Syncros are responsible for two of the most iconic stem designs in mountain bike history – the Cattleprod and Cattlehead. The company’s output isn’t as distinctive now, but the emphasis on hard-riding performance remains.
The AM is a forged 6061 alloy stem, designed for the sorts of trails that demand a long-travel bike, although its chunky looks belie a respectable weight. Syncros’s forging process means a minimum of post-forging machining is required, although there are a couple of spots where a little more wouldn’t go amiss. Twin opposing steerer clamp bolts keep everything in line.
The AM has a slightly taller stack height than most mountain bike stem – only by 5mm or so, but if your existing stem is slammed with no spacers there might not be room. Assuming it fits, though, the Syncros AM provides a solid connection between bars and bike at an affordable price.
