FSA Afterburner stem review

The Afterburner is a classic FSA product – low on gimmicks, high on value. The straightforward shape is forged from 6061 aluminium, with smooth transitions between clamps and extension.

Fitting is easy, with washers under all the bolt heads preventing binding and torque settings laser-etched onto the stem. At 154g, weight is impressively low for a relatively inexpensive stem, helped by neat details like the extensive relieving inside the faceplate. Finish is generally good, although our test stem had the merest hint of a burr inside the steerer clamp.

In use the Afterburner does all that’s asked of it, although you can get a tiny bit of twist if you really haul on the 100mm version with wide bars. It’s available in a big range of sizes, and the shortest (60mm) option is a notch shorter than most cross-country/trail orientated stems.

This article was originally published in What Mountain Bike magazine.