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Kore B52 Downhill

Average Rating 4.76/5
# of Reviews 58
MSRP $
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Description:
  • Downhill specific stem
  • One piece machined 6061 alloy aillet
  • Hollow core design
  • Four bolt removable front clamp
  • KneeSaver rear clamp





  • Submitted by Tom Dibley a Weekend Warrior from Southampton, UK
    Date Reviewed: December 7, 2006
    Favoriate Trail:Tunnel - Santa Barbara
    Duration Product Used:More than 3 years
    Price Paid: $21.00
    Purchased At:Bike Wagon
    Strengths:Stiff - outstanding beauty - rare - should cost a fortune
    Weaknesses:Bit heavy, but it ain't suposed to be a light weight
    Similar Products Used:A few B-52's, Azonic ORC, Azonic Shorty, Syncros, Specialized, Azonic 0 degree.
    Bike Setup:Yeti - always a yeti...many of them one hopes
    Bottom Line:I bought one of these at full retail of £115 (that's $200) in the UK about 4 or so years ago. I loved it and it loved being ridden hard on my Foes FXR. I had that bike stollen over a year ago now but found another silver one on eBay for about £30. I grabbed it. It's a 60mm and is perfect on my trail bike. I was surfing eBay the other day and Bikewagon in the States are selling them for around $25 so I bought a 40mm black one for my Yeti Dirt Jumper and a 75mm one for...er...don't know, but you can't get them int he shops anymore so I'm buying one everytime I see one for sale. They're awesome!!!!!!
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Steini a Weekend Warrior from Perth, W.A., Australia
    Date Reviewed: February 7, 2005
    Favoriate Trail:urban streets
    Duration Product Used:1 Year
    Price Paid: $12.00
    Purchased At:eBay
    Strengths:stiff,no flex,design,fit and forget...indistructable.
    Weaknesses:none...
    Similar Products Used:specialized moebius,various others
    Bike Setup:Avanti "Montari Disc" Frame,On-One "Inbred" Rigid Forks,KORE B52 Downhill Stem,Armor Hydr.Disc Brakes 7" front and 6" rear,SRAM X.9 Derailleur and Trigger Shifters,Velocity VXC Disc Wheelset,FSA Orbit Headset,Specialzed Fatboys,11-25 Road Cassette 105,Deore Hollowtech Cranks,M520 Pedals,WTB "Rocket V" Saddle,BBB 1" Riser Bars...
    Bottom Line:This Is It.

    I bought the first stem on eBay for $12,which is just insane,this is the best stem i've ever tried.
    I ride a lot,i'm one of those bicycle courier guys,who ride around Perth in up to 40 Deg.Celsius Heat,delivering stuff in a city which totally designed for cars... and the last thing i want is dodgy equipment,when i jump up and down curbs and manoeuvre through traffic...this thing doesn't flex or move at all.

    There might be weight weenies,for whom the B52 is to heavy and i guess it comes down to what you use your bike for...
    but i don't think i'll ever use something else again.

    I've just bought a second one for $20(!),a bit shorter to fit another frame...
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by RAZE J a Downhiller from COLORADO
    Date Reviewed: April 2, 2003
    Favoriate Trail:too many to list
    Duration Product Used:1 Year
    Price Paid: $80.00
    Purchased At:LBS
    Strengths:Stupid stiff!
    Weaknesses:forget about it
    Similar Products Used:azonic tompson
    Bottom Line:This stem is everything Kore says it is and more.Mine is 60mm in black. What a piece of art! Will buy another.
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Ronnie a Downhiller from Valparaiso, In
    Date Reviewed: December 16, 2002
    Favoriate Trail:Freeride,telecom
    Duration Product Used:2 Years
    Price Paid: $120.00
    Purchased At:Brian's
    Strengths:S-T-I-F-F, forget about any other stems. You aint gonna flex or break this one
    Weaknesses:ya right
    Similar Products Used:Thomson, azonic
    Bike Setup:Foes fully tilt!
    Bottom Line:I have had the Kore B52 60mm stem for over two years. I tied some other stems lately because they were cheaper in price for my other bikes. No thanks, the others slip, I will still pay the 120 bucks for another kore B52.
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Johnny Thunder a Downhiller from Auburn, CA USA
    Date Reviewed: November 15, 2002
    Favoriate Trail:Urban/ dirt jumps
    Duration Product Used:3 months
    Price Paid: $35.00
    Purchased At:Ebay
    Strengths:Never have to think about it.
    Weaknesses:None
    Similar Products Used:Thompson, Easton, Kore
    Bike Setup:Surley Instigator
    Bottom Line:I built this bike up with mostly spare parts from the garage as my beater bike to save my Ellsworth from some abuse. Since then, I have had so much fun on the Surley that the ID has remained in the garage. The stem was an obvious steal on Ebay and has done just what it should- remained invisble while on the bike--it doesn't make you think about it. Top notch!
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by james homerrown a Downhiller from culver city
    Date Reviewed: November 5, 2002
    Duration Product Used:6 months
    Price Paid: $100.00
    Purchased At:W H E E L W O R L D . C O M
    Strengths:the strongest stem i've ever used.
    sssstttttiiiiffffffffff!
    Weaknesses:weight... only if ur a gram counter
    Similar Products Used:shorty deluxe
    Bike Setup:01 kona stinky primo/02 monster t/michelin 2.8 f & r
    Bottom Line:if ur tired of stems that flex or creek or break, this is the last stem u will ever need to buy
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Rob B. a Downhiller from Cedar Hills, Utah
    Date Reviewed: October 31, 2002
    Favoriate Trail:Blasters, Slickrock
    Duration Product Used:1 Year
    Price Paid: $100.00
    Purchased At:LBS
    Strengths:Stiff, Strong, holds bars tight. holds fork tight, no stickers for logos.
    Weaknesses:wish it were cheaper. I would like to buy another
    Similar Products Used:Thomson
    Bike Setup:KHS dom
    Bottom Line:my thomson kept slipping. So i bought the Kore because of their great reveiws. Glad I did, no problems at all. this is how it should be.
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by randy a Weekend Warrior from New York
    Date Reviewed: October 8, 2002
    Favoriate Trail:urban streets, Blasters single
    Duration Product Used:2 Years
    Price Paid: $90.00
    Purchased At:LBS
    Strengths:Have you seen it? Sick Strong!
    Weaknesses:What?
    Similar Products Used:Azonic
    Bottom Line:The bottom line is this. I use a downhill stem on my bike cause I am battling cars 90% of my time on my bike. You see I am a delivery dude with a mean vengence for the motor type! I dont need a failure diving into a rut or curb on these mean streets of NY. Oh ya I even hit the single track with my bike whenever I can. I have had allot more than one stem before, snapped bars and crank arms, but this kore b52 holds up to anything. You rock kore!!!
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Mark a Downhiller from Los Angeles
    Date Reviewed: August 8, 2002
    Favoriate Trail:anything local, Moeb,
    Duration Product Used:3 months
    Price Paid: $45.00
    Purchased At:ebay.com
    Strengths:Have you seen it? Then you would know! INdestructable!!
    Weaknesses:Nada
    Similar Products Used:Azonic shorty
    Bike Setup:KHS Dom with all the goodies
    Bottom Line:I stole this stem on Ebay for $45, thats less than 1/2 price. It is 75mm x 7 deg in silver with black paint filled logos. I guess Kore had an overstock on these sizes, but it was just what I needed.

    I would not buy any other stem from here on out.
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Joe a Weekend Warrior from Concord, MA, USA!
    Date Reviewed: July 26, 2002
    Duration Product Used:3 months
    Price Paid: $30.00
    Purchased At:www.ebay.com
    Strengths:Strong
    Weaknesses:none
    Bike Setup:Schwinn Sraight 6"
    Bottom Line:I love this steam. It's nuke proof. I can't complain about the price either...got it on eBay for $30.00.

    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Victor M a Downhiller from Pasadena, Ca.
    Date Reviewed: March 30, 2002
    Favoriate Trail:everything local
    Duration Product Used:2 Years
    Price Paid: $99.00
    Strengths:Stupid strong!
    Weaknesses:You kidd'n me
    Similar Products Used:Azonic
    Bottom Line:This is it, Never need another. Bought over 2 years ago and it still delivers the same performance as day one. Could not say that about my other stem.
    I have a Kore elit stem , I think about 100mm long on my freeride bike, its sweet too
    Kore keep up the killer parts!!!
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Don a from OC,CA
    Date Reviewed: December 14, 2001
    Favoriate Trail:Ortega
    Duration Product Used:More than 3 years
    Strengths:Bombproff
    Weaknesses:none
    Similar Products Used:Stock stem, Azonic
    Bike Setup:My old rad san andreas, with updated rock shoxs
    Bottom Line:The last guy below stripped the thread out? How can you do that on this stem? I have had this stem for more than three years and taken it off several times with no problems.

    You should send it to Kore and next time get a torque rating for the bolt. Remember its aluminum not steel.

    I would definetly buy another.
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Paul Sexton a Downhiller from London
    Date Reviewed: September 3, 2001
    Favoriate Trail:Hampstead North Woods
    Duration Product Used:1 Year
    Price Paid: $80.00
    Purchased At:Armstrong Bike Dock mailorder
    Strengths:Looks the business, and appears to be very strong. Good design and ergonomics.
    Weaknesses:Threads went where it grips my forks. It's holding on by one screw which I guess will go soon.
    Similar Products Used:none. This stem replaced my factory x country stem on my M2.
    Bike Setup:Specialized Stump Jumper M2, XT groupset, Manitou SXR fork, HS33s, D521s, Monkey Bar, S4 seat pin, titanium jump seat.
    Bottom Line:Shame Kore. Guess I'll buy a GoldTech stubby at 45 quid as I really like the design but will not fork out for soft alu. threaded kit, despite its good looks.
    Value Rating:2Overall Rating:2

    Submitted by Randy Philips a Downhiller from Little Rock,
    Date Reviewed: August 22, 2001
    Favoriate Trail:Jay dive
    Duration Product Used:2 Years
    Price Paid: $110.00
    Purchased At:LBS
    Strengths:Solid
    Weaknesses:none
    Bike Setup:Mountain cycle san andreas, Hanabrink ,kore b52, hayes DB,Kore double d's bar,sun wheels
    Bottom Line:This stem rocks! Best stem I ever bought by far. I would never need to buy anything else. excellant construction with the logos cut right into the stem. thats sick! Mine's black at 60mm long.
    Love it to death!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by vic a Downhiller from l.a. c.a. usa
    Date Reviewed: August 20, 2001
    Favoriate Trail:big bear
    Duration Product Used:1 Year
    Purchased At:friend
    Strengths:the best steam i have ever tryed the strongest steam ever i will always buy it thats if it ever breaks which it wont
    Weaknesses:nun so ever
    Similar Products Used:nothin that comes close to it besides the other kore stems
    Bike Setup:khs deomtrax with dnm mirage and strikly d handle bars which are strong and mr dirt crank shimono xtr deraler and fox vinila shocks on the rear with b52
    Bottom Line:if you dont want your steam to break on impacted and go to the hospital i strogly suggest you get the kore b52 it will save you the trip to hospital or to the dentest
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Ben Ro a Downhiller from chicago, ill
    Date Reviewed: July 23, 2001
    Duration Product Used:2 Years
    Price Paid: $110.00
    Strengths:Strong
    Similar Products Used:Azonic
    Bottom Line:Had a azonic shorty, good stem but had some flex with my 250ib,6-5 body. I heard that the Kore did not flex, so i bought one on line. very pleased that this stem is so solid. no flex at all and will probably out last my bike for sure.
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Rowan a Downhiller from England
    Date Reviewed: May 21, 2001
    Duration Product Used:6 months
    Purchased At:tescos supermarket..fruit and veg section
    Strengths:Looks nice, very well made. Very stiff!
    Weaknesses:Price.....white writing fulls out. Had mager stack and the thread on the stearer clamp striped. Can't help think if they bigger bolts like Bonty race stem that this would not happen. Have seen two kore stems where the thread has stripped on the clamps. And this has not been overtightened. Bolts rust as well. I think that the ally is too soft. Maybe it softed in the crash. But i have seen them from new do the same thing
    Similar Products Used:Bonty...Easton.
    Bike Setup:Stab...hope bits here and there...with a dash of marrzocchi sause
    Bottom Line:Nice stem. Need to make bolts bigger and thread harder. Do something about the rusty bolts. Would i buy anther probalbaly not. Still nice while it lasted!
    Value Rating:2Overall Rating:3

    Submitted by vic h a Downhiller from l.a. cali, usa
    Date Reviewed: May 15, 2001
    Favoriate Trail:suvivant canyon
    Duration Product Used:1 Year
    Purchased At:kore
    Strengths:every thing it is a very good stem for all kind of riding
    Weaknesses:nothing
    Similar Products Used:nothing yet
    Bike Setup:intense m1 2000
    Bottom Line:best stem every really really strong and really light cant get any better
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Mike Ruas a Downhiller from Lancaster, Ca
    Date Reviewed: May 3, 2001
    Favoriate Trail:anywere ata short distance away
    Duration Product Used:2 Years
    Price Paid: $90.00
    Purchased At:Big Bear race
    Strengths:Need I mention?
    Weaknesses:you kidding?
    Similar Products Used:azonic shorty
    Bike Setup:Foes
    Bottom Line:The bottom line is this: You need a stem that wont have you check'n in at the local hospital because your bars just flew away after that jump going into the berm-Then get the Kore B52 and forget about it PERIOD!
    Cheap Insurance!
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by trent a Downhiller from San Luis Obispo
    Date Reviewed: April 2, 2001
    Duration Product Used:2 Years
    Strengths:Solid
    Weaknesses:nothing
    Similar Products Used:race face
    Bottom Line:I bought the B52 knowing kore's reputation for fine parts and that this stem looked bullit proff. have pounded on it for over 2 years, have taken it off four times and cant find anything wrong with it. I would buy another.
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Evergreen a Weekend Warrior from Hong Kong
    Date Reviewed: February 12, 2001
    Duration Product Used:Less than 1 month
    Price Paid: $100.00
    Strengths:Good looking
    Weaknesses:very expensive
    I like to ask a question why it was found some hairly crack around the screw holes. I was no crash in this period.
    I am very disappointed.
    Bike Setup:Trek VRX500, original factory setup
    Bottom Line:I am not trust it anymore
    Value Rating:1Overall Rating:1

    Submitted by Jay Rivas a from Vegas
    Date Reviewed: January 29, 2001
    Duration Product Used:2 Years
    Purchased At:$120.00
    Strengths:stiff, solid
    Weaknesses:high price, but worth it
    Similar Products Used:all of the short stems. Raceface before the B52
    Bottom Line:broke my raceface stem at the bolt hole, I know I paid too much for the B52 but I needed a stem fast and a good one that would last. This stem hasn't failed yet. Its so strong that I would even pay the $120 again if I had to. but I know they are out there cheaper. I wouldn't trade it for a stem that cost twice as much. This is it for good
    B52 or bust!
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Phil Dawg wonton mofo a from cali san fransicko
    Date Reviewed: January 5, 2001
    Favoriate Trail:stiff and straight into the dark hole
    Duration Product Used:6 months
    Price Paid: $110.00
    Purchased At:local bike shop
    Strengths:bomb proof, can survive a nuclear explosion and a nite downtown. u can tell it was made by professionals becuz it looks sick. its like superman except stronger...
    Bike Setup:trek 8000-rhyno lites-chris king headset-cully pedals-xtr everything-MRP-manitou x-vert dc...its a sick jump bike and also great for dirt jumpin
    Bottom Line:best stem on da market!!! cost a lil tooo much but thats ok
    Value Rating:4Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Wayne Gilbert a Cross Country Rider from Sterling
    Date Reviewed: January 2, 2001
    Favoriate Trail:You know the one
    Duration Product Used:2 Years
    Price Paid: $100.00
    Purchased At:JensonUsa
    Strengths:Unbreakable. No Flex. Looks cool.
    Weaknesses:Weight.
    Similar Products Used:Just about every stem out there
    Bike Setup:Ellsworth Turth
    Xvert Super Forks
    Disc Breaks
    Bottom Line:I weight 230 lbs. I want a bike that wont break. This stem wont break...ever. It only weights about 100 grams more then other regular stems. If I need to shave weight that bad I will shave it off myself first. If you dont mind a couple of extra grams and want something that will last longer then you...this is the stem to have. You will never never have to replace it. # chilies cause I paid so much for it.
    Value Rating:3Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Nick Holten a Downhiller from Richfield Utah
    Date Reviewed: November 25, 2000
    Duration Product Used:2 Years
    Purchased At:LBS
    Strengths:Stiff!!!
    Weaknesses:nothing
    Similar Products Used:Azonic Shorty
    Bottom Line:Tried them all. I would say the azonic shorty came the closest, but you can feel the stiffnest in the Kore B52 over the shorty. The b52 is what I have been looking for. Its killer looking and works the best. I cant even dent it in a fall!!
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Jared Adams a from Arlington, VA USA
    Date Reviewed: September 28, 2000
    Favoriate Trail:The bowls in Manhattan, KS
    Duration Product Used:6 months
    Price Paid: $55.00
    Purchased At:PricePoint.com
    Strengths:It never flexes. Holds your bars like a vise. Looks killer.
    Weaknesses:None.
    Similar Products Used:Various Profile and Titec stuff.
    Bottom Line:You don't have to break the bank to have the best stem on the market. Go to Price Point and spend no more than $55.00. Regardless, of the prices some people are paying for this stem, it's worth it. For any former 20in rider who knew of the power of the old GT block stem, this is its equivalent or better in the MTB world. I haven't touched one bolt on this stem in the six months since it was installed and unless I break my bars or steer tube, I never will. Five giddy-ups all around.
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by John McNeal a Downhiller from New Mexico
    Date Reviewed: July 17, 2000
    Duration Product Used:More than 3 years
    Strengths:Solid!
    Its a machined piece of art. Its the strongest part on my bike. Expensive but worth it when you dont need any worries.
    Weaknesses:nada
    Similar Products Used:Raceface
    Bottom Line:buy it, then thank me!
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Dominic a Downhiller from Great Northwest
    Date Reviewed: June 19, 2000
    Duration Product Used:3 months
    Strengths:Strong, pure downhill, hell a lot better than Shorty's
    Weaknesses:For you people that paid $110 for it
    Similar Products Used:Azonic Hammer; Shorty
    Bike Setup:GT STS dh, Bad Betty 6", full xtr
    Bottom Line:Best stem I've had, extremely sick looking with my Kore Strictly-D bar. I picked this one up used @ local bike shop for $50!!!!!!
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Bill W a Downhiller from Durango Co
    Date Reviewed: May 16, 2000
    Favoriate Trail:anything Perg
    Duration Product Used:2 Years
    Strengths:Put it on, shut up, sit down and ride! No worries with this stem. It seems Kore solved all the problems other stem companies have had. Ive thrashed this stem and I know its strong! Last stem you will need.
    Weaknesses:You get what you payed for.
    Similar Products Used:Azonic
    Bike Setup:Intense/Hanibrink fork
    Bottom Line:check it out before buying anything else
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by H a Weekend Warrior from London, UK
    Date Reviewed: May 5, 2000
    Favoriate Trail:Nothing overly uphill
    Duration Product Used:Less than 1 month
    Strengths:Strength
    Knee friendly (not particularly balls friendly though but probably better than a sticky-out clamp, if you're unfortunate enough to find out)
    Looks (for some)
    Weaknesses:Price - this much for a piece of swiss cheese alloy? Holy ****, Kore has to be taking the yellow water.
    Weight - not for XCers and even us 'freeriders' have to think twice about this one
    Similar Products Used:Shorty, Generic CNC stuff, Pace RC46... a lot, OK?
    Bike Setup:Various, e.g this stem with Marzocchi JR-T fork on a hardtail, this stem with FR4 fork on a hardtail, and so forth
    Bottom Line:This won't give up in a hurry. It's pretty much fit & forget.

    The weight is noticeable, and the price tag is, well, someone at Kore is having a laugh.

    If you like the name, go get it - it's unlikely to let you down.

    UK buyers have an option - order direct from Goldtec, get something just as good (albeit with a really crappy logo, which , let's face it, is what some of us actually pay for) but save yourself a serious amount. Goldtec can be found on http://www.goldtec-cycles.co.uk/FRAMESET.htm and look for Stub Stem.

    No I don't work for Goldtech :)
    Value Rating:2Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by Jimmy Carlsome a Downhiller from Montville, NJ
    Date Reviewed: May 4, 2000
    Favoriate Trail:Brookes Back
    Duration Product Used:2 Years
    Strengths:Bombproff
    Weaknesses:price if you are low on cash!
    Bottom Line:I pay'd $120 for this work of art. I bought the short 40mm and cant complain one bit. Its as stiff as it gets but because its holled out I think it cushions the ride. Its a weird feeling that I cant discribe, no flex but dampning the vibration-Its right on!
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Mike a Downhiller from San Diego, Ca
    Date Reviewed: April 6, 2000
    Favoriate Trail:Ortega
    Duration Product Used:2 Years
    Strengths:I have the 60mm with zero deg rise. It not flexy like most stems, It dosent slip, no maintance required period. Its the only part on my bike I dont worry about!-STOUT
    Weaknesses:none
    Similar Products Used:Azonic shorty
    Bottom Line:check it out, then you will know why I bought it
    Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Trevor a Downhiller from colorado springs,co
    Date Reviewed: January 25, 2000
    Duration Product Used:1 Year
    Strengths:U ain't gonna break this stem! solid chunk of alloy carved out to perfection. kore is cut into the metal so it wont scratch off. no flex period
    Bottom Line:see strenghts listed. buy it, you cant go wrong at $120
    Value Rating:4Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by John P. a Downhiller from Portland, Maine
    Date Reviewed: January 19, 2000
    Favoriate Trail:Sunday River DH
    Duration Product Used:1 Year
    Strengths:Stiff
    Easy to change handlebars
    Weaknesses:Price
    Similar Products Used:None
    Bike Setup:Karpiel Disco Volante w/ the usual DH goodies
    Bottom Line:It's pretty hard to screw up a piece of equipment this basic. The B-52 is light but strong, and holds my handlebar just fine. I think the true measure of a good stem is if you don't ever notice it's there.

    The price is a little shocking though - $150 for a chunk of aluminum? Maybe there's something I don't know about machining, but I've seen very few other bike parts on the market that appear this simple but cost so much. I probably would never have paid that kind of dough for the stem as an aftermarket purchase, but it came with my used bike, and I'm very happy with it's performance.
    Value Rating:1Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Gray Johnson a Weekend Warrior from Saratoga, Ca
    Date Reviewed: January 2, 2000
    Favoriate Trail:
    anything Marin
    Duration Product Used:
    1 Year
    Strengths:SOLID
    Weaknesses:NONE
    Similar Products Used:
    Azonic
    Bike Setup:
    Intense, Hanibrink
    Bottom Line:This is the best stem ever. Bullet proof. It gives me the solid feel when decending at high speeds. great product!
    Overall Rating:5