Thomson X2

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Bike Doctor Frederic

Bike Setup:
Does it really matter?

Summary:
Looks good, light weight, bulletproof reputation. Worked as advertised until the faceplate cracked.

Strengths:
Weight. And the fact that it comes in so many sizes.

Weaknesses:
Faceplate cracked at top bolt. I'm now questioning wether a 2 bolt design is the best setup. Thompson is replacing the faceplate, but I may switch to an alternate brand when I get some $. Stem was not overtightened...Deda supernatural bars were not damaged.

Similar Products Used:
Specialized, Bontrager, Cannondale, Ritchey, you name it. I also ride a Thompson seatpost on my otherwise all carbon bike.

Price Paid:  $60.00 at Online

Favorite Ride:
Time Trials

Bike Setup:
Titus Drop-U with Dura-ace/ultegra build. Carbon cranks.

Summary:
The X2 seems to be a stiff stem for the weight, but cannot be used with aero bars. The inside of the stem has the ridges that the seatpost and stem have on the outside. It makes the bar not flex side to side, but when pulling up the slightest bit with aero bars on, it slips and the bars roll up. It seems like it might be OK without the aero bars, but with any amount of torque the bars slip as bad as the elite.

Strengths:
reputation

Weaknesses:
has ridges on the inside that allow the bar to slip

Similar Products Used:
easton, ritchey

Price Paid:  $79.00 at LBS

Favorite Ride:
Any Hill Road

Bike Setup:
Litespeed Sienna, Ultegra,

Summary:
Work of art
Quality Made in USA
I have replaced most of my carbon seatpost with Thompson seat post because of the worry free design of their products So when it was time to replace the stem on my Litespeed (I had a pro fit done and needed a shorter stem) Thompson was the only stem I would consider.

Strengths:
Quality made to last.

Weaknesses:
None

Similar Products Used:
Specialized, ITM

Price Paid:  $85.00 at Internet Retailer

Bike Setup:
Raleigh Professional, Durace 9 speed shifters/derailleurs, Truvativ Rolleur compact cranks, Mavic Cosmos wheels.

Summary:
I had Thomson post and stem on my MTB and wanted the same when I built up a roadbike about a year ago. At 6'6" 230lbs, weight is not high on my list when it comes to stems, posts and bars. The stem itself is a gorgeous finely crafted piece. Super stiff and nice to look at.

Strengths:
It's not carbon! Super strong, holds the 3T aluminum bars nice and tight, outstanding craftsmenship

Weaknesses:
None.

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
The first road bike I bought(used) had a Thomson seat post and I was a little mystified at why the previous owner made such a big deal out of it. Since then I have heard first hand and through reviews the passionate affinity so many people have for Thomson products. At this point I have to say I'm a convert.

I didn't get why the post was so great until I was exposed to other posts and components. IMO it just works so much better in every way, the design is well thought out and it execution is there.

I personally have a great admiration for craftsmanship and every Thomson product I have seen meets a high standard in this department.

Just like on their seatposts the finish is impeccable, weight is exactly as stated, installation is easy as is adjustment, tolerances are very tight, durability is about the best out there, and company/ dealer support is great.

The weight on this stem is very good: 130mm measures out at 155 grams. I can't really flex this thing and I'm a big guy. It mounts easy to a 1" steerer tube if you use their shim and puts even pressure on steerer tube.

Thomson makes their own cap which runs about $5 and this is a good idea on carbon steerers because it is very low profile on the under side. This just means you don't need to cut as much tube away.

For me Thomson product are a great value. I'm a student and I have never made big money but ~$80 for something that should last 10 years, is made in the US, is consistently produced at a high standard, etc., etc.

I think if you look at this stem in its entirety it sits in the top tier in terms of overall performance and value.

Strengths:
Weight is DBA 'Dead on Balls Accurate', finish is perfect, logos are understated but laser etched so no stickers to peel, fihinsh is very durable, doesn't flex, even clamping pressure, should last years and years, etc.

Weaknesses:
Uhh, Uhhhhh, honestly can't think of any.

Similar Products Used:
Specialized stock stems (super heavy), Easton Carbon (more flex and less durable), Ritchey WCS (pretty nice(