November 19, 2020 – Ogden, Utah, USA – ENVE is pleased to introduce a new range of cold-forged, precision-machined, purpose-built aluminum mountain bike stems that maintain ENVE’s design principles and are optimized for pairing with ENVE’s M Series carbon handlebar offering. The ENVE Alloy Mountain Stem is available in both 31.8mm and 35.0mm clamp diameters, with both clamp models offered with a zero degree rise in 35mm, 50mm, and 65mm lengths.
While ENVE is best known for their innovative carbon rim and wheelset designs, the US-based brand has been strategically introducing aluminum products into their lineup, the most notable of late being ENVE’s rim and disc brake compatible road hubs.
“To be successful as a carbon manufacturer, you must first have an intimate understanding of machining. Behind every successful carbon design, is an equally clever mold design that was machined typically from aluminum or steel. In short, we’ve been machining metals at ENVE from the beginning. If you ever have the opportunity to tour ENVE, you’ll see that a good percentage of our manufacturing facility is dedicated to our machine shop. Our machining expertise has played a crucial role in ENVE’s success from the beginning,” stated VP of Engineering, Scott Nielson.
While ENVE does have a large in-house machining operation, they are quick to point out that the new alloy stems are not produced in Ogden, Utah, where the company’s facilities are located. “While we certainly have the capability to machine this product in-house, we do not have the bandwidth given our machine shops are at full capacity. In addition, we wanted to forge the billet before machining which allows for a stronger, more fatigue resistant stem. Given that we can’t forge locally, we have chosen a manufacturing partner who has forging capabilities in-house,” explained Scott Nielson.
The new ENVE Alloy Mountain Stems are a premium-grade product designed to be paired with carbon handlebars, and more specifically ENVE M Series carbon handlebars. The new stems feature a “no gap” faceplate design as well as smooth beveled surfaces everywhere the handlebar interfaces in the bar clamp – this is to reduce the likelihood of sensitive carbon laminates being damaged or crushed during installation.
“The introduction of the alloy mountain stem will allow more riders access to a complete ENVE cockpit and therefore ENVE performance. Our M Series carbon stem retains its position as the benchmark mountain bike stem, while the new alloy stem provides the same strength and reliability, at a slight weight and ride quality penalty,” stated VP of Product, Jake Pantone.
Other features include blind steerer-clamp bolt holes, and smooth contours on the back of the stem to protect shorts and knees from snagging on exposed threads or sharp machined edges. All stem hardware is stainless-steel for hard-wearing, reliable, corrosion-free performance. The ENVE Alloy Mountain Stem is now available at a retail price of US $125, CAD $175, AUD $199, £135, and €145 respectively.
