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Titec Big Al

Average Rating 4.4/5
# of Reviews 35
MSRP $ 65.95
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Description: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.
  • Material: 6061-T6 Heat Treated Aluminum
  • Construction: TIG-welded
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    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:5Overall Rating:5

    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:5Overall Rating:5

    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:5Overall Rating:5

    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:2Overall Rating:1

    Submitted by martin a Cross Country Rider from melbourne,vic,Australia
    Date Reviewed: June 7, 2003
    Favoriate 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:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by dennisd a Cross Country Rider from Cornwall, Ont.
    Date Reviewed: November 11, 2002
    Favoriate 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:4Overall Rating:4

    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:5Overall Rating:5

    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:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Andy Orr a Cross Country Rider from Fort Collins, CO
    Date Reviewed: May 6, 2002
    Favoriate 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:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Bob Gifford a Cross Country Rider from Schenectady, NY, USA
    Date Reviewed: April 25, 2002
    Favoriate Trail:trailless woods in my backyard
    Duration Product Used:3 months
    Price Paid: $5.00
    Purchased At:www.titec.com
    Strengths:Relativly light, strong, stiff, responsive, beefy look.
    Weaknesses:for 5 bucks are you kidding me????
    Similar Products Used:schwinn "ride tuned"
    Bike Setup: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:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Troy Nicholson a Weekend Warrior from Athens, Ohio
    Date Reviewed: April 16, 2002
    Favoriate 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:5Overall Rating:4

    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:5Overall Rating:4

    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:5Overall Rating:5

    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:5Overall Rating:5

    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:5Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by Eric a Cross Country Rider from Woodinville
    Date Reviewed: September 14, 2001
    Favoriate 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:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by SFA a Downhiller from NJ
    Date Reviewed: August 31, 2001
    Favoriate 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:5Overall Rating:5

    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:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Mike a Cross Country Rider from Austin, TX
    Date Reviewed: April 18, 2001
    Favoriate 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:5Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by Mark a Cross Country Rider from Idaho
    Date Reviewed: April 6, 2001
    Favoriate 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:5Overall Rating:5

    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:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Mountain Man a Cross Country Rider from Ontario, Canada
    Date Reviewed: December 30, 2000
    Favoriate Trail:Bird Sanctuary
    Duration Product Used:6 months
    Purchased At:Came Stock
    Strengths:Light, Stiff, Pimp Daddy Looks, Strong, Reliable, Nice Finish
    Weaknesses:None, best stem I've ever used
    Similar Products Used:Titec 'Lil Al, Profile BOA, No-name POS
    Bike Setup: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:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by squish a Weekend Warrior from Aberdeen, South Dakota
    Date Reviewed: August 19, 2000
    Favoriate 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:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by NiGeL a Racer from Toronto, Ontario
    Date Reviewed: July 10, 2000
    Favoriate 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:5Overall Rating:5

    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:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Muzz a Weekend Warrior from Hobart, Australia
    Date Reviewed: July 1, 2000
    Favoriate 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:5Overall Rating:4

    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:5Overall Rating:5

    Submitted by Jeremy a Cross Country Rider from Salcombe
    Date Reviewed: May 9, 2000
    Favoriate 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:3Overall Rating:3

    Submitted by Nathan Cauldwell a Weekend Warrior from Masfield, MA, USA
    Date Reviewed: April 8, 2000
    Favoriate 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:3Overall Rating:4

    Submitted by Winslow a Downhiller from Michigan
    Date Reviewed: April 1, 2000
    Favoriate 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:4Overall Rating:3

    Submitted by Uncle Fats a Weekend Warrior from Wall NJ
    Date Reviewed: December 20, 1999
    Favoriate 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:5

    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.