ITM Millenium

Price Paid:  $0.00

Bike Setup:
Raleigh Professional (Columbus Zona tubing/Columbus Link CF fork w. steel steer tube), Ritchey BioMax 26mm. bar, Centaur 10, Zonda wheels, etc.

Summary:
I don't know what some of you guys are talking about. I've used a Millenium in one size or another since 2000 and never had a bolt problem or stiffness issue with them, (I weigh around 198 lbs.). In fact, I've never had a single problem with them of any kind.

Seems like I've always got one on my bike, or one laying around as my normal 'go to' stem. Only time when I didn't use a Millenium was if I needed a different angle than 80 degrees, or when the Deda Newton was still available in 115mm. length and that size fit the bike & bars perfectly.

Lately, I've switched to a Cinelli Solida/Easton EA70 Ergo on my newest rig, since the Solida's are actually a bit longer than the given spec. So for example a 110mm Solida is really about a 115mm. Fits the EA70's reach just right. But I'm still keeping my 120mm/26 ITM for use with the BioMax.

Here's a product that I think truly deserves a 4.75 (95%) or higher 'Overall' rating. 'Value' I peg at around 4 because I think $70.-100. is still over-priced for a decent Al stem these days, especially one like the Millenium that's been basically unchanged for some years now, where the initial R&D costs have been long since recouped.

I've seen guys like M. Pantani climb the Alps & Pyrenees while leaning and pulling on a standard 26mm ITM Millenium stem.

Any questions??

Strengths:
~ Reliable/strong.
~ Holds most bars well.
~ Light.
~ Stiff.
~ Looks good/well finished.
~ It's Eye-ta-yun, if that means anything to you.

Weaknesses:
~ Cost? But that's a minor gripe considering its proven performance.

Similar Products Used:
Deda Newton 26 & OS; Deda Zero; Cinelli Groove, Mutant, Solida; Ritchey Comp Road; various quill stems

Price Paid:  $0.00

Bike Setup:
Serotta Ottrott, Easton EC90 bar and fork.

Summary:
This is a review of the adjustable version, I couldn't find a separate category for this. The stem is well made, the adjustment mechanism is indexed and very stout, I can't imagine it ever slipping in use. The "profile is fairly slim for an admustable stem, and the weight is only about 50 gm more. The adjustment lets me try differend positions without getting a new stem each time. Sometimes I feel like a long fast ride, and can lower the bar in a few minutes from the morecomfortableformystiffneck position.

Strengths:
Adjustable-lets you experiment or set up for specific types of rides. Stiff as any fixed stem. Looks nice. It has inspired me to write a review at 4:30 AM.

Weaknesses:
None for the stem, but my life needs help, obviously.

Similar Products Used:
Many different stems.

Price Paid:  $80.00 at Campione

Favorite Ride:
the last one

Bike Setup:
Merlin XL, DA 7700, Ksyrium SSC

Summary:
Nicely finished stem, light weight and reasonably stiff. I have not had any problems with the threads pulling out, or rust on the bolts but in general I have just it up and left it alone.

I did have a problem with bar slippage initially. I cleaned the handlebar and stem mating surface with alcohol and then re-installed, perhaps with a bit more torque on the bolts. Things have been fine ever since.

Strengths:
Light, stiff, well-machined.

Weaknesses:
None.

Similar Products Used:
Cinelli Grammo, 3T Forgie, Ritchey WCS

Price Paid:  $60.00

Bike Setup:
'01 Litespeed Tuscany, Look HSC-3, King headset, TTT Prima 199 bar9

Summary:
I'm one of those victims who fell prey to the recalled Millenium stems, and I didn't even know about the problem until 2 different pro wrenches stripped the bolts of TWO stems within a 6-month period. Good news is I received free replacements each time without hassle. Recall issues and replacements aside, I'm modestly happy with the stem. It's light and it's stiff. Most importantly, it came in EXACTLY the rise and length that I needed. With the newest stem I have, I haven't noticed much creaking at all and it does secure the bar like a vise. I know there's better products out there, but I've been satisfied enough with this one to hold off shopping for a while.

Strengths:
stiff, light, perfect rise and length for my needs

Weaknesses:
Initial quality issues surrounding recall-warranted defects, but they've been really good about replacing products without question

Similar Products Used:
TTT Forgie

Price Paid:  $46.00 at eBay

Bike Setup:
Giant TCR once with Ultegra, Easton EC-90 bar, Mavic Ksyriums.

Summary:
Bought the stem because it was an awesome deal on eBay. $46 was enough to move my butt. It is as stiff as the Cinelli Alter, without the boxcar looks. Stiffer than the Profile. That is my only comparisons. Rode all three stems in less than two weeks so rides were fresh in my mind. The shim for 1" steerers works great. Was a little leary of creaking, but none has happened. The only thing I would switch this bad boy out with is "The Stem" by ITM. As for the thread problems mentioned below, I think that careful tensioning would probably prevented that. Bicycling magazine just wrote an article about that exact thing(overtightening stem bolts on lightweight stems). I did just order a set of Titanium bolts from SRP-USA. For $12 dollars I will drop another few grams, and the corrosion problem will be a moot point.

Strengths:
weight
looks smoothe
value

Weaknesses:
none yet

Similar Products Used:
Profile
Cinelli Alter