Unlike what we've seen with frames, rims, and handlebars, the carbon fiber craze has yet to gain traction in the stem category. Why? We see two causes: (1) Carbon stems are oftentimes 2x-3x as expensive as alloy stems, but the weight savings is just a few grams. (2) The design of most carbon stems lack in elegance. Rather than having the curvaceous beauty of, say, a Zipp rim or a Cervélo downtube, they're blocky & industrial -- like a swollen, carbon-wrapped lacrosse stick shaft.

The Oval Concepts R900 is a rarity: It's a carbon stem that really speaks to us. It isn't because of the weight savings it offers. It's only 10g lighter than Oval's R700 alloy stem. Rather, we're dazzled with the simple elegance of the R900. It has a cleanness and a beauty like none other. The smooth, rounded edges of the stem body are complemented by a glossy clearcoat over a tight 3k carbon weave. The artfulness of its construction befits any pro quality carbon bike on the market.

The R900 is built with a structural carbon body fused to a superlight 3D forged alloy stem. It offers a slight weight advantage, but more importantly it adds no small strength and stiffness in comparison to a standard alloy stem. It features the signature detail of all Oval stems: Reverse Bolt Technology. Oval eliminates a key fatigue failure point in the stem by having the bolts thread through the stem body into a removable face plate. If you ever happen to strip a thread, all you need to do is replace the stem faceplate. The bolts are marine-grade stainless steel, so you can sweat on them as much as you'd like!

The bar clamp is 44mm wide, has a 4 bolt clamp to reduce bar flex and stress and wraps 180 degrees around the bar with finely finished edges to cradle exotic bars. The fork clamp is bias cut with opposing bolts to cradle carbon steering tubes for added safety. It comes with a 1 1/8" steerer clamp diameter standard and a 1" steerer adaptor sleeve is available. Available in 80 to 130mm lengths in 31.8mm x 84°.