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Point One Racing Split Second Stem
by spoiledgoods
Posted: Mar 9, 2009
Point One Racing is not an unknown name in the industry. Started by 2 racers' need for race worthy parts that are not only strong, but extremely light. Recently we got our hands on the Split Second stem from Point One, which has a very unique design, and some interesting characteristics.
Read on for more information on the Split Second...
Read on for more information on the Split Second...
Point One Racing is known for making parts that are light weight, but ridiculously stiff. Point One prides themselves on how responsive and reliable their parts are, even though they are trying their hardest for weight savings. CNC'd 100% in the USA, the Split Second stem weights in at a meager 137 grams for the 31.8mm clamping diameter, and 125g for the 25.4 clamping diameter.
Machined with zero degrees of rise and 50mm of reach the Split Second stem gets the rider directly out in front of the bike, making it responsive, but not to short. 50mm seems to be the comfort zone for stems these days. Machined out of aluminum using advanced manufacturing techniques Point One ensures, and can prove through testing, that its stiffness to weight ratio is superior to many options out there. Point One Claims the Split Second to have a stiffness ratio of 8.349 inch pounds per gram.
"The tests are to measure the stems torsional rigidity, or stiffness. So you could say that with 150lbs of force at the end of the handle bar, the stem only flexes 1/10th of an inch at the point of application. We conducted this test with a lot of different stems, then we compared how much each stem flexed to their weight. That’s where the 8.349 number comes from: the stiffness in in/lbs compared to the weight in grams, where stiffness is defined to be proportional to the slope of the graph of the force-deflection curve… " -Point One Racing
Point One's Split Second stem uses a 55mm handlebar clamping width, meaning its clamping width is slightly wider than others to displace the impacts more, and resist slipping. The Split Second also uses an integrated top cap design, something some riders may not approve of, however ensures even more weight savings, approximately 20 grams. The only downside to this system is the fact you are forced to cut your head tube in order to use the stem at a specific height, you cannot use spacers on top of the stem. The Split Second stem is $119 USD and features high quality fasteners and a clean black finish (also available in a limited edition finish-see site for details).
Check out the Point One Racing Split Second Direct Mount Stem here.
[PI=3102781 size=m align=c]www.PointOneRacing.com[/PI]
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Machined with zero degrees of rise and 50mm of reach the Split Second stem gets the rider directly out in front of the bike, making it responsive, but not to short. 50mm seems to be the comfort zone for stems these days. Machined out of aluminum using advanced manufacturing techniques Point One ensures, and can prove through testing, that its stiffness to weight ratio is superior to many options out there. Point One Claims the Split Second to have a stiffness ratio of 8.349 inch pounds per gram.
"The tests are to measure the stems torsional rigidity, or stiffness. So you could say that with 150lbs of force at the end of the handle bar, the stem only flexes 1/10th of an inch at the point of application. We conducted this test with a lot of different stems, then we compared how much each stem flexed to their weight. That’s where the 8.349 number comes from: the stiffness in in/lbs compared to the weight in grams, where stiffness is defined to be proportional to the slope of the graph of the force-deflection curve… " -Point One Racing
A Machined Masterpiece
Point One's Split Second stem uses a 55mm handlebar clamping width, meaning its clamping width is slightly wider than others to displace the impacts more, and resist slipping. The Split Second also uses an integrated top cap design, something some riders may not approve of, however ensures even more weight savings, approximately 20 grams. The only downside to this system is the fact you are forced to cut your head tube in order to use the stem at a specific height, you cannot use spacers on top of the stem. The Split Second stem is $119 USD and features high quality fasteners and a clean black finish (also available in a limited edition finish-see site for details).
Check out the Point One Racing Split Second Direct Mount Stem here.
[PI=3102781 size=m align=c]www.PointOneRacing.com[/PI]
55 Comments
- + 4
stingray0123
(Mar 20, 2009 at 0:14)
I don't get it. How does the integrated top cap save weight? Wouldn't it's cover piece be adding more?
If your steam weighs 170g must add for it top cap weighing 15g and bolt, but you have steam here weighing 137g and you add bolt only, simple
well...i personally dont like it...i like my bars as low as possible, and on my bike i have all my spacers on the top of my stem, making my stem/bar as low as possible...that means that if u have this stem and want your stem/bar as low as possible, u have to cut the steer tube of your fork just to fit with this stem...i wouldnt cut my steer tube just because of a few insignificant grams...
spending an extra 15 minutes training in the gym for one session will give you the same benefits that you can get from the weight reduction from this part. Still, none the less, a great innovation
My friend has this and it's the best feeling stem I've ever ridden.... I'm hopefully trading something for it soon =]
grinsekater: I keep a longer steerer tube for two main reasons - the first is so that I can adjust the HA and the second is so that I can adjust the height of the bars.
As for this stem that is being reviewed, I tend to agree with the later comments in that for that amount of $$$ you should get some level of bling (i.e. different colors, graphics, etc...). Not that I'm into bling on my bikes
As for this stem that is being reviewed, I tend to agree with the later comments in that for that amount of $$$ you should get some level of bling (i.e. different colors, graphics, etc...). Not that I'm into bling on my bikes
I think their is a massive level of bling here, and i can explain why.
Most people when they visually see a stem mounted on a bike look for those exact things you just stated. Colors, graphics, but really, they don't look at the construction. More money is invested into the design of a product, and its structural integrity then graphics, and the overall look. Those are just bi products.
To the blind eye its just a stem, but when mounted its a masterpiece. I haven't seen a steer tube mounted stem that you fit your finger right through behind the bar, ever.
To me that's pretty unique. And the fact that it's weight to strength ratio is so high along with its extremely low weight, i think its a work of art when it comes to 3D machining.
Bling is a statement or taste. One mans 22' wheels is another mans supercharged 440, and both are blinging in their eyes.
Most people when they visually see a stem mounted on a bike look for those exact things you just stated. Colors, graphics, but really, they don't look at the construction. More money is invested into the design of a product, and its structural integrity then graphics, and the overall look. Those are just bi products.
To the blind eye its just a stem, but when mounted its a masterpiece. I haven't seen a steer tube mounted stem that you fit your finger right through behind the bar, ever.
To me that's pretty unique. And the fact that it's weight to strength ratio is so high along with its extremely low weight, i think its a work of art when it comes to 3D machining.
Bling is a statement or taste. One mans 22' wheels is another mans supercharged 440, and both are blinging in their eyes.
I agree ... I'm not much into the bling in the *glitz* sense. If you look at my bikes in my almbum you'll see I'm not much into flash but more into function and application.
And I know what you mean with your reference to "the blind eye". The lower crown on my 888 to the average person looks *stock* and perhaps probably doesn't draw any real attention to it but to the knowledged eye they know otherwise. To go off topic slightly, I selected that lower crown not for looks but to address a need (at the time the 888 was on a different frame) and as it turned out it not only addressed that need but it also gave it a sort of *bling*
Anyway, I have nothing against these guys although I think it may be slightly overpriced for what it is/provides. If I were to get this stem, I might bling it out by using anodized bolts or something. But I'm not really into all that *flash* and *glitz* which is not to say it's wrong for others - it's just not my style.
And I know what you mean with your reference to "the blind eye". The lower crown on my 888 to the average person looks *stock* and perhaps probably doesn't draw any real attention to it but to the knowledged eye they know otherwise.
To go off topic slightly, I selected that lower crown not for looks but to address a need (at the time the 888 was on a different frame) and as it turned out it not only addressed that need but it also gave it a sort of *bling* Anyway, I have nothing against these guys although I think it may be slightly overpriced for what it is/provides. If I were to get this stem, I might bling it out by using anodized bolts or something.
But I'm not really into all that *flash* and *glitz* which is not to say it's wrong for others - it's just not my style.
"Bling is a statement or taste. One mans 22' wheels is another mans supercharged 440, and both are blinging in their eyes."
EXACLTY!!!! good post.
if you want a neato cool color to make you feel special then go ahead and get something else.
But if you like innovative engineering and the lightest stem on the market, then this stem is the blingest stem you can buy. I like parts that are unique, well designed and made to go fast, but others like pink crap on there bikes. Thomson is another good company no-flashy bling, just good solid engineering. to each their own i guess.
EXACLTY!!!! good post.
if you want a neato cool color to make you feel special then go ahead and get something else.
But if you like innovative engineering and the lightest stem on the market, then this stem is the blingest stem you can buy. I like parts that are unique, well designed and made to go fast, but others like pink crap on there bikes. Thomson is another good company no-flashy bling, just good solid engineering. to each their own i guess.
Spoiledgoods;
Not trying to start anything and I realize you haven't seen it before. But the whole two peice clamp and split design with space behind the bar can be found on a number of comfort bikes...just saying.
I really like the stem and look. But the whole integrated topcap design throws me off a bit. I wonder if you could drill it out, hmmm...
Not trying to start anything and I realize you haven't seen it before. But the whole two peice clamp and split design with space behind the bar can be found on a number of comfort bikes...just saying.
I really like the stem and look. But the whole integrated topcap design throws me off a bit. I wonder if you could drill it out, hmmm...
i have this stem, mounted up on some 745mm width sunline bars, and there is absolutely no flex. it's amazing. i'm never buying another stem again. jimmy amaral, the owner of point one racing, is a really cool guy to deal with, and one of the fastest guys on a bike i've ever seen. sure, it may turn some people away with the integrated top cap, but this is for racers. and racers only. it may not have the most bling graphics, but the design is more pimp than any stem i've ever seen. check the website. they have a direct mount that's even lighter too. it's insane.
(check my profile for pics of it mounted on my bike)
(check my profile for pics of it mounted on my bike)
To Rkuhn:
how are you changing the head angle by using spacers? in order to change the head angle you would need to add spacers between the fork crown and the head tube, otherwise the head angle remains static. i know theres crown races that incorporate a spacer, is this what you mean?
how are you changing the head angle by using spacers? in order to change the head angle you would need to add spacers between the fork crown and the head tube, otherwise the head angle remains static. i know theres crown races that incorporate a spacer, is this what you mean?
i think it's also easier to make a lighter, stronger stem if you don't drill out the top part for the cap and bolt.
Rkuhn: you dont know what you're talking about, you can't change your HA with spacers. the stem is an awesome idea for people who aren't idiots
To MRTee: The head tube angle at the frame does not change, that is correct. However, when I increase the length of the fork (not travel) by sliding it up or down will "pivot" the bike up or down thus changing the angle.
Perhaps instead of phrasing it as "head tube angle" I should have phrased it as "fork angle" or something along those lines?
Or is this something that is only relevant to road bikes? (ref: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/rinard/forklengths.htm")
Perhaps instead of phrasing it as "head tube angle" I should have phrased it as "fork angle" or something along those lines?
Or is this something that is only relevant to road bikes? (ref: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/rinard/forklengths.htm")
[Reply]
Credit Crunch!!
stems are all people can afford, soon we'll be sing them stacked three or four high on bikes steerer tubes for variable bar height mounting, you heard it here first!
stems are all people can afford, soon we'll be sing them stacked three or four high on bikes steerer tubes for variable bar height mounting, you heard it here first!
You have to realize that some people have their own opinion and can think for themselves, so they don't buy things based on trends or where the hype is.
I have one of these but I havent put it on a bike yet. Its frighteningly light and kinda sketches me out a little. :o
i have the direct mount stem and even though its a little light u can through a lot at it ive had mine for about 5-6 months. Ive eatin shit alot in 6 months and the stem isnt even touched.
GREAT STEM
GREAT STEM
Yeah i have both of the dm and standard stem and i love them! I have the nickel finish and its sooooo nice and its crazy light too its like jewerly.
yeah mine was 126g, i love that their wights are accurate and they don't try and lie like some other companies!!
the stem is light weight strong but i think if the steertube could pass through it would be PERFECT!
i like the i dear but i think it is mainly orentated at duel crown forks were you can adjust the head angel with the crowns sliders but then why not a integrated stem? i like the idear but i think it needs some more work before i would spend money on it
This is truely a great stem! I race with the family that made them, and I have one on my DH bike. I highly reccomend it!
[Reply]
i think it could be difficult be cause with this, you'd have to get the EXACT correct amount of spacing on your spacers
"...downside to this system is the fact you are forced to cut your head tube in order to use the stem at a specific height..."
There's no way I'm cutting my headtube for any stem
There's no way I'm cutting my headtube for any stem
me neither...screw this peice of art when I gotta cut my headtube. If I had to only cut my steer, maybe i'd think about it...aha
i think this is ugly though!
http://www.madsnail.net/images/bikebuild/33_salsa_casseroll_steeringtube4.JPG
it soo much cleaner with the topcap built in. and the stem has a tall stack height, so bacically is the same as running a straitline SSC with spacers on the top and bottom, this is just cleaner and lighter.
http://www.madsnail.net/images/bikebuild/33_salsa_casseroll_steeringtube4.JPG
it soo much cleaner with the topcap built in. and the stem has a tall stack height, so bacically is the same as running a straitline SSC with spacers on the top and bottom, this is just cleaner and lighter.
i think dis one is much better i found this picture in internet. ceck it out http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/2698235/
i found this picture in internet. ceck it out http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/2698235/
[Reply]
i wouldnt trust it. the integrated top cap is nice, but for my style of riding it would need a bigger/ more durable face plate. race face diablo is the shit!
[Reply]
Personally I like to run one spacer on top of the stem for the simple reason that that way I know that the stem is reacting it's loads over the the full contact area with the steerer tube.
So if your fork's steerer tube is too long and you need to add spacers, it is possible that you create a gap between the integrated top cap and the steerer tube and therefor the top bolt doesn't fully clamp the fork steerer.
So if your fork's steerer tube is too long and you need to add spacers, it is possible that you create a gap between the integrated top cap and the steerer tube and therefor the top bolt doesn't fully clamp the fork steerer.
It's not that hard to tell when the stem is preloading on the headset or not when it's over the steerer...
ridiculous. I was just at the Taipei International show and grabbed me a 31.8mm stem with 35 degrees of rise. It's a bit lower than my original 2 bolt 45 degree riser from a few years ago, but it's much stiffer.
It's maybe 10 -15 grams heavier and only marginally less stiff.
It cost me 6 bucks US. Retail it would probably be around 30.
Even the flimsiest grasp on physics will tell you that ubershort 0 degree rise stems are decreasing your control over the rear end of your bike.
This is especially true when you have a very slack head angle. (I ride a 68 degree and a 64 degree HA). Making an ultra-short stem without making a similar increase in stem rise is compromising the control over your bike.
One guy at the show told me that taller forks reduce the need for riser bars and steep stems. If you actually do the geometry on paper, you will see that the opposite is the case.
Everybody likes a shorter stem, because bringing the center of gravity back is crucial, but when you move forward, you need more force to unweight your back end. The difference can be dramatic although it's hard to compare if you don't have any options.
The current trend is for short 0deg rise stems and short bars, but this year saw quite a few people interested in 2-3 inch riser bars (hundreds of people took pictures of the 90mm rise 31.8 bar on the bike at our booth).
This may indicate a future shift in trends as people realize once again that only DH only riders really need 0 deg rise and short (40mm) riser bars.
This stem forces the user to cut the steer tube, so when the market shifts back to higher hand positions in about 2-3 years, that fork is going to be a throw-away.
I ride an $890 dollar manitou on my hardtail and a custom 2 step Totem on my susser. Not too inclined to throw those away in a couple years because I cut my steertube down to save 18 grams on a stem.
It's maybe 10 -15 grams heavier and only marginally less stiff.
It cost me 6 bucks US. Retail it would probably be around 30.
Even the flimsiest grasp on physics will tell you that ubershort 0 degree rise stems are decreasing your control over the rear end of your bike.
This is especially true when you have a very slack head angle. (I ride a 68 degree and a 64 degree HA). Making an ultra-short stem without making a similar increase in stem rise is compromising the control over your bike.
One guy at the show told me that taller forks reduce the need for riser bars and steep stems. If you actually do the geometry on paper, you will see that the opposite is the case.
Everybody likes a shorter stem, because bringing the center of gravity back is crucial, but when you move forward, you need more force to unweight your back end. The difference can be dramatic although it's hard to compare if you don't have any options.
The current trend is for short 0deg rise stems and short bars, but this year saw quite a few people interested in 2-3 inch riser bars (hundreds of people took pictures of the 90mm rise 31.8 bar on the bike at our booth).
This may indicate a future shift in trends as people realize once again that only DH only riders really need 0 deg rise and short (40mm) riser bars.
This stem forces the user to cut the steer tube, so when the market shifts back to higher hand positions in about 2-3 years, that fork is going to be a throw-away.
I ride an $890 dollar manitou on my hardtail and a custom 2 step Totem on my susser. Not too inclined to throw those away in a couple years because I cut my steertube down to save 18 grams on a stem.
lol
I chose to say something negative about the product displayed and give reasons as to why I would say so. I also gave clear reasons why this product is poorly suited to basically anyone who doesn't want to discover that they have ruined a perfectly good $1000 dollar range fork.
I base my opinions on my experience riding and a reasonable grasp of math and physics, so my thoughts often differ quite dramatically from those who design products simply for marketing reasons - be they looks or cost cutting.
Sorry for being clear.
I base my opinions on my experience riding and a reasonable grasp of math and physics, so my thoughts often differ quite dramatically from those who design products simply for marketing reasons - be they looks or cost cutting.
Sorry for being clear.
It's a nice stem, but I will ALWAYS run a Thomson X4 over every stem. Tried and true, never had a problem with them.
[Reply]
thats to much for that stem. it seems pointless to waste that much money on a stem when you can buy an even quality stem for less.
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