this one

The back of the x4 stem looks open, so is the steerer is exposed? Or is there a sleave that fits in it os something else?

I know this sounds like a stupid question given the pic but I have a steel steerer and think surface rust would start building up.

Yep, it's open and you can see the steerer.

Yes it is exposed!

Cheers chaps, wont suit me then, thanks. 😉

Just put some laquer or nail varnish on the steerer (make sure it's dry before you fit the stem).

Having said that I've never seen rust in that situation.

Any surface rust will have **** all effect, what about the 6 inches of steerer tube exposed inside the headtube?? or at the bottom of the forks?? Or inside the steerer tube, I bet theres loads of rust in there.

I run a x4, no rust on my steerer. As PJ266 says; how about rust on the inside of the steerer that's got in from the base?

my question is for purely for cosmetic reason, obviously I dont think its going to rust apart. 🙄

Well you could always get one and just wipe down the exposed part post-ride?!

best
stem
ever

fact

Surely there aren't that many forks around these days with steel steerer tubes? I thought most of them had aluminum alloy steerers.

Sorry, I forget some people care about the cosmetics of their bikes.

Sorry, I forget some people care about the cosmetics of their bikes.

Pot, kettle etc…