FSA SL-K stem review

The Italian/Taiwanese forces at work at Full Speed Ahead have taken their SL-K range of components and upped their technical attributes. One of the best examples is this SL-K alloy and carbon stem.

At 158g for the 90mm model it’s pleasingly light and, although about 30g heavier than top-end cross-country race stems, it’s designed to have a long-term appetite for heavy duty all-mountain riding, so it’s horses for courses.

As you’d hope for £80, the SL-K stem is an absolute beauty, with a polished and anodised finish over the forged and finely machined single-piece shaft.

The 3D forging of the 7050 alloy material aligns the grain structure, prior to being CNC-machined for maximum strength. The front stem cap is full carbon – a small nod to weight saving and a large one to aesthetics. It also reduces point load on the bar.

All six fixing bolts are chromed steel for strength and safety, and they pinch the stem up for a tight and twist-free feel on the bike. Cross-country racers will like the fact the logo is double sided, so you can use it raised or flat, and it comes in 10mm increments from 80-130mm, with a 6° rise.

We really like this stem; it’s a great blend of solid, no-fluff performance, price and looks with a smoked titanium colour and a polished and anodised finish that looks really classy.