the IodIne 2 stem is new from CrankBrothers. Instead of a traditional pinch clamp, the Iodine stays forward-facing via a wedge design that clamps around the steerer. The bars mount courtesy of a four-bolt (all of which are Torx) faceplate, and the weight is 150g for our 65mm-long number.
We had misgivings about the wedge design, but were quickly proven wrong. Once torqued up it gripped everything in place and never emitted one creak even when put away wet. Likewise with the faceplate.
The highlight was the length – 65mm. Many rangily top-tubed trail machines can leave you feeling stretched with a 70mm, but under-gunned on climbs with a 50mm. The Iodine’s length puts you in a nice aggressive stance on descents with some added room when out of the saddle on steeper ups.
This article was originally published in Mountain Biking UK magazine.