The Strata Duo has a bit more going on than the average stem. Its two-piece design is constructed from 6082 T6 alloy and weighs just 137g.
The machining is extensive as you’d expect but the feel remains stiff.Thanks to that design, fitting bars takes a bit longer but once they’re in, they’re not going anywhere. The clamping strength really is as strong as they come.
It’s only available in a 50mm reach with a 10-degree rise which may deter some but for the new breed of long top-tubed all-mountain machinery we reckon those dimensions are bang on. A 70mm version is in the pipeline too though.
Our Duo stem did creak slightly to begin with, but we soon remedied that by putting a drop of grease on the threads of the bolts.
Renthal have hit the ground running with their cycle products and the Duo stem is no exception. It mightn’t be the cheapest but it is up there with the best.