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StaFast Suspension Stem Debuts- by Guitar Ted
Allsop, Girvin, JD Components, Softride…… You “old school” mountain bikers know what I’m talking about, and you probably are either shuddering at the memories of riding one of those components or are enjoying a wry smile and thinking derisive thoughts. It’s fair to say that if you know about “suspension stems” you probably would agree that they have quite the bad rap. Never the less, another new design is about to be unleashed and it is called the StaFast Stem.
Promising state of the art materials and a new take on the old idea, the StaFast stem is being recommended for mountain biking, road, or even casual cycling. We bet it might be something that a gravel road cyclist would find intriguing. Gravel and back road riding can impart a “paint shaker” like feeling at the bars, so perhaps something like this might mitigate those vibrations. Then again, as a shop mechanic for 15 years, I’ve seen my fair share of failed or very worn suspension and adjustable stems. Will the $350.00 StaFast stem survive a season of gravel abuse?
Hard to say. Then again, you have to wonder how putting pivots into a critical area such as the stem/handle bar of the bicycle will be better when the mantra of most stem and handle bar makers is “make it stiffer“. It’s an interesting idea, which isn’t new, but perhaps with this new design and higher grade materials, StaFast will make believers of us. Maybe…..
That is, if I can get over that last memory of using a Softride stem on a ’92 Klein!
Discuss and share your questions or thoughts about gravel bikes on the Riding Gravel Forum.