Control Tech’s 7075 T6 aluminium FX stem secures its trail ambitions, despite being light weight, by only being available as 45mm and 70mm versions. CNC work is extensive, hollowing out the 3D forged main body and slotting the steerer clamp to make the fork steerer visible.
The front plate is large and clamps down via four corner-positioned oversize M10 alloy bolts. With neat rounded heads, the bolts become part of the aesthetic of the stem, and their hollow nature means you can insert a 5mm Allen key right into them to adjust without risk of rounding them off.
The FX stood up to a decent pounding and a few crashes without undue worry or sign of fatigue. During descents the stem held lines well, though we could push a smidgen of flex when out of the saddle mashing on climbs. The rearward positioned, opposing steerer clamp bolts look obtrusive but proved to be knee-friendly on the trail.