We started with our popular Big AL stem, and took the stiffness issue a step further by adding a burly 4-bolt handlebar faceplate to create the Knucklehead DH – it’s KnockRated™ and available in a variety of rises and lengths to suit every level and style of hardcore conditions.
Submitted by
Tony
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO Date Reviewed: June 10, 2003
Favorite Trail:
bumpy
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Stiff Strong Not Heavy
Weaknesses:
Not Light Doesn't impress people like a Thomson
Similar Products Used:
Thomson, Easton, Titec Big Al
Bike Setup:
Titus Switchblade
Bottom Line:
I've been very happy with Titec stems. The Knucklehead is a slightly beefier version of the Big-Al. I find it to be noticably stiffer than Thomson while costly less than half as much. It is also easier to get the tightness correct on the Titec as the faceplate design seems to support itself a bit better than the Thomson. Of course, it isn't as pretty as the competition, and it doesn't get as much press, but even at twice the price it would still be a good value.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave Garee
a Cross Country Rider
from Athens, GA USA Date Reviewed: September 20, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Titec Direct
Strengths:
Price, durability, strength
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Kona, Easton
Bike Setup:
Kona Blast, Duke SL, King threadless headset, full XT...
Bottom Line:
This stem is solid! It was the final addition to my bike, and the variety of sizes Titec offers allowed me to dial in the perfect size. Its 90mm length (0 rise) perfected the geometry of my 18 inch frame. Aside from that, it cost $25.00 US ( a ridiculously low, but rather pleasing price for this quality), and is indestructible. I have pounded it on 4 foot drops with nary a squeak or slip. The welds are uniform and thick, and the four bolt design provides peace of mind. I will definitely buy another, but probably won´t need to for a long time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lance Lowry
a Cross Country Rider
from Fullerton Date Reviewed: September 20, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Fullerton Loop
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
titec.com
Strengths:
Insanely strong, cool lookin, color(blue)
Weaknesses:
Standard and metric alan wrenches don't really fit in the screw holes. Stripped one of the bolts tightening it(Hope i never have to take it of or I'm going to have to saw the screw in half and order another one of these.
Similar Products Used:
Stock Giant stem on Ward DS3-blows and creaks like an old rocking chair
Bike Setup:
Warp Ds3, Raceface Prodigy Cranks & rsx BB, Titec Hellbent riser bar and Knucklehead stem.
Bottom Line:
This stem kicks some ass. I haven't had this baby creak at all on me. Just gives so much more control. Makes handlebars way more responsive on tight turns and climbs. I don't know about weight. The Giant stem I had weighed a ton, so this thing could be heavy but just feels light after the piece of crap I had before. Can't go wrong with this thing. I bought it instead of the 2 screw stems. It just looked stronger and it is. Take it from a lower end bike owner- Piece of mind is key. One less thing I have to watch over on my bike. Nice blue color, isn't baby blue like others I've seen. If your not worried about a couple extra grams then go get this. It doesn't budge and won't brake. Crash tested and it doesn't slip, doesn't scratch easily. Great job as usual by Titec. I'll give this thing 5 for value and 4 overall because the screws are soft as butter.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BigRed
a Weekend Warrior
from Cleveland, OH Date Reviewed: July 22, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Euclid Creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Titec Direct
Strengths:
Its strength is its strength and vice versa. This is stiff. It doesn't creak (like 2 bolt face plates) and it stays put. Comes in colors. CHEAP!!!
Weaknesses:
None for me, I'd say colors available (red or blue) but I'm Big Red!!! Works for me!!!
Similar Products Used:
K2 factory stem, many older-school threaded stems.
Bike Setup:
K2 Flyin' Monkey
Bottom Line:
Super strong, super cheap, looks great, good name. Helped my tricks, as well. BUY THIS STEM!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
andrew
a Downhiller
from howell mi Date Reviewed: June 30, 2002
Favorite Trail:
the asylum
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
heh heh wouldnt u like to know ?
Strengths:
its short its built and welded well its light but not shakingly light
Weaknesses:
none really ? maybe itd be cool if it came in pink or sky blue ?
Similar Products Used:
-
Bike Setup:
marin rock springs 6 inch travel with 4 inches up front avid 6 inch rotors
Bottom Line:
its a great stem for a great price
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt L.
a Racer
from Philadelphia,PA Date Reviewed: June 11, 2002
Favorite Trail:
City Streets
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Titec Direct
Strengths:
Stiff as your jammy on viagra. Variety of sizes is great to accomadate any size rider.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Why bother with anything else.
Bike Setup:
Usual city street pounding machine.
Bottom Line:
this stem does what it should. it doesn't budge. no bar slippage. it's totally indestructable. Great value too. Titec does it right. they make no nonsense stuff thats pretty easy on the wallet! buy it!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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