AX-Lightness

Rigid Stem

AX-Lightness makes a point of using less and less common carbon woven fabric for wheelsets because, as the German manufacturer puts it, the woven stuff is better suited for handling dynamic load than unidirectional fiber. But with components like the Rigid Stem, which experience static load, unidirectional is preferred. Many of us have approached carbon cockpit components with skepticism, but with AX's carbon fiber expertise and motorsport pedigree — not to mention the endorsement of ex-pros like Klöden — this is a stem that you can abuse with confidence.

The carbon fibers run diagonally across the stem's length for optimized stiffness with a dearth of material. It has a square cross-section, which also adds to stiffness, but carbon's ability to swallow road noise means that stiff responsiveness doesn't come with a vibration tax. The clamping areas are reinforced with 3K carbon cloth layers to further guarantee the rider's safety on both the road and trail. The bolts are titanium and the clamping hardware is aluminum.

Please note that AX-Lightness recommends a rider weight limit of 220lb (100kg).