What's the opinions of STW on the Renthal strata and Thomson X4 stem?
These are to go with the Renthal fat bar carbon lite on my orange 5 build..
Got the X4 50mm, my bars are attached still, it's very stiff along with the Thomson DH bars and I got the gold face plate to match the other gold finishing kit.
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Other than that it's a stem
Easton Haven?
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Happy with my Strata/Fat carbon combo. it hasn't been cartwheeled down the traisl at mach one so I can't say how 'strong' it is, but it works for me.
Renthal have a new stem out also.
Mikewsmith..
Whats the width on the Thomson bars?
Can't help think that the Renthal stem would be weaker than the Thomson, looking at the split design.
Haven every time for me. Looks good, stiff and smart design where you do up the top two bolts all the way then tighten the bottom two as needed.
780mm on the bars.
Do you get a top cap with the Renthal stem?
I've had a Renthal Duo before and they are a great stem, very stiff but limited to one size and rise fit. If it is right for you then go for it over the Thomson stem.
Stems don't come with top caps. They are normally part of the headset.
How about crown races?
Let's be honest, the only reason to get either is for looks, so get whichever one you like the look of most. Expensive stems are all just bike jewellery.
Don't go starting trouble round here Northwind an expensive stem is at least 3% betterer per £ than cheaper stems.
Northwind...
I do want my new toy to look nice..
Tempted to go for a havoc carbon bar and havoc stem..
Not sure which Renthal stem I had a few years ago now maybe 2 but it creaked and groaned like mad so I took it back off and put the Thomson 50mm back on.
There's enough creaking and groaning going on with My* Santa Cruz another one right under my nose just about sent me over the edge, having pissed on my frame before to try and stop it cracking I wasn't going to start pissing on my stem.
If this is a new revised stem then I'd like one to match my Renthal bars.
Renthal Apex - looks more like a 'traditional' stem.
I've got a renthal duo stem with carbon fatbar lites on my bronson.
No issues with stiffness/creaking and I am a fatty so it gets plenty of load on it.
New renthal apex stem does look nice. All personal preference if the rise/length suit your needs.
Just had a quick look, it was the duo, I like the look of those new Apex they look very nice,
How long before Renthal start making seat posts I wonder ?
Edited to add, having just seen mikes pic, Thomson bars & matching stem,
Renthal Bars & matching stem
Easton bars......... Etc, just keeps everything nice a co ordinated.
Havoc carbon bar with haven stem. Love Thomson kit but the 50mm X4 fell out of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down.
Went for the Renthal carbon lite bars with duo stem..
Nice price at Ubyk.co uk
I do want my new toy to look nice
Sorry, but I thought you said you were getting a Five?