off-road.cc

A tough, short and solid stem from 9point8, the Stout is a respectable weight and feels reliable and tough when riding.

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Using 7075 aluminium with a claimed higher strength-to-weight ratio than 6061, the Stout uses clever machining to remove material where it’s not needed.

It weighs in at 98g for the 31.8 clamp in 30mm length. This is pretty light – over 30g lighter than the Spank Split 35 stem, for instance. It's zero rise, too.

The clamp uses two bands to hold the bars in place. The top bolts leave no gap, and the bottom two are clamped to the desired torque – its a simple and solid method. There is even a torque tool supplied in the box to ensure correct tension.

The edges of the clamps are angled to minimise wear on carbon bars, and it’s all very tidily machined inside and out. The whole stem has a high-end feel to it, with good anodising, very good finishing and a clear, minimalist logo. The bolts are steel, but titanium upgrades are available.

The Stout holds the bar firmly, and I had no issues with bar rotation. The short length and wide shape made for a good, solid, reassuring feel, with negligible twist over rough terrain. The over-180 degree clamp bands hold the bar in place effectively.

It's perfectly suited for harder riding, and its short length, good construction and sure feel make it a great choice – whether that's enduro or big days in the mountains.

Looks wise it’s no-nonsense, with a clean, refined shape and subtle graphics that make it a classy addition to a bike. If you want other colours, though, you need to look elsewhere.

The Stout is a very nicely made, subtle-looking stem with the quality, weight and thoughtful design it needs to stand out in a crowded market. My only gripe is the price at nearly £100 it's a little pricey, but balanced with the great manufacturing and function it's not ridiculous.

• intl.9point8.ca

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