Description The design team for the new Thomson 31.8 stems had a tough goal: make a stem better than the Thomson Elite Road and Mountain Stems. Early tests showed us that our competitors’ 31.8 stems were heavier ...
Summary: I initially bought this stem because it was the only one with a low enough stack height
for the carbon take off fork I'd purchased.
Stiff enough for me and the bike goes where I point it. Some folks think it a good idea to grease the stem/steer tube interface. This is a definite no-no. Grease the stem bolts themselves and use a torque wrench and you're good to go.
Strengths: Light,stiff,attractive.
Weaknesses: None that I've discovered.
Similar Products Used: Easton EM90 magnesium stem.
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Bike Setup: Custom build - Cannondale Liquigas Synapse
Summary: The Thompon X2 stem has been a good purchase for me. It holds my carbon bars and carbon steerer tube well, adjustments are easy, and it looks great. Thomson's reps have been helpful and informative on the phone.
As with most modern lightweight biking components, you can't overtighten the bolts on this stem without the risk of damaging the product. I feel that those who have had product failure with this stem likely damaged the product by overtightening the bolts. Always use a bicycle torque wrench with new components.
Strengths: Weight
Stiffness
Made in USA
Looks
Weaknesses: A bit pricey
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Summary: Looks great, but it broke. The thing always creaked. I only weigh 160 lb. and had a max of 2000 miles on it. Buy the Truvativ Team stem, it's much stronger and looks just as good.
Strengths: looks
Weaknesses: Not strong enough, particularly at the connection to the fork. It needs more metal there.
Similar Products Used: Truvativ Team Ti
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Summary: I switched to this stem from a Ritchey WCS OS aluminium stem to match the stem to my thompson seatpost. Attractive and slim stem with good repuatation. However, instantly noticed more flex in the bars when sprinting. Creaking constantly during efforts and sprints (despite vigilant greasing of stem bolts). Not sure how they earnt their good repuation...
Strengths: Slim line appearance. Styling. Reputation.
Weaknesses: Not the stiffest stem. Creaking. (despite copious grease)
Similar Products Used: Ritchey WCS OS
FSA OS-99
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Bike Setup: 2004 Lemond Tete De Course. DA & FSA compact.
Summary: It was a nice stem while it lasted. I've had it a couple of years but I hadn't ridden the bike for more than maybe 5000 miles with the stem (I ride mostly Singlespeed).
Crossing a bridge joint today I heard a crack. At the bridge joint at the other end of the bridge my bars rotated toward the ground. Luckily I didn't crash. I looked down to see the stem faceplate cracked completely through on one side.
I torqued the stem to the correct spec when I installed it and it still broke. I had a thomson mountain bike stem faceplace crack about 3 months ago in a similar manner. I will say that Thomson did replace it. Although they are stiff I think that there must be a problem with machined vs forged caps. After today I think I'll pull both stems off and put on something a little more robust. That was a little too close for comfort.
Strengths: Looks good. Stiff
Weaknesses: Weak faceplate.
Similar Products Used: Easton, 3TTT, generic Sette Forte etc.
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