The XC-1 uses neat CNC machining to cut away excess fat from the bar and steerer clamps and further ream out the internals. The main body of the stem is squared off rather than purely round in cross section, adding torsional stiffness.
We didn’t detect any hesitation in the steering out on the trails or flex while hauling on the bars during climbs. The steerer clamp is planed off on the sides to reduce width, and while we had no incidents we felt the rear positioned steerer bolt lugs could be better rounded off to reduce the potential for knee injury.
Out front the stem flares gently to the 40mm-wide H-shaped face plate, whose internal bead blasting helps hold the bars securely. The edges of the bar clamp are chamfered to minimise damage to carbon bars, which is appreciated when swapping stems. The bolts sport rounded heads to minimise damage to fleshy parts.