Choosing a bicycle stem is essential to personalize and optimize the riding position, whether for comfort or performance. Several brands and models stand out based on their characteristics, particularly in terms of materials, weight, rigidity and compatibility with different types of bikes.
Bicycle stem comparisons
1. Lightness vs. Robustness:
Carbon stems are lightweight and absorb vibrations well, making them a popular choice for road and competition bikes. However, they can be more expensive.
- Aluminum stems offer an excellent compromise between lightness and robustness, remaining affordable and resistant, suitable for road, mountain and city bikes.
2. Adjustability:
Adjustable stems make it easy to change the riding angle, which is useful for riders wanting to experiment with different positions. Models with an adjustment angle (sometimes up to 35 degrees) allow for extensive customization.
Fixed stems, often lighter, are suitable for cyclists who have found their ideal position.
Adjusting a bicycle stem is often a simple operation to carry out because this operation is carried out using a screw.
3. Type of attachment:
- Oversized stems (usually with a diameter of 31.8mm) are now standard for modern bikes, offering excellent rigidity.
- Bicycle stems with a classic 25.4mm mount remain common for urban and vintage bikes.
Popular bicycle stem brands
1. Zipp:
Zipp is known for its high-end stems, mainly in carbon, offering an excellent weight/stiffness ratio for competitions. The Zipp SL Speed in carbon is a flagship model for lovers of lightness, while the Zipp Service Course in aluminum is more affordable while remaining efficient.
2. Thomson:
Thomson is renowned for its quality aluminum manufacturing. The Thomson Elite Its fine finish makes it a popular choice for lovers of precision and durability.
3. Ritchey:
Ritchey offers a wide range of stems for all budgets and disciplines. The Ritchey WCS C220 is popular for its secure mounting system and lightweight design, ideal for road cyclists. In mountain biking, the Ritchey bicycle stem Trail offers robustness and stability for a reasonable price.
4. PRO (Shimano):
Pro, a brand associated with Shimano, offers versatile stems like the PRO Vibe in carbon, light and stiff, perfect for the road. The aluminum PRO Tharsis is a reference in mountain biking for cyclists looking for a solid and reliable stem.
5.Easton:
Easton combines technology and aesthetics, with high-performance carbon and aluminum models. The Easton EA90 is a high-quality model for the road, while the Easton Haven is specially designed for enduro mountain biking, with foolproof robustness.
6. Velo Orange:
Velo Orange stems are intended for vintage or touring bikes, they are high-end components, made of high quality materials and with a beautiful finish.
General brands:
1. Decathlon:
Stems Decathlon offers its bicycle stems under the B'twin and Rockrider brands.
2.Giant :
Giant bicycle stems are components installed on Giant series bicycles.
3. Intersport :
Intersport bike stems are distributed under the Nakamura brand, they are components installed on Nakamura series bikes.
4. Scott :
The Scott bicycle stem has been designed to match the geometry of Scott brand bicycles in order to optimize stability and comfort.
5 Specialized :
The Specialized bicycle stem is light and efficient for amateurs and professionals alike, it is made from high-end materials, light and rigid.
6. Lapierre :
The Lapierre bicycle stem is assembled on mid-range Lapierre bicycle models under the RCLN brand.
7. Trek:
The Trek bicycle stem is assembled on Trek bicycle models under the Bontrager brand.
Choosing the right stem
In summary, the choice of a bicycle stem depends on the use, budget and preferences of each cyclist. For competition, carbon models from brands like Zipp or PRO are recommended, while for mountain biking or daily commuting, an aluminum stem from Thomson or Ritchey will provide robustness and performance at a lower cost. Comparing features and brands allows you to find the model that best suits your driving style and your bike.