Gusset's S2 stem is a good-looking, solidly constructed, short-reach stem aimed at enduro and gravity riders. It's well-priced and performs brilliantly but is a few grams heavier than the lightest in class and the lack of colour options may be a deal breaker for some.
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Gusset S2 35mm stem - Technical details
The Gusset S2 35mm stem is designed to take hits without flinching while remaining a competitive weight. My 40mm test stem weighed in at (a not unreasonable) 166g on my scales. Gusset has optimised the S2 stem for precise handling and control utilising a chunky CNC 7075 aluminium build with a 35mm handlebar clamp that's 50mm wide for a firm and flex-free hold on the bars. The faceplate fits with a zero gap on the upper bolts to ease installation - you simply fasten the top two bolts completely, then the lower two until they reach the recommended torque spec, this ensures perfect fit tolerance and equal torque across the faceplate and bolts.
With its low 42mm stack height and zero-degree rise, it's the perfect candidate for modern long forked enduro sleds where the high front end combined with a lengthy front centre can sometimes lead to a wash-prone front wheel.
While The S2 stem is reassuringly beefy, Gusset has machined away any unnecessary material with some deep scalloping to the sides of the main body of the stem to shed any unwanted grams without sacrificing strength and torsional stiffness.
The S2 utilises good quality 4mm Allen bolts throughout making for easy faff-free installation and on-trail adjustments. Two opposing steerer clamp bolts ensure the clamping force is applied equally and are rated to 7Nm for a rock-solid hold on the steerer tube.
The faceplate itself is a fully enclosed design instead of some of the more minimalist open-fronted styles out there such as the twin bar arrangement found on Renthal's Apex model. This may add a little heft but makes for an incredibly solid and flex-free connection, especially when run with wide-span bars such as Gusset's matching 800mm S2 bar. Handily, it also allows the Gusset designers extra space to plonk an intricate laser-etched Gusset logo.
Nicely radiused edges skim off a few more grams, and more importantly, ensure there are no sharp edges to cause stress risers that could potentially lead to critical bar failure - this is especially important when running carbon bars.
Gusset only offers the S2 in three stubby lengths - either short 50mm, shorter 40mm (tested), or shortest 33mm - which is to be expected from a gravity-focused tiller, anything longer is generally reserved for XC bikes these days!
At present, Gusset only supplies the S2 stem in one colour - black and, while it would be nice to see them offer some colour options, the lovely deep gloss black anodising is super versatile and lends a timeless class to any cockpit.
Gusset S2 35mm stem - Performance
I must admit, I’m a sucker for a well-executed stubby stem, they just look so right when paired with a long reach and a nice set of wide bars. Short stems can also help mitigate the lazy steering response and dreaded steering 'flop' that can plague raked-out, long-forked bikes at lower speeds. I love how direct and immediate the handling becomes. Simply pair it with a nice long reach and your fave set of wide bars and let the good times roll!
With Gusset's S2, the installation was a cinch thanks to etched alignment marks and that zero-gap faceplate. The only minor niggle was due to the lack of a 'window' in the solid faceplate, it was trickier to centralise the bars by eye. Luckily both bars I ran with the S2 stem had a nice wide alignment grid so I could centre things using the sides of the bar clamp, but with some bars, it could be a minor issue.
Gusset has done a stellar job with aesthetics, the S2 is a pleasure to behold with clean crisp lines and a purposeful stout but stylish look that bestows confidence just by looking down at it! Thankfully, the performance more than matches the looks.
The S2 feels incredibly solid, with no hint of twist or flex even in the rowdiest and rootiest of terrain. Control in all conditions was spot on, and I could pilot my bike down some pretty gnarly rock-infested chutes with confidence thanks to the pinpoint accuracy on offer.
I tested the mid-length 40mm version paired with my Renthal Fatbar 35s and Gusset's very own matching S2 bar, which I've also been testing recently. In both cases, the S2 stem performed faultlessly, with no creaking, loosening bolts, or slipping bars. I have to say Gusset has smashed it with the S2, it's a reassuringly solid and accurate stem that manages to remain reasonably lightweight and is stylish enough to grace the cockpit of the most discerning trail shredder.
Gusset S2 35mm stem - Verdict
I think it's pretty obvious by now, I'm a big fan of Gusset's S2 stem. To be honest, apart from the lack of jazzy colour options for those rainbow warriors out there, there's very little not to like.
Compared to other stubby enduro-centric stems from rival brands such as the aforementioned Renthal Apex 35 that Liam rested recently, the Gusset S2 offers a notably stiffer feel through the bars meaning greater accuracy in the twisty bits. This is mainly down to Renthal's ultra-minimalist bar clamp design and super lightweight construction - weighing in at a paltry 125g, this is a significant weight saving over the chunky S2, but at a wallet-busting £117, the Apex is a super spendy proposition.
Another option in this sector is the Burgtec Enduro Mk3, it is also available in three stubby lengths (35mm, 42.5mm and 50mm) but a choice of nine anodised colour options for the matchy-matchy brigade. It's a few grams lighter than the S2 at 155g in the 42.5mm option but at £89.99 it's also more expensive. Finally, coming in at £70, PNW Components Range Gen 3 stem is a nicely finished bit of kit from the Canadian brand and includes a clever GoPro mount that slots into the window of the faceplate that can hold lights as well as cameras. The only drawbacks are it only comes in 40mm or 50mm lengths, so may not suit longer-reach bikes, and it's not the lightest at 163g.
While it might not be the lightest stem in this category, the Gusset S2 stem is still a competitive weight and offers a far better steering response than many lighter options thanks to its stout flex-free construction. It also doesn't hurt that it's a bit of a bargain, while still managing to look a million dollars.
If you're after a no-nonsense tough stem that is unfazed by the rowdiest of tracks the Gusset S2 is a solid choice at a great price.
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