Everything a great stem should be: light, stiff, and KnockRated™ - our seal of abuse-proof performance!
Heat-treated 6061-T6 aluminum, welded together in a wide array of sizes, with a dual-bolt offset handlebar faceplate that eliminates direct stress on the bolts.
Submitted by
Diamondhead
a Weekend Warrior
from Jersey, UK Channel Islands Date Reviewed: November 26, 2008
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$9.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint.com
Strengths:
strong, simple, and silent
Weaknesses:
chrome allen bolts rust
Similar Products Used:
FSA, Ritchy
Bike Setup:
Diamondback hardtail frame, trail bike, nothing left stock
Bottom Line:
Hasn't been reviewed for a while but still out there, not sexy, but sturdy, strong and as simple as a bag of hammers.
Over 3 years old but looks like new, (aside from some rust in the handlebar clamp bolts) Quit possibly the strongest part of my bike! If you run with 25.4mm bars, like my Titec Hellbent DH get them while you still can.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
CL
a Cross Country Rider
from S. CAL Date Reviewed: February 5, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Beefy yet Light weight, good looking finish, very strong. Come with short size 60mm.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Race, Tioga.
Bike Setup:
Sugar 3+, Titec Flat Tracker bar.
Bottom Line:
Awesome stem, I needed a shorter stem than the 90mm stock, and there are not too many choice on the market other than heavy DH's. Big-Al is a big and tough one, I do feel the quality upgrade from Bontrager Race. Titec.com usually has clearance for very good price, their quality and value are impressive.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
næstep
a Cross Country Rider
from SF Bay Area, California Date Reviewed: August 9, 2003
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Strong, quiet and good looking -- the kind of stem you forget about once you bolt it up to the bike.
Weaknesses:
Is it a weakness if the clamp bolt heads begin to oxidize after 3 or 4 years?
Bottom Line:
Strong, quiet, good looking AND CHEAP! Well, relatively inexpensive compared to the Thomsons and Racefaces. Also maybe the only commonly available stem in a 25° rise?
I actually own three Big Al stems. One has been in use for around 4 years, one is a few months old and the third is brand new. Never a worry of stripped bolts or creaks developing, even after repeated installations of the original one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Frank Howard
a Racer
from Madison Date Reviewed: July 26, 2003
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Titec
Strengths:
I have 2 of these. Never a problem. Cost $16 at Titec, about 1/4 the price as a Thomson.
Weaknesses:
None. Well, not as nice as a Thomson
Similar Products Used:
Have many stems.
Bike Setup:
One is on a Klein. Other one is on a Jamis Dragon.
Bottom Line:
Excellent stem. Knock rated by Titec so they will replace it if it breaks. Well rated in Dirt Rag #100. The 52mm clamp makes for a very solid steerer tube interface. User below doesn't know anything about bike setup if his brake cable is snagging on a bolt. Have to chuckle at that one:)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
SWISS
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise Date Reviewed: July 15, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
came stock on Bianchi SISS
Strengths:
none
Weaknesses:
lower face plate bolt catches brake cable lower face plate bolt stripped out creaky
Similar Products Used:
Thomson, Kore Elite, Race Face System
Bike Setup:
Bianchi SISS
Bottom Line:
What a POS. First, the design of the face plate results in a lower bolt that catches on your front brake cable, so every time your fork compresses, the bolt catches the brake cable on the rebound. Not good. Second, I had incessant creaking from the face plate/bar interface that would not go away, no matter what I tried. Finally, the lower face plate bolt stripped the threads on the stem. Bad, bad, bad all the way around. Stay away from this stem.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
martin
a Cross Country Rider
from melbourne,vic,Australia Date Reviewed: June 7, 2003
Favorite Trail:
tThe track
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
very good strenghts, the stem is durable, strong , will take anything u throw at it and IT IS A GOOD PRICE!
Similar Products Used:
easton MG60
Bike Setup:
Giant atx 890
Bottom Line:
i know the mg60 is a very good stem it does take more impact making ur ride more smooth.i do really much like the stem but if u are underbudget trust me and get the titec big al! i never had problems with the stem on that the bolt heads are rusting but that can be replaced for cheap
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dennisd
a Cross Country Rider
from Cornwall, Ont. Date Reviewed: November 11, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Charlottenburg
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
-killer matt black finish -super strong and stiff
Weaknesses:
-obscolescent technology -no four bolt set up
Bike Setup:
'01 Secialized Enduro w/ Hayes hydraulics
Bottom Line:
The Titec BigAl is, gram for gram, probably one of the best stems out there for the money. It's reasonably light, very stiff and beefed up. It also has one of the best warranties in the business.
The Big Al does not represent the latest in technology, though. That is, it isn't machined out of a single block of aluminum, it's welded. Also it has a two bolt configuration instead of a four bolt. So if that bothers you, or you want the very best out there no matter what it costs, then get a Thompson or a Race Face Deus.
I would still recommend the Titec unit though, it has killer looks and won't cost you $200 which is just crazy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Weekend Warrior
from Sodus, NY, USA Date Reviewed: June 16, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$5.00
Purchased At:
TITEC
Strengths:
Great stem, well worth the money, if not 30 dollars more. Stiff, strong, great looking.
Weaknesses:
NONE!!!
Similar Products Used:
some cheap aluminum thing that weighed a ton and was flexy...
Bike Setup:
Mongoose AR-50 with LX drivetrain, RST fork (sucks), TIME ATAC ALIUM pedals, panaracer fire xc pro, TITEC big al and enduro handlebar, sun ZJ18 rims.
Bottom Line:
if you need a cheap and very good stem, visit www.titec.com this stem is awesome. it is light yet still very stiff. it looks great on any bike (mine is black) helps to put your steering effort to the front wheel. bottom line: if u dont have one buy one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nat
a Cross Country Rider
from State College, PA Date Reviewed: May 26, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$5.00
Purchased At:
www.titec.com
Strengths:
This titec stem gets the job done. Excellent price directly from Titec.
Bottom Line:
I don't understand why anyone would pass up a Titec stem for five bucks. I'm not exactly sure why people are willing to empty their wallets out for some of those expensive stems such as the Thompson Elite and what not. I've been noticing that people like to brag about having Thompson stuff when they list their bike setup, must be a prestige issue.
This stem comes in a variety of angles and lengths.
Buy this stem if you're not worried about having a fancy hood ornament on your bike. Make sure you buy the stem that fits you best though.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy Orr
a Cross Country Rider
from Fort Collins, CO Date Reviewed: May 6, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Whatever's next...
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Stock on Giant AC Air Lite
Strengths:
Very stiff, holds the bar securely, nice rise.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
Thomson Elite, RaceFace System
Bike Setup:
32 pounds of long travel fun
Bottom Line:
Contemplated swapping this stem for a chi-chi RaceFace or Thomson from one of my old bikes. Decided why bother? This thing does its job very well. Great stem.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob Gifford
a Cross Country Rider
from Schenectady, NY, USA Date Reviewed: April 25, 2002
Schwinn Mesa GS Titec appendages, XTR/Sun wheelset, duke fork
Bottom Line:
BUY IT. for 5 bukc you can't beat it. u can drop a concrete cinder block on it and they will replace it cause its knockrated. its very easy to ovetighten, many people underestimate how much u gotta clamp down on it. just take a turn or 2 past the "snugg" zone
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Troy Nicholson
a Weekend Warrior
from Athens, Ohio Date Reviewed: April 16, 2002
Favorite Trail:
anything
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$5.00
Purchased At:
titec
Strengths:
looks good, strong, not super heavy
Weaknesses:
a bit long, not the lightest
Similar Products Used:
specialized factory one
Bottom Line:
couldn't go wrong with the price!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle Date Reviewed: April 8, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Got it from a buddy
Strengths:
Stiff, quiet, light, inexpensive.
Weaknesses:
Ugly welds.
Similar Products Used:
Race Face System, Ritchey.
Bike Setup:
Strong Frame with the usual XT bits.
Bottom Line:
I rode the Ritchie for years with no issues. Rode the Race Face and always seemed flexy and made lots of creaking noises. Changed to the Titec becuase it came with a buddy's bike and was not the right size for him.
I have been very happy with it. The creaking noise is gone, and it feels stiffer. Ugly welds though.
Good stem for a cross country guy. Great value.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Bay Area, CA Date Reviewed: March 15, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
www.titec.com
Strengths:
strong, close tolerance with steerer tube, light, wide range of sizes
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Race 135mm, Barracuda 130mm, Icon 135mm
Bike Setup:
Titus Racer-X, Marzocchi Z-1 X-Fly, Icon handlebar
Bottom Line:
I got this stem on deep discount directly from Titec because I didn't mind choosing between red or blue. I think I paid about $25 for it, which alone makes it a 5-chili value. It's noticeably stiffer laterally than any stem I've tried, takes impacts like nothing, and I've never had it come loose. Before I installed it, I coated all surfaces with anti-seize: all 4 bolt threads, the inside of the handlebar clamp, and the steerer tube clamp. It did have a minor blemish where the powder coating (or whatever) dripped on the inside of the clamp, which would have scratched the steerer if I hadn't filed it down. Overall, I cannot recommend this product highly enough! If you experience any creaking, pull out all the bolts and coat them with anti-seize. I had a friend who did this and it solved all his creaking problems.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
joe smiley
a Cross Country Rider
from van,b.c, canada Date Reviewed: October 29, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$50.00
Strengths:
works
Weaknesses:
none.
Similar Products Used:
easton magnesium, control-tech,kore.
Bike Setup:
santa cruz superlite, xtr brakes, xt all around,pyslo.
Bottom Line:
it's hard to find a product like this these days....no flash but just plain good engineering at a decent price. i was looking to purchase a new fancy stem(read pricey, glizty)to compliment the bike. but heck, the stuff out there just isn't worth the trust and money. that's what it's all about isn't it? i mean, if i have to pay $120 for a raceface system stem, it better be damn near its intended engineering specs. i don't expect to hear creaking noises or have the sales staff tell me 'it's a minor design flaw.' good grief! if people pay mercedes prices, they shouldn't get a hyundai. i think this stem is pretty wicked and i wouldn't trade it for something else more pricy or branded. its price, design and functionality mirrors the finer qualities in our sport.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kornphlake
a Cross Country Rider
from Provo,Ut. USA Date Reviewed: September 19, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Aardvark cycles
Strengths:
seemingly light, looks good, graphics aren't too absurd, great value
Weaknesses:
my stem creaks despite popular opinion, seems a little bit long but that may be my fault for choosing such a long stem
Similar Products Used:
cheap-o quill type stems
Bike Setup:
21" American Eagle, xt/deore, manitou sx-r w/ ti spring, titec bars and seatpost.
Bottom Line:
The stem seems to do the job and I got a great deal on a bike that came with the stem. It does bother me though that it creaks unless the screws are tightened constantly. The bar never feel loose though it just makes noise. If you are a student looking for a budget priced stem buy it. If you have lots of money and want to put something cool looking on the roof of your SUV like alot of the yuppies here buy something else.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Cross Country Rider
from Woodinville Date Reviewed: September 14, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Can't tell
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$10.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Stiff, good looks, only need one allen wrench
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager, Ibis titanium, Ritchey
Bike Setup:
Klein Attitude, full XTR, SID XC fork
Bottom Line:
Wasn't really in the market for a stem. I probably would've ended up buying a Thomson but when I saw the Titec on the back wall in the bike shop area of REI and I couldn't resist. It was missing a couple of bolts for the faceplate. That was okay since I had a spare Titec 'lil Al stem at home for another bike I use to have (they both use the same size bolts). I asked the salesperson how much he wanted for it. Since it was missing some bolts he let it go to me for $10. What a steal. When these were brand new they went for $50-$60. Now you can get them for about $30 in limited sizes. I never questioned the stiffness of my Bontrager stem but when I put on the Titec I definitely noticed a difference, mostly I think because of the size. My Bontrager has a 105mm length with a 7 degree rise. The Titec is a 105mm with a 10 degree rise. On a bike millimeters make the whole difference in feel and fit on a bike. This stem felt just right and plenty stiff. You can't go wrong with one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
SFA
a Downhiller
from NJ Date Reviewed: August 31, 2001
Favorite Trail:
allamuchy
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
thebikeco.com
Strengths:
It looks good, it was dirt cheap, it's incredibly strong, very light
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
kore lite 3d, ritchey, kore elite, rf system
Bike Setup:
Azonic, z3
Bottom Line:
It's strong enough to take 8 foot drops to concrete on a hardtail. I beat the crap out of it and it doesn't budge. I crank down on it with a 5" allen wrench and the bolts don't round out or strip. It doesn't creak. It's very stiff because of it's large diameter. It looks good and stays that way with a nice powdercoat and laser etched graphics. Just one bad thing is the sharp edges on the steerer clamp bolts. I've caught my knees on there a few times. One time I went over the bars and the bolt put a hole through my shinguard and still cut my knee. I couldn't walk for a while from the impact but it wasn't bad. It was extremely cheap also. One of the best deals i've ever come upon.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross Country Rider
from Tasmania, Australia Date Reviewed: August 22, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
McBains Cycles Hobart
Strengths:
Light Weight Price Nice rise
Weaknesses:
The protruding bolts look dangerous, but they arn't
Similar Products Used:
Kore, Azonic, Syncros (all too expensive)
Bike Setup:
Giant ATX 890
Bottom Line:
Kick arse budget stem. Doesn't creak, easy to put on and is very dependable.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TX Date Reviewed: April 18, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Barton Creek
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Came on the Bike
Strengths:
Beefy, good welds, stiff, maintenance/trouble free. Great value for the money.
Weaknesses:
Not as cool as Kore or Thompson.
Similar Products Used:
Kore, some flimsy specialized Ti piece of crap
Bike Setup:
Bontrager, King HS, XTR drlrs, XT/Mavic wheels, Avid 1 digit brakes, Titec Ti bar, easton carbon post.
Bottom Line:
Haven't had a problem yet. C'mon, it's a STEM. It's more or less a static part. As long as it's reasonably light, stiff & dependable, why spend lots of $$ on it? Sure, a Thompson is cooler & a little lighter, but unless your completely anal about weight or have lots of cash to throw around, you're just paying for a billboard. Save you're pennies for parts that make a real difference - like your wheels. After reading reviews of some of the problems people have had w/ high end stems(stripped bolts, etc.), this one seems like an even better value for the $$. 5 smoky turds for value, 4 overall since a top-end thompson or Kore is pretty much the state of the art.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Idaho Date Reviewed: April 6, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Gooseberry Mesa
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$19.00
Purchased At:
Jenson
Strengths:
Inexpensive, stiff, no bs stem.....the ano black looks good too.
Weaknesses:
It's not a Thomson....
Similar Products Used:
Syncros, Atac, generic forged stems
Bike Setup:
I have Titec Big Als on both my bikes. A 98 Specialized FSR Elite (custom) and a 99 Titus Racer X.
Bottom Line:
Great stem for the money. I have Thomson seatposts, Chris King headsets, and Easton bars on both my bikes, but I can't justify spending more than $19 on a stem when the Titec Big Al works so well. No creaking, no stripped bolts, just a good looking functional stem.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
billy b
a Weekend Warrior
from columbia, south cakalacky Date Reviewed: January 29, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
jensenusa
Strengths:
it holds the stem and fork in place
Similar Products Used:
lil al
Bike Setup:
stock moab (with soon to be fitted Zoke atom race and CC c-2), 120 mm 0 degree big al stem, Thompson post, Crossrides, and of course Jet lites(ps don't buy them from www.bikerbob.com, check my other review in the lights)
Bottom Line:
super price for a stem. holds up great. thinking about a Thompson stem to compliment my seat post, but money is time. Crappy retail job can not support wanted upgrades. Must get out of college...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mountain Man
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: December 30, 2000
Upgraded '00 Schwinn Moab 1, with a Titec Hellbent
Bottom Line:
Awesome stem. I've torqued the bolts on both ends down hard, and they still look like new. All you people who strip the threads: 1) Use a good allen key, not one with rounded edges from constant use. 2) Don't crank these things down. No stembolt can withstand the force of a 200lb. guy leaning onto a 2-foot torque bar with an allen wrench stuck into the end. Take it easy. It's amazing how many people in every category of product compain about stripping threads. I've never stripped a bolt in my life, and I used to use a stem far worse than this Titec. Products can't always stand up to the abuse of incompetent mechanics. Anyway, this stem is great. Since stem stiffness, and therefore steering precision, is very important to me, the only stems I'd ever upgrade to would be a Profile Stiffy or a Thomson. But I won't upgrade this stem as long as it keeps holding up this well: not even a scratch, no rust in the bolts, stiff and strong as ever, and it's still real light. The large diameter and fat welds complement the beefy down tube and huge gussets and welds of my frame. 5 chilis on both calue and overall, since it's one of the best stems you can buy at a low-to-moderate price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
squish
a Weekend Warrior
from Aberdeen, South Dakota Date Reviewed: August 19, 2000
Favorite Trail:
anything that goes up and DOWN
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Jenson USA
Strengths:
Looks awesome...the powder coat does not scratch off...clamp doesn't loosen up and creak...stiff as hell...
Weaknesses:
none...
Similar Products Used:
icon...kore...no name brand stuff...
Bike Setup:
trek 7000...marzocchi jr. t...standard parts setup LS/XT mix...avid-v-brakes (soon to be replaced by something more substantial...)
Bottom Line:
this stem rawks...i've gone through a few stems in the past trying to find one that was stiff enough and tuff enough to hold up...i finally found it...i have a 90 mm stem with 10 deg rise...this thing is stiff...i haven't had my bar out of the clamp since i got the thing and have never had any troubles with the bar twisting and the clamp creaking...after a year of hard use the powder coat is still there...only with a few small scratches...but nothing to raise hell about....bottom line is the stem kicks ass...
5 flaming bannanas...all around
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
NiGeL
a Racer
from Toronto, Ontario Date Reviewed: July 10, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Kelso dh run
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
-stiff -looks damn good -haven't scratched it
Weaknesses:
none yet!
Similar Products Used:
-old syncros -no name stock
Bike Setup:
Oryx Hta 500, z4, Xtr and lx, formula disks with avid 2.0 levers, titec handlebar-ah sorry a hellbent
Bottom Line:
This stem is so strong and so sexy looking. I have the short one not the big one. I have been damn hard on it and have not had any problems. Looks damn awesome and letters haven't com off.
A damn strong and sexy stem
------AND THAT S THE BOTTOM LINE SON!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
buck wild
a Weekend Warrior
from staples, Mn Date Reviewed: July 10, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
light,strong, looks good
Weaknesses:
None yet
Bike Setup:
99 Voodoo Hoodoo
Bottom Line:
During my upgrade this thing will be saved. Have had absolutely no problems with it and love it. I haven't had any problems with the bolts stipping out and the first time i put my bars on (titec enduro) I torqued the hell out of them. Since i've taken them off 5-8 times and have had no problems.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Muzz
a Weekend Warrior
from Hobart, Australia Date Reviewed: July 1, 2000
Favorite Trail:
anything singletrack
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Looks phat, cos it is nice finish
Weaknesses:
none as yet
Similar Products Used:
Azonic ORC, Pazzaz, Kalloy
Bike Setup:
Kona Muni Mula with Club Roost bars
Bottom Line:
Only had this stem a little while so i may not have much to say about durability.I have the 110mm 10 degree rise stem on my HT and it does everything i expect from a stem.I haven't had problems with stripping threads (Titec may have fixed this recently, i dunno) and the clamp holds my bars just where i wnat 'em. Can't ask much more than that. Plus it looks really burly so that has to be good :) AND It only cost me $35 AUD which was a real bargin.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
SGT ROCK
a Racer
from Drumheller, AB Date Reviewed: May 26, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Looks
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager, Control Tech
Bike Setup:
GIANT ATX 890
Bottom Line:
This stem performs just as well as my Bontrager Race, a stem I rate very highly. My favorite thing about this stem is its looks - the "fat" profile compliments the big diameter head and down tubes of my frame. Yes, sometimes looks do count for something.
Have had no problems with weak threads or bolts so far.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeremy
a Cross Country Rider
from Salcombe Date Reviewed: May 9, 2000
Favorite Trail:
not here
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Looks strong
Weaknesses:
Whne I upgraded the bar I discovered that one of the threads was stripped
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
99 Zetec comp
Bottom Line:
I at first thought the stripped thread was down to heavy handed assembly at the bike shop but since reading comments here I guess it must be a weakness in the design. I've screwed it back on but am not toally happy about it. I'll probably have to get a new one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nathan Cauldwell
a Weekend Warrior
from Masfield, MA, USA Date Reviewed: April 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Foxboro State Forest, Lynn Woods(whats left of it)
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Looks good, stiff, relatively inexpensive
Weaknesses:
fine thread on bolts and in stem
Similar Products Used:
Manitou A-Tac stem
Bike Setup:
98 stump Jumper, Manitou fs-ti, xt-xtr-lx stuff, sun rhyno lights, race face cranks
Bottom Line:
I have the 90mm 0 rise version of this stem and i liked it very much until recently. The other day while riding the threads in the stem itself stripped out at the handle bare clamp. I had to ride about 3 miles back to my house with loose Crowbare(it sucked!). I was also having trouble threading the bolts into the stem properly when i got it new. I fixed the stem by running a 1/4" 20 thread per inch tap through the original holes and getting new bolts. I am still using the stem and have not had any other problems with it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Winslow
a Downhiller
from Michigan Date Reviewed: April 1, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Mt. Lemmon
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Stiff, Strong, tilted bar clamp design, relatively cheap.
Weaknesses:
Allen bolts are soft.
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager, trek.
Bike Setup:
Klein Attitude Race
Bottom Line:
A good, strong, well designed stem but with soft allen bolts.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Uncle Fats
a Weekend Warrior
from Wall NJ Date Reviewed: December 20, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Ringwood
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Strong Light Looks Good
Weaknesses:
None - and that's what I expect since it's made by Titec.
Similar Products Used:
Control Tech Race Face Kore Lite Kore Elite
Bike Setup:
Schwinn Moab disc-attached to a Titec Hellbent
Bottom Line:
It's strong and it gets the job done while looking good. The bolts DON'T strip. They do if you over torque them, but we know you won't do that. It's a very nice stem. Plus it's made by Titec, which make the absolute best stuff.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver, Colorado Date Reviewed: September 28, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light, stiff, large steerer tube clamp length, large bar clamping surface.
Weaknesses:
No issues yet.
Similar Products Used:
Bontranger, Profile BOA, Salsa Moto Ace
Bike Setup:
Fisher Ziggurat, Judy SL, Titec Hellbent Ti riser bar, Avid 5.0 Arch Rival, Race Face Crank, Syncros 450mm seat Post, Koombi Au saddle (this is a must!!), XTR Rear Derailleur and shifter/brakes, XT Front Derailleur.
Bottom Line:
No problems with the stem to date. I have pounded on it doing the Creek Side trail at Steamboat with three crashes and it didn't move. I am a bit leary of the threads on the clamp being aluminum, but I have not yet stripped them. This stem is as stiff as a rock and light for what you get. I would recommend it for an upgrade, just be sure not to overtorque the bolts. You don't need to have that much torque to keep it on the steerer tube and the bar from moving. I give 4 hot ones (I reserve 5 hot ones for a product that is way better that advertised)
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
memyslefandI
a Racer
from Baltimore Date Reviewed: August 31, 1999
This is a good-looking and light stem, but not too damned durable. I've had mine only weeks and my handlebar slopped forward (which can spell disaster) and when I went to tighten the stem back down, both allen-bolts stripped without even putting much torque on them. I've worked with lots of stem bolts before, and have never had this experience until the Titec. Overall, they make great parts, but this one pretty much blows. I also had a bent front-clamp plate after tighening it down, which..kinda made me feel like Hercules and all..but I ain't THAT strong..I just happened onto a really weak stem. This product would definitely benefit from a stiffer bar-clamp and hardened bolt heads. It might add a little weight, but what good is light without durability.
Overall Rating:
What's New
»
BEST OF MTBR - Check out the highest rated bikes, parts, & gear!
»
LED BIKE LIGHT SHOOTOUT 3 - We test all the newest products and latest light and battery technology in this comprehensive guide»
$ 65.95
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
