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PRO Koryak Stem review

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Liam Mercer's picture

Liam Mercer

Since beginning his mountain biking career while working as a resort photographer in Greece in 2014, Liam became a freelance contributor at off.road.cc in 2019. From there, he’s climbed the journalism job ladder from staff writer to deputy technical editor, now finding his place as technical editor.

Partial to the odd enduro race, heart rate-raising efforts on slim-tyred cross-country bikes, hell-for-leather e-MTB blasts or even casual gravel jaunts, there’s not a corner of off-road cycling where Liam fears to tread. With more than 40 bike reviews under his belt and hundreds more on MTB, e-MTB and gravel parts and accessories, Liam’s expertise continues to be cemented and respected by the industry.

Product reviews

The Koryak stem from PRO combines low weight with useful stiffness and thoughtful design. The 35mm version we tested is very low profile, but the narrow clamp means it might not be as rigid as some for wide bars and wild riding, and it’s only available in the 31.8mm clamp diameter.

The stem is made from 3D-forged 7075 aluminium, chosen for its strength and corrosion resistance, and machine-finished for a decent final weight – in this 35mm form – of 110 grams.

A significant plus point to the Koryak over some others is that it’s super easy to install thanks to a couple of neat features. Firstly, the faceplate is designed to contact the stem at the top which makes it easier to apply even load across the four bolts.

2020 PRO koryak stem single

Secondly, there are markers on the faceplate to line up with any markings on your handlebar. This takes all of the guesswork out of bar alignment. In aid of this, there’s a window at the front of the faceplate. For a perfectionist like myself, these are great features.

2020 PRO koryak stem top

Compared to other stems on the market, the Koryak is narrow. At first, I was a little nervous about bar flex and security, but it wasn't an issue at all, at least to me. If you have pinpoint bar-flex awareness you might pick up on it. The stem is plenty secure enough too.

2020 PRO koryak stem side

For a stem at this price, you’re getting a light, secure and reasonably stiff bit of kit that’s easy to install. I reckon it looks good too.

If the PRO Koryak sounds like the stem for you, it comes in 35, 40, 50 and 60mm lengths, though unfortunately only this one colour.

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