[ironbike1]

Just wondering what the real major difference is in the 2 & 4 bolt stems. I recently picked up an Easton EA50 stem for $20 it has a 2 bolt faceplate, however I see all these stems that have 4 bolts, that usually run all sorts of crazy prices aswell.

 

[Megaclocker]

4 bolt = more heavy, stiffer, creak a lot less then some 2 bolt one

 

[adamantane]

get 4 bolt...no creaking

 

[Eric Hoefer]

Yeah like the others have said if you dont mind a little creaking than you will really notice no difference between that and a 4 bolt stem. You could also get lucky and have it not creak too.

 

[lebikerboy]

Here's a Easton technical bulletin re 2 vs. 4 bolts...
http://www.eastonbike.com/downloadable_files/r&d_files/R&D-06-2Bolts.pdf