I'm lookign for a new stem for my '03 Dawg. Wanna swap out the stock Koski (90mm / 15 degree) for a shorter, beefier, more freeride oriented stem. Looks (from all the pics people have posted) like others have done the same as well. I've looked at the Azonic Shorty, Race Face Diabolus and some SIC stems. How has the new stem (for those of you who have changed) affected the handling? What size/rise do you run or would you recommed? Thanks in advance fellow Kona owners!!

15 other people have looked at this thread and noone has any suggestions? Bummer.

15 other people have looked at this thread and noone has any suggestions? Bummer.

Get the best, Go for a Thomson stem. Now for the size it's personnal preference but if you want a more downhill specific geometry go for the 50mm 0 degre rise.

If you're looking a bit burlier, you might as well do a 50 or 70mm Diabolus. The Azonic Aggro also looks decent. If you're looking for something more XC, then a Thomson is the best way to go, IMO. Something to keep in mind is that I don't think a Thomson goes any shorter than your 90mm Koski so you're not really gonna get much of a difference (unless you change the rise of your stem).

On my Bear, I'm running a 70 mm Koski (bought it online) and on my Stinky, I'm running the integrated stem that my Super T came with - it's adjustable, but I think I'm running it at 50mm.

An obvious point....the shorter stem is going to be great for doing drops, jumps and getting the front wheel off the ground for wheelie drops, etc. but it will make it a bit more difficult to climb with. Personally, I feel as though I just adapted my riding to the shorter cockpit - but it's all personal preference.

Cheers,
EB

Thompson goes down to 50mm, and I really like the FSA stems. They make a couple of really good options for you.

Thanks for the help all! After seeing that Thompson goes down to 70 degrees, I think I'm going to go with the Thompson 70mm, 0 degree. I think that the 50mm would be just a tad too short for my Dawg/Trailbike. Now....on to new bars to complete the cockpit!! C'Mon spring!!!


*on a side note, I just stumbled upon this forum the other day, and I must say that all the people I've "spoken" with (thus far) have been extremely helpful and pleasent. This section in particular (Kona) has been very helpful! So...to all of you fellow Kona owners....cheers!

I've got two Thompsons, and they are awsome. I also have a Diabolus and it is an awsome stem, better than my coveted Thompsons. The Diabolus is not much heavier and the bar clamp really makes sense. The RF holds the steerer like a pit bull, my Thompsons have slipped on occasion. The stack height on the RF is really short also, can be a nice thing. You can’t go wrong with either but I think a Dawg really wants a Diabolus.