Topload Stems Options

[tenagator]

Looking for a new stem and was considering the S&M Race XLT but i was wondering what peoples thoguhts are on the two piece top cap. Or even the Elevn stem with the same style topcap, I like both but not feeling the split top cap.
What stems are in now? Currently ran the Eclat Burns, So im looking for something similar but in a 53mm.

[superjeer]

(IMG:http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/527667_3616433497876_1485010903_3330561_370223191_n.jpg)
S&M Race, so they say.

(IMG:http://c304977.r77.cf1.rackcdn.com/backend/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/madera_topload1.jpg)
Here's a new one. 48, 51, and 54mm sizes.

This post has been edited by superjeer: Apr 5 2012, 06:27 AM

[Brandon002]

I have been using Snap stems for years with zero issues. I ran a Race XLT for a season too and never had a problem. I like the snap stem more, I like looking down and seeing something beefy holding my bars to the bike. Call it the placebo effect, but seeing a beefy stem makes me feel more confident then seeing two thin pieces of aluminum holding my bars to my bike.

[mannequinforce]

http://www.danscomp.com/shop-PARTS/STEMSTOPLOAD.html

I would love an S&M challenger stem.

[okibono]

i got a split cap s&m. i love it....

[BS]

I run a Challenger stem and I like it. I also have an Enduro and an old TNT that I like.

I've never seen a stem break before and I've broken pretty much every other part on my bike at one point or another. I'm not saying it can't happen I've just never seen it happen and I've broke a lot of stuff.

* knocks on wood *

[Brandon002]

http://www.danscomp.com/shop-PARTS/STEMSTOPLOAD.html

I would love an S&M challenger stem.

I like the challenger stem too, but 49mm is a no go for me.

[fromhellclothing]

I have seen that pic of that s&m before. Guess anything can break?

This post has been edited by fromhellclothing: Apr 5 2012, 12:03 PM

[BS]

...but not feeling the split top cap.

I was reading on another BMX website, more of a "freestyle" oriented site, and some guys were talking about making a "new school" Enduro stem. They were taking the cap from a Redneck XLT and putting it on a Race XLT like Kris Bennett did with the old Challenger/Redneck to make the Enduro. I guess nobody probably wants to buy two stems to make one but it may be a cool solution to your problem.

Of course that wouldn't have prevented that break in the picture but I'm not sure what would have.

[Rodogg]

Well, I for one think that picture shows/proves that the split top cap will hold the bars. LOL


I have seen a red neck cap on a race stem and it looked great. I bet you can swindle a deal with S & M far a race stem and have them throw in an extra redneck cap for 10 or 20 bucks.



either way,
just get the dang race xlt.

its awesome, well loved by many, and you don't have to worry about tightening in a criss cross pattern.