Forum menu
probably not the best forum to ask this but there are a few DHr's here.
so I like the look of the new hope integrated stem and crown for fox 40's ( price wise it looks reasonable as well )
So what are the pros and cons of an integrated stem over my current thomson x4 stem set up.
Is twisting the forks during a crash a big concern??
cheers
That's the main problem there. Though others argue if you do crash your bars won't need straightening, so you can jump right back on during a race run! A big bail could result in a big fork bill though!!!
Lower front end is the big pro. And they look cool too. (IMO)
Another downside is that you'll have to cut your steerer a lot shorter which might affect ease of resale (not sure how easy it is to replace triple clamp steerers)
Regardless of integrated stems you can twist dual crowns in a crash. Can't say it happened more or less often when I ran an integrated setup. And it's no great drama anyhow, just loosen the crowns and axle and straighten them.
The argument most use is they're more likely to bend bars. Rubbish IMO, you hit something in a way you're gonna bend your bars, they bend however they're attached.
Pros generally weight, lower front end, bars are always straight, trickness.
TBH there are probably better ways to spend the cash on your bike, and keep the X4.
I used to run the Funn one on my Boxxers and never had any issues in the crashes I had!! Just make sure you got good bump stops as the forks can be pushed around from the bars and ding the frame more easily.
One thing I found with them (except for being lower etc.) is that the steering felt a lot more direct and more positive.
It seemed that as you are turning the forks / fork legs rather than the steerer tube it feels a lot more positive and direct.
If I went back to triple clamps I would get one in a flash!
I've just come back from a week in Spain running a direct mount stem on my Fox 40s and I have to say I found it to be absolutely brilliant.
The steering and feedback through the bars is so much improved and the feeling of security it gives encourages you to go harder, in my opinion anyway.
BTW I'm running a Point One Split Second stem and it's a beautiful piece of work. Thompson quality easily.
good info on this thanks...
the main reason I was thinking about the change to direct mount is that I need a stem for my small bike. Rather than getting a new one I could transfer the stem from my DH bike and get the new hope direct mount thing on the Cycle to work scheme for a few dollas less.
any more thoughts??