OGDEN, Utah (BRAIN) — Enve is releasing a line of aluminum mountain bike stems optimized for pairing with its M Series carbon handlebars.
The Enve Alloy Mountain Stem is available in 31.8mm and 35.0mm clamp diameters, with both models offered with a zero-degree rise in 35mm, 50mm, and 65mm lengths. The stem has an MSRP of $125.
While Enve is known for its carbon rim and wheelset designs, the U.S.-based brand has been introducing aluminum products into its lineup, including rim and disc brake compatible road hubs.
"To be successful as a carbon manufacturer, you must first have an intimate understanding of machining," said Scott Nielson, vice president of engineering. "Behind every successful carbon design is an equally clever mold design that was machined typically from aluminum or steel. In short, we've been machining metals at Enve from the beginning."
While Enve has a large in-house machining operation, the stems are not produced in Ogden, where the company's facilities are located.
"While we certainly have the capability to machine this product in-house, we do not have the bandwidth, given our machine shops are at full capacity," Nielson said. "In addition, we wanted to forge the billet before machining, which allows for a stronger, more fatigue resistant stem. Given that we can't forge locally, we have chosen a manufacturing partner who has forging capabilities in-house."
The stems feature a "no gap" faceplate design as well as smooth beveled surfaces everywhere the handlebar interfaces in the bar clamp. This is to reduce the likelihood of carbon laminates being damaged or crushed during installation.
"The introduction of the alloy mountain stem will allow more riders access to a complete Enve cockpit and therefore Enve performance," said Jake Pantone, vice president of product. "Our M Series carbon stem retains its position as the benchmark mountain bike stem, while the new alloy stem provides the same strength and reliability at a slight weight and ride quality penalty."
Other features include blind steerer-clamp bolt holes, and smooth contours on the back of the stem to protect shorts and knees from snagging on exposed threads or sharp machined edges. All stem hardware is stainless-steel.
For more information or to purchase, visit enve.com, or your nearest Enve retail partner.
