I bought this for my road tandem, replacing a Thomson X2. The old stem had developed a creak coming from the faceplate bolts, and I needed to adjust my position slightly anyway, so I replaced the 120mm -17� stem with a 110mm -10� X4.
The new setup is significantly stiffer. I can't be sure whether the difference comes from the slightly shorter stem or the 4-bolt faceplate or both (although I suspect it is mostly the 4-bolt design). The handlebars feel significantly more solid when out of the saddle. Both the steerer clamp and the handlebar clamp on this stem are slightly taller/wider than on the X2. I had to remove one spacer on my steerer and slightly move my Garmin mount to accommodate the difference.
I’ll be honest I’ve had a Thomson stem on each of my bikes for the past 10 years. These are by far the best stems on the market. Made is the USA as well. I have their seatposts and carbon handlebars on each of our bikes as well. Best looking cockpits in the northwest.
I bought this as a replacement of my previous Elite X4, 100mm 0deg. I'm concerned to see how badly the plate does not align with the stem, but more so it there will be a gap on my carbon 1 1/4" bar. In addition to that the bolts are pretty bad - so I'll use my older ones. For the price I was expecting something far better.
Well what could go wrong with a stem? Not much. I've been using Thomson stems on my road bikes. Yeah I know its a mountain bike stem, but it looks cool. Anyway, it does exactly what bought it for. I screwed up o this on and bought one too short. I was building a bike and had a few old stems laying around, so I put a 120 FSA stem on this new ride. The other stems had some steep angles and the 120 turned out to be too long. I ordered the Thomson in a 90. That turned out to be too short. I can't win, but its not the stem's fault.
Thomson's reputation preceded itself here. I thought it would be crazy outstanding machining and industrial bling, but I was a bit disappointed to find the face plate doesn't line up perfectly with the stem body - a little off, but off - and it's a very chonky unit. I didn't weigh it, but it assumes quite a prominent presence on the front of the bike. I prefer a slim and light-looking front end. It's a decent piece and a sure upgrade from a regular $30 stem, but their rep is hollow. Live and learn.
First time customer, the Thomson stem was flawless however I will not do business with any retailer that emails me on thanksgiving at 6am, how inconsiderate!
I currently ride 3 bikes with 3 Thomson stems.
2 Seatposts, only because my mountain bike already has a dropper post.
Does what a stem should do. Great quality.
This Thomson stem was installed on a 2009 Cannondale Bad Boy. Easy to install and looks great. Highly recommended.
There are a couple of things you can buy for your bike and never worry about again.
A Chris King headset and a Thomson stem. As light as a carbon stem and 200X more durable.
Awesome well made
I was looking for a stem with a bit more rise in it. The Thomson stem fit my criteria and I've always ridden there seat posts and loved them for their quality and durability. The quality and finish of the stem are the same as that of the seat post's, second to none. The stem is also quite stiff and seems to be bombproof. I'm very happy with the purchase and consider Thomson product to be a good value for the money.
A great looking stem that is built to last.
I bought this stem as an upgrade for my track bike. It's not the lightest stem out there, but it is quite stiff. That allows me to really put the power down in sprints, or hold a track stand with confidence.
I bought this Thomson X4 to replace one that my back was unable to take the lower drop anymore. I had a Thomson bolt break once and Thomson replaced it for no charge. Thomson produces excellent products and stands behind them.
Some measure of vanity played a part in this purchase (I have a Thomson post).
I did want a slightly shorter stem - I am getting older and less flexible.
It's a quality Thomson part. Was easy to install. Had good directions. Looks nice.
I can't really say that I noticed any huge changes on swapping a stem. The stem is shorter, so I suppose I could say it is stiffer, but that may be more a result of changed riding geometry than the stem.
Still kinda new to mountain biking, but I needed a new stem so I went for the best. Feels solid and seems incredibly well made. It also made my bike fit me much better, but that's probably more of the change in length. Still, I'm very happy with the stem (110mm) and would definitely recommend it to others.
This stem does what a stem should do. It looks great, it's stiff and once installed you never have to think about it again. Make sure to follow torque specs and it will outlast the rest of the bike.
I ordered a custom ti mt bike that was to have a 110 vs 100 mm stem and selected Thomson 110 as the product of choice for cost as well as strength. There are less heavy stems out there but this was ideal for me. I have a Thomson setback seat post as well and am happy with that in terms of strength and design. Weight works fine for all mt as well as my sport class XC racing. Bolts, when torqued to settings described do not slip and I fell worry free that they will come apart. I had a really good fall too and the stem was intact and true. Their models also provide different degrees of tilt so you should explore their options. I like this product enough that I am seriously switching to this as well for my road and commuting bike. Bottom line for me- the last bit of my custom bike to be dialed-in was the setback seatpost and a slightly elongated stem. The choices in models available make this a great choice of stems for multiple use.
There are lighter stems out there but not ones that are in the same weight category but still have the same strength. Thomson makes some of the strongest components.
