Stem weight savings?

[GnarBrahWyo]

I have a new 2013 Stumpy FSR COMP 29er. Was curious about weight savings of a stem if I decided to upgrade mine since I just got some carbon handlebars too.
I know the weight savings is probably minimal but does anyone know what the potential savings would be going from the stock "XC Trail" stem I have on my bike?
If I could save 100 grams or more w/o sacrificing strength it might be worth it (got a gift card for X-mas, my bike is almost totally maxed out on upgrades but seeing what else I can do!)

Any experts opinions out there?

[MTB Pharm]

My non-expert opinion, is you are probably looking at about 180 gm for the XC trail stem.
You probably won't see much of a weight difference with a Thomson.
A Syntace or a Ritchey you can see weights around 110 gm.

If your bike is already blinged out, then why not. The stem doesn't do much for me. If you don't have a dropper post, I'd say spring for one of those and add weight to the bike.

[GnarBrahWyo]

My non-expert opinion, is you are probably looking at about 180 gm for the XC trail stem.
You probably won't see much of a weight difference with a Thomson.
A Syntace or a Ritchey you can see weights around 110 gm.

If your bike is already blinged out, then why not. The stem doesn't do much for me. If you don't have a dropper post, I'd say spring for one of those and add weight to the bike.

Thanks for the info. I just ordered an Easton Haven bar that weighs 70 grams less than my stock bar, just figured if I am gonna put on a new bar maybe I should do the stem too since I got a gift card for X-mas. Might be worth if it I can find a decent deal.

[jsigone]

IMO the stem is the last place I'd look to save weight......get something that will fit and will handle the stuff you ride., weight comes in last on that part. Get some light weight grips if you don't have them already. There is about 90-110 grams there can be shed

[GnarBrahWyo]

IMO the stem is the last place I'd look to save weight......get something that will fit and will handle the stuff you ride., weight comes in last on that part. Get some light weight grips if you don't have them already. There is about 90-110 grams there can be shed

Yeah, I have already purchased lighter rims, a lighter cassette, a lighter bar, now I am gonna purchase a lighter stem (well, maybe) and lighter pedals. Cannot ride much in the winter here so winter is when I upgrade and tinker with my bike.

[Dan GSR]

i love my syntace megaforce, lighter than thomson too

[hydrogeek]

I found that going with a better made stem gets you a little weight savings, but the best thing is the stiffness. I upgraded to a Thomson X4 stem and there was a noticeable difference on the first ride. BTW, I am using a Niner flat top carbon bar at 710mm. In short, you will get a minor weight savings, but the performance increase is really where it is worth the upgrade to me.

[jsigone]

why not a Haven stem to match those bars? I just picked up the Havoc DH low rise bar and Havac 50mm stem. Not weight wennie parts lol but wider, comfy and the stubby stem was just right for my rumblefish. Has great control on the decent and through the rock gardens. On the flip side the only draw back is climbs of 20+% I can feel I don't have enough weight forward and have to lower my chin some.

[GnarBrahWyo]

I might get a Haven stem actually. We will see what my LBS has. Yeah, I realize weight savings with stems are not much. However, if I am gonna upgrade parts, weight will be a factor too. I got my new aluminum Stumpy weighing what the carbon model weighs with my upgrades. Gonna be my bike for the next 4-5 seasons so I am trying pimp it out as much as possible. =)

[GnarBrahWyo]

Here is the bike if anyone is interested. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLQDkkiUUTI

[BruceBrown]

I have a new 2013 Stumpy FSR COMP 29er. Was curious about weight savings of a stem if I decided to upgrade mine since I just got some carbon handlebars too.
I know the weight savings is probably minimal but does anyone know what the potential savings would be going from the stock "XC Trail" stem I have on my bike?
If I could save 100 grams or more w/o sacrificing strength it might be worth it (got a gift card for X-mas, my bike is almost totally maxed out on upgrades but seeing what else I can do!)

Any experts opinions out there?

Syntace

[briscoelab]

The Syntace F109 stem is excellent. They are light weight, inexpensive, and pretty stiff.

They aren't close in stiffness to something like a Thomson X4, but they are ~50 grams lighter. But, I've found them stiffer than the Specialized stems, Ritchey WCS, and 3T.

[GnarBrahWyo]

What is angle of rise in the F109? I cannot find that.

[b-kul]

worry about length and rise first, weight second. you only stand to lose maybe 50 grams. but if you are going mainly for bling id say a new stem is a worthy upgrade.

[BruceBrown]

What is angle of rise in the F109? I cannot find that.

Uhh......it's over in the right hand column of the below link. 6 degree and 17 degree are your two options (or flip them negative to increase the options to 4 choices).


Syntace

[limba]

I have the Syntace as well. Seems like everyone loves Syntace products, i wish they were easier to find in stores.
Anyway, another option you may want to check out is Kalloy UNO. They're very light and very cheap. The jury is still out if they're strong.

[GnarBrahWyo]

I think I will go with the F109. Reputation on it seems solid. 109 grams is pretty dang light too.

[briscoelab]

Any LBS shop can get the Syntace stems. QBP carries them.

Also, you can get them from Universal Cycles... they simply drop ship from QBP.

[limba]

I know that but a lot of Canadian stores don't want to order them. I have 6 local stores and only one said they could/would order Syntace parts. None of them have anything from Syntace in store.

I bought my stem online and I'll do the same thing for the Hiflex seatpost. I'd also like to get the Syntace wheels but I don't know if they actually exist.

[GnarBrahWyo]

Jensen USA has them, they might ship to Canada. Have always had good service with them.

[limba]

I bought my stem from Jenson and I'll order the post soon. You saw the Syntace wheels on Jenson??? I've never seen them there.

[Mojo Troll]

Maybe seat post and saddle? Could gain some extra comfort and save some weight.

[GnarBrahWyo]

I plan on keeping my heavy dropper post but a seat might an option. Not even sure how much weight you can save on a seat.

[capin]

There are more nice stems in a 110-130 g range.
TUNE, Crank Bros, Rotor..

Crankbrothers Cobalt 11 Carbon Handlebar Stem 80mm 125 Grams | eBay

Tune MTB Vorbau Geiles Teil 4.0 OV schwarz Ø 31,8 stem | eBay

Check them out.
I have Tune on my AM bike and its very nice. Saving of 50-60g on one component is quite a lot..
The secret of light bike is changing all stock components for new light and expensive ones
thats why im always buying just the frame nowdays

[92gli]

Bontrager rxl is like 110g for a 90mm. And can be had cheap as a takeoff from a high end trek.