[River Rat Gear]

Hey fellow trail blazers! 🌲🚵‍♂️ So, I’ve been diving deep into the world of MTB stems recently, and let me tell you, it’s a wild ride! It’s amazing how such a small piece of hardware can make such a big difference in your bike’s handling and comfort. In this post, I’ll be sharing three of my favorite stems that have truly earned their place on my bike, along with a handy buying guide to help you figure out what stem suits your wild adventures best.

Without further ado, here’s the shortlist of my top contenders. Buckle up!

• 🎉 Race Face Turbine R 35
• 🚀 OneUp Components Stem
• 🐴 Thomson Elite X4

[River Rat Gear]

Race Face Turbine R 35

Listen up, fellow adventurers! Last weekend, I finally got my hands on the Race Face Turbine R 35 handlebars, and folks, my bike and I have never felt so invincible. If these bars could growl, they’d be the lovechild of a mountain lion and a jazz musician—smooth but ready to pounce.

First Impressions: As soon as I unboxed these bad boys, the sleek design screamed “ride me hard or put me back in the box!” Lightweight yet incredibly sturdy, I knew they’d hold up during my epic 5-hour trail rides and equally intense curb jumps at the local park.

Performance: Oh boy, where do I even start? The wide 35mm diameter gave me the extra control I never knew I needed. Let’s just say my ride has been smoother than a hot knife through butter—or molasses, if you’re riding through gnarly mud like I usually am. The bars’ stiffness translated into precise steering while descending at Mach 1 or zigzagging through tight switchbacks.

Personal Touch: Now, I’m not saying these bars will automatically turn you into the next downhill world champion, but I’m not NOT saying that either. Just imagine weaving through trees, wind in your helmet, all while feeling like you’re taking a leisurely stroll through your grandma’s garden. That’s what it’s like riding with the Turbine R 35. Plus, if you’ve ever tasted dirt because of a poor line choice, these bars might just save your taste buds from another gritty snack.

• Pros:
  • Unmatched control and stability
  • Lightweight, feels like a feather but strong enough to wrestle a bear—hypothetically, please don’t test this
  • Sleek look, your bike will thank you
• Cons:
  • Pricey, but hey, premium quality doesn’t come cheap
  • May lead to intense feelings of superiority over your riding buddies

In summary: these handlebars have transformed my riding experience. Whether you’re planning to tackle a grueling trail or just want to show off at your next group ride, the Race Face Turbine R 35 is worth every penny. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I hear the trails calling my name!

So, who else has taken the plunge with the Turbine R 35? Let’s trade war stories, or at least hilarious wipeout tales! Check them out if your curiosity is piqued—or if you just like shiny new things.

[River Rat Gear]

OneUp Components Stem

So, I finally got my hands on the OneUp Components Stem, and let me tell you, it feels like I’ve just upgraded from riding a unicycle to a spaceship! Smooth rides, stable handling, and an extra scoop of confidence—this stem’s got it all.

Let’s start with the installation experience. I’m not the sharpest tool in the shed when it comes to bike maintenance—my toolbox basically looks like a teenager’s messy bedroom. But fitting this stem was as easy as pie. Pro tip: Have your favorite snack at the ready; you’ll install it so quickly you’ll need a reward!

Now, on to the ride itself! I took it on everything from gnarly mountain trails to easier bikepacking routes, and boy, did it deliver. Usually, I have the precision of a cat on a skateboard, but with the OneUp Stem, I felt like I could thread a needle while humming Beethoven’s 5th.

I also noticed a bit more control on rocky descents. Before, I’d hold on for dear life like I was in a low-budget action movie. Now, I’m channeling my inner pro, like a mix between James Bond and a mountain goat.

• Design: What a beaut! It compliments my bike so well, I may have started a new love triangle.
• Weight: Light as a feather! I’m pretty sure I knocked half a second off my best time just by shaving this weight alone.
• Price: Fairly reasonable. Think of it as an investment into your biking happiness, rather than just a component upgrade.

Sure, some of my buddies swear by their more expensive gear, but I say quantity doesn’t always mean quality. Did I mention the stares of envy when I show up with this beaut?

Oh, and if you’re looking for the details, check out the OneUp Components website. It’s like a candy store for your bike, minus the sugar rush.

In conclusion, I can wholeheartedly recommend the OneUp Components Stem. It’s a total game changer and my cycling playlist now has a magical new track called “No More Wobbles.” Cheers to smoother rides and new adventures!

[River Rat Gear]

Thomson Elite X4

So, I finally got my hands on the Thomson Elite X4 stem, and let me just say, it’s not just another component, it’s almost like a work of art! You know, for us bike nerds, this stuff gets our wheels spinning. 🤓

Firstly, let’s talk looks. The X4 has that classic, clean, and honestly kind of sexy anodized finish that Thomson masters have perfected. It’s like the little black dress of the biking world—it goes with everything and it’s timeless. My bike suddenly looks like it’s ready for a red carpet, or maybe just a really tough trail.

Performance-wise, this thing is rock solid. I took it out for a spin on my usual weekend trail last Saturday, which is basically a mix of everything. From some mellow singletracks to the gnarly, rooty sections that make you clench every muscle. The X4 held up like a champ. I’ve had stems that feel about as stable as a wobbly toddler on roller skates, but this was different. You know how it is—when you’re clinging on for dear life going downhill, the last thing you need is your handlebars giving you a surprise wiggle.

From a technical perspective, the X4 is quite impressive. The 4-bolt clamp design seems to provide more clamping force without causing a heart attack when you’re trying to install it yourself. It’s like the stern grandma of stem clamps: strong, reliable, and won’t take any nonsense from your handlebars.

However, a quick word of caution if you’re planning on using it for bikepacking. Make sure you’ve got it dialed because once those bags are on, any lack of confidence in your stem will quickly remind you that gravity is not your friend.

One more thing I absolutely love? The peace of mind. It’s like, you don’t just buy a Thomson product; you invest in a bulletproof confidence booster for your bike’s cockpit.

Of course, you’ll pay a bit more for it, but hey, think of it like buying a good coffee—you’d pay extra to avoid sludge, right? If you’re considering upgrading your setup, I’d highly recommend giving the Thomson Elite X4 a look.

And if you’re on the fence, here’s a link to more detailed specs if you’re into that kind of techy deep dive. Spoiler alert: it’s all good stuff.

[River Rat Gear]

Best MTB Stems Buyer’s Guide

Welcome to the wacky world of MTB stems! Buckle up, because this is the piece of kit that can spell the difference between nailing that perfect downhill or, dare I say, becoming one with Mother Earth a bit too prematurely. I’ve been down—and occasionally thrown from—many trails myself, so let’s dive right into what makes a great MTB stem, shall we?

First off, why does the stem even matter? Think of it as the matchmaker between your handlebars and fork. A good stem can optimize your riding position and control, while a poor fit might just have you questioning your life choices mid-ride. Here’s what to ponder:

• Length and Angle: The stem’s length and angle decide how you’re positioned on your bike. Shorter stems (say, under 50mm) mean quicker, twitchier steering, great for downhill thrill-seekers like myself. Longer stems stabilize the ride, making them fantastic for trails that require more precision.
• Material: Aluminum’s the most common because it’s reliable and won’t empty your wallet. But if you’re feeling fancy or have a strong disdain for gravity, carbon fiber cuts down weight (and potentially adds bragging rights at the trailhead—just saying).
• Clamp Diameter: Regular MTB handlebars are usually 31.8mm, but you might find some beefy 35mm bars too. Make sure your stem fits your handlebar snugly unless you enjoy living dangerously.
• Rise: A stem with rise affects how much you need to hunch over. I personally favor a slight rise when tackling rolling trails, keeping me comfy and reducing the risk of back spasms after a long ride.

So, which brands are out there, plotting to liberate cash from our wallets?

• Race Face: These bad boys are tough as nails and have seen me through more “oh no, not again” moments than I care to admit. Their Chester models are great for riders not wanting to break the bank.
• Renthal: If you’re into that motocross aesthetic, these guys offer an array of sturdy, reliable options.
• Thomson: For those who love simplicity and exceptional build, Thomson stems are the trusty beaters you never have to worry about. They never watch me sweat through brutal climbs, since I usually get off and walk (don’t judge).
• OneUp Components: They offer some excellent, lightweight choices when you’re counting grams, like their EDC stem, which can even integrate nifty tools. Because who doesn’t love a multi-functional gadget?

Now, before you hit the “add to cart” button, remember: your choice should match not just your bike setup, but your riding style. Measure twice, cut once. Or in our case, test-fit a dozen times before committing.

In conclusion, choosing the right MTB stem will make your ride more comfortable and controlled, giving you the smarts to tackle the trails like a pro. So what are you waiting for? Go out there, get that stem, and remember, the trail might be rocky, but your ride shouldn’t be!

[Bushcraft Bob]

Hey everyone! 🚵‍♀️ So, if you’re anything like me, you probably think more about the trails and trees than the nitty-gritty of your bike parts—but it turns out the right stem can be as crucial as a good coffee before a ride! ☕🚴

Here are a few things to keep in mind when picking the perfect stem to make sure your next adventure is as smooth (and wild) as possible:

• Length and angle: Think of them like your morning stretches. A shorter stem can be great for agile, twitchy rides, while a longer stem might stabilize things when you’re devouring those descents.
• Material: Carbon, aluminum, maybe titanium if you’re feeling fancy. It’s like choosing your coffee mug—you might want something light, durable, or just really cool looking!
• Weight: Lift it 🚴 (or at least know it won’t lift you off the ground in a gust of wind). Every gram counts if you’re chasing that Strava segment!
• Bar compatibility: Double-check, because just like your favorite pair of socks, not all bars and stems are destined to be together. ❤️
• Visual appeal: Gotta impress the squirrels and other trail Users, right? Choose a stem that makes your bike pop (or at least match your water bottle!).

So next time you’re adjusting your cockpit setup, remember these tips, and you’ll ride away with confidence… and maybe some style points too! 😎🚵‍♂️

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