Easton EM90

Price Paid:  $39.00 at EBay

Favorite Ride:
Texas Hill Country

Bike Setup:
Originally had this stem on a 2006 FELT F55. Now built up a 2007 BMC Streetfire SSX with Campy Centaur shifters, Campy Chorus front and rear derailleurs, 2007 Shimano 105 brakes, FSA carbon seatpost, Cane Creek Volos SS wheelset with Hutchinson Fusion Long Distance tires, Salsa pro racing handlebars, and a San Marco Aspide saddle

Summary:
Bought this to replace an EPX carbon stem which was very flexy when I was climbing out of the saddle. I had read reviews on this stem and I admit that the orignal look with the gaudy orange and yellow stickers were pretty darn UGLY. Luckily, the previous owner of this stem had removed them and left on the red/white stickers.

Strengths:
Dampens vibrations well and not one bit of flexing when climbing or sprinting.

Weaknesses:
Faceplate is rather clunky, and block-like (sorta like my head)

Similar Products Used:
Deda Newton, Ritchy Comp,3TTT, EPX carbon, Easton A50, FSA

Price Paid:  $75.00 at Craigslist

Favorite Ride:
Griffith Park

Bike Setup:
Cinelli Unica with EC90 bars

Summary:
This stem replaced the rather boring looking ITM that I had and it matches my EC90 handlebar well. I have the 90mm version, which is very light. I honestly don't notice any better "dampening" or increased "smoothness," but I never noticed "harshness" or any of those problems typically complained about with aluminum parts. However, I should say that I rode a century right after I got this stem and my hands and arms felt fine.

Strengths:
Unique. Light. Stiff. Looks cool.

Weaknesses:
Original retail cost is four times the cost of my ITM.

Similar Products Used:
ITM Road Racing stem (what kind of name is that?)
Neat looking adjustable stem that fell apart while riding it

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
Has held up generally well with only what appears to be cosmetic compromise over the years. Holds the bar well - hs four bolts.

Strengths:
Strong, dependable and fairly lightweight.

Weaknesses:
expensive, bolts rust after a couple of years, paint on cap is delicate but has not affected performance. The stickers are ugly.

Price Paid:  $85.00 at EBAY

Favorite Ride:
lots in the Rockies and front range

Bike Setup:
GT ZR 1.0 w/ EC90 fork and bar

Summary:
This is an excellent stem and mates well with the superb EC90 bars. Absorbs vibration and does not flex. No problem with either clamp. Stickers are easily removed if they clash or don't suit your tastes. Given what Easton has done with their EC90 all carbon seatpost (after the problems with the clamp design of the CT2 post, I'm expecting an all carbon stem from them fairly soon).

Strengths:
Solid, stiff, light, vibration damping. Functions very well. Much lower street price and better stifness compared to Deda and ITM magnesium stems (probably why it weighs 60 grams more). Perfect compliment to EC90 bars. Variety of lenghth and rise available.

Weaknesses:
black finish can chip, stickers, not very elegant aesthetics

Similar Products Used:
Forgie, Mutant, Groove, Millenium

Price Paid:  $80.00 at Ebay

Bike Setup:
TCR 2

Summary:
There seems to be a bit of a chicken little effect regarding this stem, at least here at Roadbikereview. It seems, for one, that the provided shim for 1" steerers may not constitute the best system; my bike uses a 1 1/8" stem, so I can't comment there.

As far as the steel hardware, noted by the reviewer below -- well, let's be fair. Steel can be vulnerable to corrosion, but under normal circumstances, it's not a problem and shouldn't be even with many years of normal use. The vast majority of bike bolts and fasteners are steel or some variant. Comming down on Easton for not using (softer) titanium isn't very logical.

Given that, if you've got a 1 1/8" steerer (and you probably do, as 1" steerers are becoming harder to find), you'll find that the EM90 is a sturdy, well machined, stiff and remarkably light (under 160g) for its chunky looks. And frankly, the magnesium hype is deserved. If you can manufacture a magnesium bike part chunky enough to preserve its responsiveness and well-coated enough to prevent it from corroding, you've provided a good service: it sucks up vibrations like steel, but manages to boast aluminum-like heft.

It's a noticable change, if you can get your mind past the price tag and the (probably unwarranted) spookiness of a single steerer clamp bolt. Oh, and you better think long and hard about how the gaudy thing will look on you bike.

Strengths:
Ride-improving without much compromise.

Weaknesses:
Price, and questionable aesthetics.