Team Tested: The new Renthal Apex stem review
UK Company, Renthal really seem to have made their mark now in the MTB world, with lots of riders of trick looking high-end bikes choosing Renthal for cockpit parts, i.e. bars, stem and grips. Released today is this gorgeous looking new Apex stem to add to their collection, so what’s the big deal?
The Apex stem has been designed to be used in all disciplines of MTB riding and couldn’t be more perfect for the world of Enduro bikes. The two small and light clamps slide down from the narrower ends of the bar to the middle, to then be attached to the main body of this fantastic looking light-weight stem. It has the lighter weight needed for XC and the strength wanted for Enduro racing and riding. It can be used on a 780mm length bar too, so this all-new Renthal Apex stem covers all sectors of mountain biking, light enough for XC racing, stiff and strong enough for a 780mm handlebar.
They have removed lots of the stems weight by using these two small clamps instead of the usual large square one, the contact point of each clamp is 240 degrees around the bars. The extra special feature of these stems (available in 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90mm lengths) is that the stem can be flipped over to give a plus or minus 6 degree rise/drop; clever. This especially suits the high front-ended 29er bikes, as you can use higher rise bars and just flip your new stem. The stems are CNC machined alloy body with 7075 alloy clamps, they have an oversized centre bore and 3-D machining plus external webbing has ensured great strength with minimal weight
Graphics are laser marked and trick looking as ever, they come with a durable anodised finish, hard anodised clamps and stainless hardware. Weights are 40mm-118g, 50mm-127g etc. Stack height 40mm, clamp width 46mm, handlebar clamp diameter 31.8mm, steerer clamp diameter 28.6mm
We here at Enduro Mag were sent these a while ago to check them out,they are definitely one of our favourites when it comes to looks, plus they seem to be holding up to the rigours of the Enduro world. With myself heading out to the Mega Avalanche to race, watch this space to check out the performance of the Apex and other parts on what can only be called a bike breaker of a track!
Price 79.99 GBP
More information on www.renthalcycling.com
Words & Pictures: Jim Buchanan