SUMMARYThe
X2 Road Stem from
Thomson is made to keep flex at a minimum, all while working within a lightweight, minimalist design. Careful attention was devoted to the faceplate, where interlocking plates permit a two-bolt system that's just as torsionally stiff as other four-bolt stems. This two-bolt system also translates into weight savings, shaving 20 grams from
Thomson''s previous road stem design. The
X2 can be run in positive or negative rise and comes available in 10 or 17 degree rise options: race-oriented riders may consider the steep 17 degree to suit an aggressive, aero fit, while the 10 degree would work for any rider looking for adjustment in handlebar positioning. This is a stem well-suited for carbon handlebars, too, due to its optimized stiffness. Thomson''s
X2 is precise steering and tracking in a beautiful piece of componentry.
Since 1981, LH Thomson has been manufacturing precision components using CNC equipment. Known for high-quality, detail-oriented parts for road and mountain applications, the company''s origins in aerospace design shows through in all of their product lines.RELATED PRODUCTSThomson
Carbon Road BarSPECS
- Color - Black, Silver
- Stem Angles - /- 10 degree, /- 17 degree
- Stem Lengths - 70, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130mm
- S.H.I.S. Clamp Diameter - 1-1/8"
- Bar Clamp Diameter - 31.8mm
- Material - 7000 Series Aluminum
- Intended Use - Road
- Weight - 131 grams (70mm length)
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Customer Reviews
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reviewed by:
MtrollerI purchased this to go with the Thomson masterpiece seat post. It is strong with minimal flex (if any). The slightly higher rise (10 deg vs 6 deg) really helped me fit better on the bike also. Can't go wrong!
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reviewed by:
A GuestGreat stem/choice. Very well made, I believe all Thomson stuff is made in America.
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reviewed by:
drifter1616craigI repaced my old stem with a Thomson X2 to match the post already on my road bike. This stem is super stiff and good looking. The pictures of this stem on any website does not do it justice. I'm already planning on replacing my cross bike stem with an X4. Thomson makes elegant,durable,user friendly products!
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reviewed by:
A GuestThis works and works well. With so much carbon on my Six13 I was isolated from feeling any aspect of the road. I've replaced both carbon seat post (use alien and never another one) and now the stem (FSA OS-99) with Thomson products. Got rid of the FSA Wing as well, as it never felt comfortable... the fit never worked. With this Thomson stem and a Deda Newton deep drop aluminum bar the road feel is positive/controlled. There's non- rotational weight here and with my 220lbs there's no flex on this product.... a good thing. You'll understand the feedback here if and when you make the change. Buy a torque wrench and mount it. Light weight in the wrong places isn't always right.
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reviewed by:
hamfohThese stems are awesome. The only thing I don't like is that you can see a bit of the steerer tube near the clamp, a minor aesthitics detail but it probably cuts down on some weight. They're not cheap by any means but I'm a Thomson guy for life thinks to the quality of their products.
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reviewed by:
A GuestI replaced a Bontrager Race X Lite stem with the Thomson, mostly because I was looking to shorten the cockpit on my road bike a little bit and the price of the Thomson was right. My handlebars are aluminum Easton EA30s.
I found I had to really torque the face plate bolts more on the "gorilla tight" side rather than "monkey tight". Otherwise, the bars would drop with an amazingly loud "crack" sound if I hit some hard bumps.
Once I brought the torque up to gorilla tight, the stem seems to work fine. I can't say I really can tell any difference between this stem and the others I've used (Bontrager, Deda, etc.). It works, my riding position is better, so I'm happy.
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reviewed by:
rep...@gm...l.comReplaced my Felt stem and wanted to match my Thompson seat post. Excellent stem that is light and well made. I like the fact that it is reversible and can have a negative reach or a positive reach. Cannot go wrong with this well made aluminum stem.
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reviewed by:
fix...@gm...l.comVery nice attention to detail without unnecessary flashiness.
Also, I have read that the two-bolt face plate is safer for carbon bars as the 4-bolt patterns can cause a pinch point while the two-bolt patterns spread the pressure evenly.
I have also never had a problem with any kind of bolt failure with Thomson products, but have in other brands despite religious use of torque wrenches.
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reviewed by:
hamfohGreat looking, high quality. nice that the logos go both ways so the flip/flop doesn't hinder the aesthetics
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reviewed by:
loubertThere are SO many stems out there, but only one Thomson. I really hated to introduce threadless to my vintage roadie re-work project, but the quill bar options are very limited these days, as are quill stems. Thomson makes pinnacle products - in the USA - for what Asian mediocrity & European flash costs.
Only caveat: This stem makes most any seat post look slummy - except the Thomson - so you'll be burning more cash than you planned.
On the other hand, the Thompson post upstages most stems, so it's a catch 22.