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Submitted by
mtbnachos
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: June 23, 2008 | | Favoriate 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 | | Favoriate 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). | | Bike Setup: | 2006 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR 120:
http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pWYXYHVI0VnU437GQX-MOTw
Product reviewed: SM-E133 and SM-E139. | | Bottom Line: | 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 | | Favoriate 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 | | Favoriate 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 | | Favoriate 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 | | Favoriate 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 | | Favoriate 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 | | Favoriate 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 | | Favoriate 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 | | Favoriate 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 | | Favoriate 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 | | Bike Setup: | LaPierre Ultimate Scandium Road Bike (yes, road bike), Kestrel EMS Pro handlebar, Easton EC90 fork, Ultegra shifters/derailleurs, FSA Carbon Compact crank, Mavic Cosmos, Thomson Elite seatpost | | Bottom Line: | 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 | | Favoriate Trail: | Urban Assult | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$65.00 | | Purchased At: | Jenson Bike | | Strengths: | Materials (7075 aluminum), machining quality, and anodized finish. Typical "Thomson" quality... | | Weaknesses: | None! | | Similar Products Used: | Only "Thomson" for me! | | Bike Setup: | Custom painted Mountain Cycle "Fury" frameset, 5th Element shock, Hadley DH hubs, HED "DB45" (1.77" DH wide)rims, Maxxis "Hookworm" tires, Blackspire cranks, Marzochi "Shiver DC" fork, Hope "M4" disc brakes, Titec "El Norte" saddle, and Thomson seatpost. | | Bottom Line: | One of the top 5 manufacturers out there...period! If only they made more components... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sjur Njaa
a Racer
from Norway
Date Reviewed: September 18, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$95.00 | | Strengths: | Has everything as the elite, but 40gram less weight.
Better fastening (Stronger) to the fork. | | Weaknesses: | Don't have the "knee saving bolts" | | Similar Products Used: | Deda Newton, 3T lessXL, Bontrager race light, Thomson Elite, Ritchey WCS, FSA OS115 | | Bike Setup: | Spesialized S-works cyclocross, DA shifters/deraileurs/Hubs, Mavic T519 ceramic rims, Paul's neo retro canties, Paul's cross brakes, Thomson masterpiece setpost, Salsa Bell Lap Dropbar, Crankbros. Eggbeaters | | Bottom Line: | I think this is supose to be more expensive than the Elite, so getting it for the same price is really ok.
I find it the stiffest stem I have ever tried !
And if it have the same quality as the elite and masterpiece products, it won't brake.
It's also maby the lightest OS stem out there
I give it 4 chilis, though it's better then most 5 chilis.
Nothing is perfect, but this is just the closest you get to it.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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