ENVE launches a new range of mountain bike stems made of aluminium alloy

The US-based brand ENVE has reportedly launched a new range of mountain bike stems made of aluminium alloy. The stems are cold-forged, precision-machined, and purpose built, and also customised for pairing with the brand’s M series carbon handlebar offering.

The stems are available in 31.8mm and 35.0mm clamp diameters, with both clamp models offered with a zero degree rise in 35mm, 50mm, and 65mm lengths. ENVE has been slowly introducing aluminium products in its collection, including rim and disc brake compatible road hubs.

“To be successful as a carbon manufacturer, you must first have an intimate understanding of machining,” stated VP of engineering Scott Nielson. “Behind every successful carbon design, is an equally clever mould design that was machined typically from aluminium 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.”

ENVE’s new alloy stems are not produced in the brand’s own large in-house machining operation as the latter does not have the bandwidth given their machine shops are at full capacity. Besides, ENVE wanted to forge the billet before machining for stronger and more fatigue resistant stems. ENVE chose a manufacturing partner who had in-house forging capabilities.

“The introduction of the alloy mountain stem will allow more riders access to a complete ENVE cockpit and therefore ENVE performance,” stated VP of product Jake Pantone. “Our M Series carbon stems retain their position as the benchmark mountain bike stem, while the new alloy stems provide the same strength and reliability, but with a slight penalty to weight and ride quality.”

The ENVE alloy mountain stems are now available at a retail price of $125.