Cinelli Alter

Price Paid:  $30.00 at Craigslist

Bike Setup:
Hipster single speed

Summary:
I've never been actually big or strong enough to really feel stem flex, but it's quite easy for anyone to tell that the Alter is one stiff mofo. Hot-as-hell machined looks, and a really solid mounting design with recessed bolts and three front plate bolts for extra security.

Strengths:
Looks amazing; definitely gets a lot of compliments/questions/attention. Stiff; sturdy.

Weaknesses:
It's rather heavy as far as stems go.

Similar Products Used:
Deda Zero stem - somewhat similar to the Cinelli Alter. The Zero in my opinion doesn't look nearly as good and probably can't match the sturdiness of the Alter; it's just as heavy, however. Alter wins.

Price Paid:  $0.00

Favorite Ride:
lake washington loop

Summary:
I love this stem it's strong, great looking, and all my friends want to buy it from me.

Strengths:
it's very strong and causes extreme jealousy among my friends.

Weaknesses:
A bit heavy.

Price Paid:  $25.00 at ebay

Favorite Ride:
Lancaster Classic

Bike Setup:
Colnago Dream Plus, Campy 10, FSA Carbon crank, Ti BB, Mavic Ksyrium SL

Summary:
Just a really cool stem. The look is very unique, and while not as light the carbon craze stems, it is not a clunker at all. Extremely stiff and the removable 3 bolt bar clamp is excellent for being able to make adjustments. Also, the steerer clamp is great because the bolts are recessed into the side of the stem. No protruding bolt flanges to hit a knee on when you lose all decent form while trying to catch that psycho attack on the local mountain climb... 1" is not a problem since I have a 2003 Colnago.

Strengths:
Stiff, easy adjustment, smooth. Different but great look.

Weaknesses:
None that matter.

Similar Products Used:
Modolo, ITM Millenium, Cinelli Groove

Price Paid:  $30.00 at ebay

Favorite Ride:
hills

Bike Setup:
fuji track, campy chorus cranks, 43-17.

Summary:
i'm using it on my fixie. it works out really well and the length is great since i'm a bigger rider. i love the look of it and i got it in saeco custom colors so it would match my bike

Strengths:
its pretty strong

Weaknesses:
getting it tight on the fork takes some tuning

Price Paid:  $19.00 at Supergo

Favorite Ride:
Anywhere in San Diego

Bike Setup:
Orbea, Campy

Summary:
I used these on my last bike. I saw them I loved the modern CNC'd look. Some probably either like the look or hate it. They were on sale for $19 so I bought one.

Strengths:
Very stiff and strong. 3 bolt face plate. I’m a bigger rider (6’, 175 – 185) and I never heard a creak. You don't have to worry about stripping the bolts like with other stems. I must have taken this stem on and off, adjusted it, switched between bikes, etc. 50 times and never had a problem with stripping the threads using moderate hand tightening. Cool fork collar tightening (bolts) on opposite side from rider. Available in colors.

Weaknesses:
Not as streamlined nor as light as other higher end stems. Only works for a 1" steerer

Similar Products Used:
Cinelli, Ritchey, Stella Azzurra, ITM