At around the 200g mark, Nukeproof’s idea of a do-it-all stem won’t grab cross-country racers’ attention, but creeps into the uphill acceptable category. Cold forged for optimum strength then CNC-machined internally and around the steerer clamp to pare off weight, the Warhead combines burly looks with neat design.
That's especially evident in the machined, recessed nuclear logo on the front of the faceplate. The scalloped steerer clamp is very knee-friendly, on a par with the Thomson X4 whose shape the Warhead mimics. Opposing steerer bolts help spread steerer loading and a 44mm-wide faceplate maximises bar hold.
On the trail, the Warhead felt stiff and trustworthy, with heavy-set looks that suit today’s big, square-tubed trail bikes. The core machining of the main body did leave a raised edge in our sample’s bar clamp. That’s easily smudged off with emery paper, but worth checking before clamping carbon bars.