RaceFace Evolve XC Stem review

RaceFace have done well with this one: the length options (70, 90, 110, 120 and 130mm) give you plenty of choice, which is vital when setting up your perfect controls. We tested the 70mm stem, which has a great 'all mountain' feel.

Our rating

The Evolve XC Stem is strong and isn't unduly heavy.

Robin Weaver

Published: March 31, 2007 at 11:00 pm

Our review

Strong, reasonable weight - Raceface have done well with this one

With a six-degree rise, the stem gives you good control when tackling technical singletrack or tricky descents, and it provides you with a good body position for climbs without feeling cramped. It also has an interlocking U-shaped face plate to help eliminate stress concentrations, which is a bonus for carbon bar users. The whole of the stem is forged from 6061 aluminium, so it's strong and it has a reasonable weight of 170g.

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Robin Weaver

Technical editor-in-chief

Rob is BikeRadar and MBUK’s technical editor-in-chief. Our resident tech nerd has lived and breathed mountain bikes since the age of nine. After a couple of years ripping around his local woods, he raced cross-country through the early 90s. A shift to downhill better suited his skillset and he soon became a regular on the national circuit before having a crack at some UCI Downhill World Cups. Rob always had an eye for tech and was keen to glean any kind of mechanical advantage possible. Whether that was through geometry changes, suspension tuning or adapting parts, he learned quickly that an open mind is key. He began working as a freelance writer for MBUK over 20 years ago, while he finished his degree in sports technology. He landed his dream role as technical editor 15 years ago. Rob’s passion for bikes encompasses just about anything with two wheels, including fast and efficient cross-country bikes and long-travel enduro rigs or downhill machines. He rides on the road and gravel, too. He’s tested hundreds of bikes, piles of components and mountains of kit, so understands what does and doesn’t work.

Height: 172cm
Bike size: Medium/450-460mm reach