Race Face Atlas AM Stem reviews
Reviews of Race Face's all-new premium quality stem designed specifically for all-mountain riding.
New for 2007, the Atlas AM stem is designed specifically for the all-mountain rider, light enough for cross-country use but also able to withstand light freeriding, providing the ultimate in versatility.
- Machined from 6061-T6 aluminium
- Four bolt bar clamp holds bar securely in position
- Interlocking U-Shaped Handlebar Faceplate eliminates stress risers which cause your bar to bend or break
- Opposing bolts on steer tube clamp provide extreme clamping power while reducing stress on the steer tube
Media Reviews:
MBR Magazine December 2007
Most stems these days are forged, so it's somewhat surprising that Race Face's new Atlas AM stem is machined. But according to Race Face there are several reasons for this: "We can control the tolerances more accurately compared to forging, we wanted to produce this stem in our Canadian facility, and we wanted a specific aesthetic with sweeping blended chamfer cuts and sharp, crisp lines." Fair enough, and as all-mountain stems don't need to be that light the heavier CNC'd construction is not a problem. Plus it's relatively easy to change the shape without having to invest in new tooling. The Atlas is actually made from 6061-T6 series aluminium and gets a shot-peened finish, which pre-stresses the material, improving the fatigue life. It also has the familiar interlocking faceplate that provides a continuous clamping zone around the handlebar, reducing compression loading. If you do over-torque the bolts there's also a bottom-out function built in. On the scales the Atlas is a good weight; it's also reasonably stiff and well priced. We also like the shape, especially in the shorter lengths.
MBR Score: 9/10
asilvertouch.com October 2007
We put the Atlas AM on our Giant Reign 1 test bike. This bike came stock with the Race Face Evolve XC stem in a 110mm length which we found a little long for agressive riding. We also found that it was difficult to manual the Reign and it was even a chore at times to unweight the front end as the 110mm stem seemed to position too much of the riders weight over the front wheel. After switching to the Atlas AM 90mm stem, we noticed an improvement in rider position and an increased ability to float the front wheel. The Atlas AM provided a very stiff and solid feel while the shorter length also increased the steering stability of the bike. We loved the sleek style of the Atlas AM stem, plus the fact that it is Canadian made doesn't hurt either. If you are looking for a tough yet light stem for your all mountain or aggressive trail bike, make sure to have a look at Race Face's new Atlas AM.
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What MTB Magazine October 2007
Silverfish rushed us the first sample they got of this new Race Face stem, and we can see why. The chunky octagonal body is relatively thinwalled while the big square head is formed from an almost flat front plate interlocking into the deep cupped body. The faceplate is scooped top and bottom with small thin wings spreading across the bar, while the rear clamp is thickwalled with twin bolts. The result is a seriously stiff and direct stem with an ultra secure bar fit but a very competitive weight and price with comparable top end gear.
What MTB Verdict: Tough, stiff and totally locked down. A top new all-rounder - 8/10
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Published Wednesday 26 September 2007
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