Profile Design H2O Stems

Price Paid:  $30.00 at ultimateridingsports

Bike Setup:
Shwinn World, Sora crank/der., barend friction shifters (indexing ones not available for 6-speed rear), Kenda "Knobby" cyclocross tires for winter riding and Planet Bike fenders for wet weather

Summary:
I bought this stem to go with my new Stoker bar because I wanted a two-bolt stem in case I ever want to set up a set of drop bars for track or long-distance use, as well as wanting something longer and taller than my stock stem. Turns out my old stem wouldn't fit the new bar anyway. www.ultimateridingsports.com had the best price I could find, so I bought it.

Strengths:
Looks good, good price, seems like a solid stem. (can't comment on flexibility since most of my flex is in the bars)

Weaknesses:
Should have maybe bought a sorter stem ....... uh, clashes with styling of an older bike? :-)

Similar Products Used:
stock alloy road stem

Price Paid:  $0.00

Favorite Ride:
South Fork New River

Bike Setup:
Dean touring bike, Ultegra cranks and STI levers, XT cassette, ITM bar, Mavic T217 rims w/XT hubs, C

Summary:
I have been using this stem on my touring rig and have no complaints. I don't race, but I do ride occasionally on very bad roads while touring. I have almost 3,000 miles on this stem.

Strengths:
Does the job and keeps my bars tight.

Price Paid:  $50.00 at LBS

Favorite Ride:
any road

Bike Setup:
Kestrel, Chorus.

Summary:
I have an H2O quill on a Bianchi, and a threadless version on a Kestel with Chorus.
I'm not a leightweight, but there is no flex or slip - the H2) is made rather beefy.

Strengths:
strong, not expensive

Weaknesses:
Not especially sleek looking.

Price Paid:  $0.00

Favorite Ride:
any

Summary:
I have an H2O quill on my old road bike and the new frame I just got has the threadless version. I can't comment on the threadless, but the quill is WAY to flexy. I am a pretty strong rider and I get scared when I pull on the bar it flexes so much. I would not reccomend this stem because of this.

Strengths:
cheap, light

Weaknesses:
too flexy. I think I could snap it pretty easily if I pushed it.

Similar Products Used:
None

Price Paid:  $50.00 at LBS

Bike Setup:
Giant TCR Team, Dura Ace, Easton, Spinergy, Speedplay

Summary:
Bargain stem, but too flexy for my taste

Strengths:
Cheap, good looks, hasn't broken yet.

Weaknesses:
heavy, flexy

Similar Products Used:
None