Bontrager XXX Lite road stem: light carbon styling
- By Zack Vestal
- Published Feb. 5, 2009
- Updated Feb. 5, 2009 at 7:47 AM UTC
First noticed spec’ed on newer Trek Madone road bikes, the Bontrager XXX Lite Road stem loses a little weight and cuts a sleeker profile than its predecessor. The original Bontrager XXX Lite carbon stem is still available for road and mountain bikes, but this newest model is specified for road use only. A couple of nice touches make it worth consideration as an aftermarket upgrade to any road bike.
Retail price: $249.99
The Scoop: A road-only, all-carbon stem from Bontrager. Eight sizes (70mm to 140mm), one rise (+/- 7 degrees), and two colors available.
Pro: Lightweight, with fail-safe bolts and steerer tube clamp. Unique look.
Con: Unique look.
Web site: www.bontrager.com
At first glance, the shape and aesthetic are striking. The look is graceful but boxy — only the beholder can judge its relative beauty. There’s a sense that the shape will look best on a Trek Madone, but it may be equally at home on other sexy road bikes. A simple clear-coated finish allows underlying carbon fabric to catch sunlight, and swooping white graphics adorn the sides of the sample I rode. A “team white” version is also available.
The stem is all carbon, designed and tested to CEN standards. A 4-bolt polished aluminum face plate completes the 31.8mm handlebar clamp. Threaded inserts provide a secure purchase for all bolts, which are steel with a corrosion resistant coating. The 1 1/8th-inch steerer tube clamp is angled to distribute stress, and the clamp bolts work in opposition to each other. Both features are meant to avoid damage to lightweight carbon steerer tubes. A 110mm sample weighed in at 145 grams.
The package includes carbon headset spacers and top cap, which is a nice touch (especially at the retail price of $249.99).
The Wrenching
Installation of this stem is straightforward. A few quick turns of a 4mm Allen wrench and the product is in place, just like many stems. Bontrager specifies that face plate bolts and steerer pinch bolts are to be tightened to 5-6 Newton-meters. It’s helpful that the torque specs are printed right on the stem, as is the length and rise. Also helpful are plastic stoppers between the two halves of the steerer tube clamp. These effectively prevent over-tightening of the bolts and damage to either the stem or the steerer tube.
The Riding
This stem rides as well as any I’ve tried. I did not notice any particular characteristic, which to me is a plus — it’s one of those products that seamlessly fits, feels comfortable, and does not broadcast any major flaws. It’s reasonably stiff, but not as stiff as some similar oversized stems. It’s quite light, and the steel bolts give a sense of security. I could not particularly discern any vibration damping, but it certainly does not feel as harsh as some aluminum stems I’ve tried.
Overall, the Bontrager XXX Lite Road stem is a high-quality carbon stem that could provide just the look and lightweight performance that your road bike needs.
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FILED UNDER: Bikes and Tech
Zack Vestal
Zack joined VeloNews in 2009, bringing 15 years of industry experience to the Tech Editor position. Most recently manager and mechanic for the Trek-VW mountain bike team (2004-08), he has an unused geology degree from Whitman College (and a well-worn Ph.D. from the school of hard knocks). Vestal covers the latest in cycling gear online, and brings in-depth perspective to the magazine.