BlueSky Cycling.com
Strengths:
Has a great look to it and provides stability for us heavier riders.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
2006 Race Face Dues
Bike Setup:
2006 Giant Trance I with mainly Race Face Dues cranks/BB, Thomson Stem & Post, Mavic Crossmax SL's, Kenda Nevegal's , Fox F100RL & RP3 shocks, WTB Rocket V Stealth saddle, Chris King headset, and Easton bar. All 2006.
Bottom Line:
Again, Thomson is to Stems as Chris King is to headsets, or as Easton is to bars. You'll never buy anything else.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Victor K
a Weekend Warrior
from Tokyo Date Reviewed: December 1, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$85.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
It does the job it is supposed to do in the best possible way. The benchmark that all stems should be compared to.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Ringle, Titec, Profile, Answer
Bike Setup:
GT Zaskar LE, urban MTB
Bottom Line:
Been using Thomson stems and seatposts for over 5 years now on all my bikes, started out with the original Elite then on to the improved X4. It is the one component on all my bikes that cannot be faulted. The level of stiffness is outstanding (even with the 130mm long stem I use), does not creak, the design is just about perfection and the quality / finish second-to-none. Set up properly with the right torque and it will do its job flawlesly for years.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jct
a Cross Country Rider
from Greensburg, PA, USA Date Reviewed: October 28, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
universalcycles.com
Strengths:
super strong, super light, precision made
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager, Answer, Control Tech
Bike Setup:
Surly Karate Monkey with Jones H-Bar
Bottom Line:
This is the very best stem money can buy. Yes it's a little pricey but once you view the precision of this piece you will not be disappointed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DJ
a Cross Country Rider
from Phillips Ranch, CA Date Reviewed: October 10, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Top of the World&Fullerton Loop
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$69.00
Purchased At:
JENSON USA
Strengths:
STIFF, LIGHT, RELIABLE, WELL BUILT, SLEEK AWESOME DESIGN.
Weaknesses:
NONE.
Similar Products Used:
FSA.
Bottom Line:
BUY IT. YOU WONT REGRET IT. ONE OF THE FEW BEST STEMS OUT THERE. NOW I'M CONSIDERING PUTTING A THOMSON STEM ON ALL MY MTN BIKES.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Todd
a Cross Country Rider
from Garner NC Date Reviewed: August 3, 2006
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
It's a Thomson stem.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Specialized, Kore, Answer, generic brands.
Bottom Line:
You can't beat this stem. It's worth every penny you pay for it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Toms River, NJ Date Reviewed: April 16, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Allaire State Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
Beachwood Bicycles
Strengths:
Strong, Stiff, Light, Made in the USA, cnc machining makes for an awesome piece of hardware
Weaknesses:
None at all
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Stems
Bike Setup:
'06 TREK 6700, WTB TXC riser bar, Thomson x4 stem 100mm 10 degree rise, shimano 520 clipless, Odi Lock-ons
Bottom Line:
There is a reason everyone says Thomson stems are the best. Because they ARE the best! This thing seems indestructible. Extremely stiff and light as hell. I will be putting one of these on every bike that I own and ever will own. It is also reversible so u can change the anlge if you choose to. If you are in the market for a stem than I say go for this one. You won't be disappointed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mark
a Downhiller
from ca Date Reviewed: February 14, 2006
Favorite Trail:
rocky stuff/ fast stuff
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Light, strong, sex
Weaknesses:
Right
Similar Products Used:
Nothing as good as this!
Bike Setup:
Demo 8 w/ stuff
Bottom Line:
Buy this, it's light and strong and USA made.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MARK
a Cross Country Rider
from HENDERSON, NEVADA Date Reviewed: January 29, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Nice CNC machining & Ano finish. Engineered to be light & stiff. Simple pinch bolt design makes it simple to deal with when installing and adjusting. A much better design that the Elite Stem.
Weaknesses:
Expensive but you get what you pay for. Only comes in over size (OS). It would be nice if Thomson would offer it in the standard size to be used with standard bars. They are limiting their sales by not including the standard size.
Similar Products Used:
Thomson Elite, Truvativ Team SL
Bike Setup:
Titus Ti Eleven 29er SS.
Bottom Line:
This is a very nice stem that is super stiff & light. It is much easier to deal with than the twin cam used in their Elite model stem. Make sure you alternate tightening the double pinch bolts a little at a time until snug when installing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy Douglas
a Cross Country Rider
from Tucson, AZ Date Reviewed: January 28, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Any and Every
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$65.00
Purchased At:
E-Bay
Strengths:
Light, Stiff, and looks great and the machine quality is way better than anything else you can buy.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Race face, FSA, Ringle, and OEM crap
Bike Setup:
MOTOLITE all the goodies incl EASTON Carbon H-bar
Bottom Line:
The best stem on the market. Everything else doese not even compare to it. As far as complaining about the lack of a 6* rise you can get a 0* stem at the same place using headset spacers.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
TJ
a Racer
from Western PA, USA Date Reviewed: November 14, 2005
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
www.Dirtyharrys.net
Strengths:
Stiff. Made in USA. Light. Inexpencive. Easy to use. Comes with a bag.
Weaknesses:
a 6 degree would be nice.
Similar Products Used:
Stems from Specialized, Bontrager, Salsa, Easton, and Kalloy
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Paragon 29r and Gary Fisher Rig
Bottom Line:
It is as light as many of it's carbon counterparts. It is made in the USA. IN THE USA!!! and it is very well priced! ohh yeah. it is stiff as hell! even in a 130mm. It there any other choice in upgrading your stem?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
shiny_car
a Cross Country Rider
from Australia Date Reviewed: October 12, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$69.00
Purchased At:
ebay + shipping
Strengths:
beautifully fabricated; stiff; oversize bar clamp
Weaknesses:
0 or +/-10 degree rise won't suit everyone
Similar Products Used:
Easton EA50, EA70
Bike Setup:
Specialized S-Works HT custom build-up
Bottom Line:
overall superb quality that's overkill for my XC needs; matches my Thomson seatpost nicely =P reasonable range of lengths available and 2 choices of angle; if you can afford it and want one of the best, this is highly recommended
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lonnie Jackson
a Weekend Warrior
from Lemoore, CA USA Date Reviewed: July 6, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Buckridge
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$55.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Beefy, strong, very light weight. The best out there for an oversized 31.8 clamp.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Uno ultralite
Bike Setup:
05 Ignition, Sid air rear, LX/XT drivetrain...
Bottom Line:
The best 31.8mm clamp stem available. Lightweight yet very strong. Quality is top notch. Takes the toughest trails I can ride with no problems. Thomson is the best. Just wish they made handlebars. I purchased the 110mm 10 degree rise. One of my best upgrade purchases. Great deal at $63 shipped.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bryan Casinger
a Weekend Warrior
from Springfield, VA Date Reviewed: February 27, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$65.00
Purchased At:
Go-Ride.com
Strengths:
Stiff, light, beautifully engineered and machined
Weaknesses:
None, except for not having a matching handlebar from Thomson!
Similar Products Used:
Titec, Thomson Elite, Ricthey, Bontrager Race Lite
Beautiful stem, I am in the process of going all Thomson for my bikes on stems and seatposts. I was getting way too much flex on my bike with the carbon bar/steerer and Ritchey WCS stem. Problem fixed with the Thomson. Extremely stiff and strong while still being light enough. Looks great on my road bike. I chose the X4 over the X2 stem because it should be stiffer, and it came in 0 degrees, where the X2 is only +-10 degrees. I am now putting a X4 on my cyclocross bike, and buying another X4 for my Giant VT2 with OS Bontrager Crowbar. Just wish Thomson would make matching handlebars. Hate putting dull matte-finished bars on these nicely finished shiny stems.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Frank
a Weekend Warrior
from Sacramento,Ca Date Reviewed: October 25, 2004
$ 89.95
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
