The Gusset Colt 45 stem is fresh for 2010. It’s a short, compact unit aimed at dirt jumpers and street riders. Thanks to the innovative hidden wedge type steerer clamp, the back of the stem is minimal so there are no bolts to smash your knees on.
The finish is really clean, with current minimalist styling. The body is CNC-machined from 6061 aluminium, so the stem weighs in at a mere 215g. It comes in all-black or a two-tone black body with front plate and wedge binder in purple, white or bronze. Or you can have chrome for an extra fiver.
It can be tricky to get the Colt 45 done up tight enough (although a decent set of Alen keys should do the job), but we've had it on the bike for just over eight months now and once properly tightened it won't budge.
The 22.2mm clamp limits bar choice somewhat. On the plus side, the hidden clamp wedge has saved our knees a few times when crashing, and keeps the bike looking good, with clean, flowing lines.