Aftermarket aero/low stack stem options - vanity question

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DJT21
Posts: 381
Joined: Sun Mar 27, 2011 7:35 pm

by DJT21

I feel the traditional stem formfactor (cylindrical/tubular) looks out of place when paired with a modern carbon frame, so I'm wondering which manufacturers produce something that looks "correct"?

So far I've seen:
FSA SLK drop stem - almost perfect, but the drop is slightly too much, and it's 120mm max length isn't long enough.
Basso semi-integrated stem - not sure if this is compatible with a standard round top cap?
Deda Vinci stem - same query as above re top cap.
Syntace Flatforce stem - max length available is 110mm.

What else is out there?

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fizzaz
Posts: 274
Joined: Wed Nov 07, 2018 5:02 pm

by fizzaz

The Deda Superzero has a flat top section and they at least mention aero in its description. I have a hard time imagining the stem body has that much effect unless all the bolts are hidden.

Hexsense
Posts: 3269
Joined: Wed Dec 30, 2015 12:41 am
Location: USA

by Hexsense

FSA Afterburner stem has low stack and is 12 degree angle. But it is still maxed at 120mm.
https://shop.fullspeedahead.com/en/stem ... er-stemFSA

Specialized Tarmac stem. Require rear cap that come with Tarmac SL7 Headset spacers kit which you can easily order through any dealers.


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Kurt1980
Posts: 319
Joined: Mon Oct 26, 2020 9:41 am

by Kurt1980

Bumping this up. I'm also looking for a flat aeroish stem that suits the design language of modernish bikes, in this case a Scott Foil 1st gen. I put a Ritchey Chicane on as I thought the low profile face would suit, which it does, but it gets a bit too narrow for my liking.
20230527_221800.jpg
Are there any non proprietary stems that look like the Syncros or BMC models below? Width and a squareish shape is probably most important, and then if possible a low profile face clamp The closer to 46mm wide (clamp width of the bar) the better, ideally a hook plate to keep it low profile at the front.
images (92).jpeg
images (92).jpeg (56.18 KiB) Viewed 992 times
Screenshot_20230528_100952_Chrome.jpg
The Newmen stems are the closest I can find. They're 40mm wide which is not bad. The bolts are kind of annoying, but I can live with them. This is a 120mm apparently.

TIA
Edited a bunch of times for clarity!
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wheelsONfire
Posts: 6283
Joined: Mon Jul 07, 2014 8:15 am
Location: NorthEU

by wheelsONfire

Enve SES Aero 130mm
with the -12 insert attached
With 130mm, you get 127.5 or 132.5. Basically as long as you use the -12 shim, you have 5mm difference between the settings.
The stack height is 42mm.
Using -7 or -17 shim gives you a stack height of 46mm due to the shims design.
Both will be 130mm.

You can torque the stem using a normal spacer on top of the stem, but if you do, just torque the stem in place and fix it to the steerer.
Then loosen the headsettop cap screw to minimal torque (just enough for the headset top cap and spacers to remain attached)
The standard spacers (round) doesn't really apply pressure optimal, but once the stem is fixed at the steerer tube, mission is achieved.

Or you do as Enve say, cut your steerer as described. I just try to tell you it works even if you don't.
enve aero stem.jpg
Bikes:

Ax Lightness Vial EVO Race (2019.01.03)
Open *UP* (2016.04.14)
Paduano Racing Fidia (kind of shelved)


Ex bike; Vial EVO D, Vial EVO Ultra, Scott Foil, Paduano ti bike.

Nickldn
Posts: 1866
Joined: Mon Mar 25, 2019 12:35 am

by Nickldn

Left field option: Flux SLR Stem

This is a Giant product, but without the branding. It fits 1 1/4 inch steerers and 1 1/8 with a shim. 8 degrees of drop.

Very stiff stem and made in sizes up to 130mm, maybe longer. Not sure if they are still made, but can be bought on ebay at a decent price.
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Kurt1980
Posts: 319
Joined: Mon Oct 26, 2020 9:41 am

by Kurt1980

Thanks both for the replies, I'll have a look at the Flux stem in particular. That's more in line with what I was imagining. Any other suggestions also welcome!

frostorama
Posts: 82
Joined: Mon Jun 10, 2019 8:29 pm

by frostorama

Prime Doyenne stem looks ok, available upto 140mm. Not very lighweight but has the modern looks:

https://www.wiggle.com/p/prime-doyenne-alloy-stem

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Kurt1980
Posts: 319
Joined: Mon Oct 26, 2020 9:41 am

by Kurt1980

frostorama wrote:
Mon May 29, 2023 6:19 pm
Prime Doyenne stem looks ok, available upto 140mm. Not very lighweight but has the modern looks:

https://www.wiggle.com/p/prime-doyenne-alloy-stem
That's actually a pretty nice option, if a little heavy. Price is right too.
Cheers

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Kurt1980
Posts: 319
Joined: Mon Oct 26, 2020 9:41 am

by Kurt1980

Found this possibility on a fairly recent Argon 18 Krypton. Not sure if this will fit regular bikes, but I like the low profile front end. Weight is an unknown at this stage...Anyone have any experience with this stem?
Argon Krypton stem.jpg
Argon Krypton stem2.jpg

by Weenie


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SilverSteve
Posts: 43
Joined: Wed Nov 04, 2020 4:54 pm

by SilverSteve

Shimano PRO Vibe stem?
Image

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