Performance Inc. Forte Classic Threadless

Price Paid:  $35.00 at Performance Bike Sho

Favorite Ride:
any

Bike Setup:
basic Aluminum road/trainer bike for larger rider.

Summary:
Note this review is for the newer, black Forte Pro road stem that looks similar to the Ritchey WCS. I'm using it with a 1" road fork with the included shim. Even though it's a Performance stem it has a nice machined look to it. The flexy face plate didn't inspire confidence as I tightened the clamp bolts down, but I haven't had any problems so far.

You can see the silver shim through the backside of the part that clamps onto the steerer tube due to a circular cutaway (to save weight), so that detracts from the clean, all-black look some may want. Not an issue with 1 1/8" fork.

Not bad for the price & weight.

Strengths:
Weight is light at 135 grams. Lighter than many more expensive stems. Looks good from the front and side.

Weaknesses:
Faceplate strength(?), brand

Similar Products Used:
Easton, Nuke Proof mtn stems

Price Paid:  $10.00 at Performance

Favorite Ride:
East county, hills

Bike Setup:
Eddy Merckx Ti, Campy Dura Ace Mix, CPX 33

Summary:
Picked this stem up on a clearance sale to replace my proflile stem, looks good and is stiff as a board, forget about the ultralight stems, when climbing you need a stem that does not creak. I love this stem

Strengths:
No creaks, 120mm, if you want to save a few grams empty a little water.

Weaknesses:
None

Similar Products Used:
Proflie, TTT, Itm

Price Paid:  $40.00 at Performance

Favorite Ride:
Rock Creek Park 10:00 Sat./Sun. Ride

Bike Setup:
Trek OCLV 120, DA, Chris King hubs/mavic CXP33's/DT Rev. spokes, Cane Creek Headset,

Summary:
Super Stiff, good workmanship, excellent return policy, decent to look at, and cheaper than most. Good product.

Note the moron that reviewed the stem before me stated he bought a Performance product at Supergo.... Interesting.

Strengths:
Super Stiff, Lighter than Mutant, quality construction, good return policy if different size required

Weaknesses:
tad heavy

Similar Products Used:
ITM BigOne, ITM Millenium, Cinelli Grammo Ti,

Price Paid:  $15.00 at Supergo

Bike Setup:
Ritchey Pro

Summary:
You can get a Ritchey Pro (or for that matter any number of quality stems) for less money. Don't buy this stem!

Strengths:
None

Weaknesses:
This is exactly the same stem as made by Pazzazz which costs $25 less. Finish Quality is low and the bar clamp area is too narrow, making for a flexy and none-too-safe feeling handlebar.

Similar Products Used:
Coda, ICON, Ritchey Pro

Price Paid:  $35.00 at Performance

Favorite Ride:
Rock Creek Park Weekend Training/Insanity rides

Bike Setup:
Ultimate, DA, Cane Creek Aerohead wheels, LOOK HSC-2 fork, 3T bars, Speedplay X-2

Summary:
Great stiff stem. First rate quality and finish. Price is right. Steer tube clamp width is small which allows for lots of height adjustment, e. g. lower for crits, higher for RR's, etc.

Strengths:
Stiff, smallish steer tube clamp width allows for large range of height adjustment, finish is first rate, appearance

Weaknesses:
none

Similar Products Used:
Cinelli Grammo Ti, ITM BigOne, Performance Forte AH T'less