Thomson x4 Stem Review for Cycling Enthusiasts
Specifications at a glance
| Product Dimensions | 11”x4”x3” |
| Weight | 174g |
| Model Number | SM-E135 BLK |
| Material | Aluminum 7000 series |
| Color | Black, silver |
| Clamp Diameter | 31.8mm |
| Length | 40, 45, 50, 60, 70,75,80,90, 95,100,110, 120, 130 mm |
| Angles | 0°, 10° |
| Steer Tub Diameter | 1.125” |
| Bar Diameter | 31.8mm |
| Warranty | 3 year |
- Editor Rating :
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4.8 out of 5 star -
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The Thomson Elite X4 Stem is an adjustable bike stem that differs from the previous models in terms of strength and weight. The X4 uses the traditional split clamp rather than the internal wedge clamp like the other Elite stems. The X4 is known for the precision steering that it offers and the responsive steering that it tracks. It's made from aluminum 7000 series. Thomson tests their stems with their aerospace parts which assure their great quality. Go through our entire Thomson X4 stem review to know about all the details about the product.
Whom is this product ideal for?
The bike lovers and enthusiasts adore this product. The downhill and the Enduro riders rely on these stems. The cyclocross and the cross country riders use them too for their lightweight. The rider gets the most precise steering, control and tracking with these stems. The traditional steer clamp makes your bike knee friendly. Although these are mainly designed for mountain bikes, people use them on their road bikes too. If you want strength, reliability, and stiffness for your mountain bike, these stems should be on top your list.
Key Features
1. Higher strength
The Thomson X4 Stem has a few more extra grams than the other mountain bike stems. This gives the stem to reach for higher torsional stiffness and strength.
2. More control
You'll get to understand the importance of stiffer 31.8mm bars and forks with the Thomson X4. It will give you the precise steering, control, and tracking while you ride on your mountain bike. The 31.8 mm bar is compatible with carbon bars.
3. Plated bolts
The bolts on the stem are given a custom heat treatment that creates plating over them to prevent corrosion. This makes the bolts and the stem to endure different environment and climates.
4. Traditional clamp
Thomson is known to produce heavy bike items. However, the X4 is lighter by 30g than the previous Elite 25.4. This is due to the use of traditional steerer clamp. X4 is a unique blend of weight and strength. This makes the downhill and the enduro riders to use them for riding.
5. Solid aluminum build
The stem is made out of only a piece of extruded aluminum 7000. Since it's tested with the aerospace parts of the company, it ensures a quality product. Many people use it for cyclocross riding and mountain biking.
Common Questions and Answers
- Question : Can I use the X4 with carbon handlebars? Answer :
- Question : Can a Thomson X4 be flipped? Answer :
- Question : Can I use the X4 on a road bike? Answer :
The X4 is a result of a highly engineered process. They work very well with carbon fabric material. Whether it's the carbon handlebars or the carbon steerer tubes, you'll get the optimum performance with the X4.
Yes. The X4 can be flipped like its predecessor. Flipping gives you different options for the rising. Also, the 10° model comes with a reversible logo. So, you don't have to worry about an upside-down logo when you flip.
Although the Thomson X4 is designed for mountain bikes, you can easily assemble them to a road bike without any further thinking.
Our Findings
We’ve bought the Thomson X4 Stems for our bikes and what we’ve found is described in the following section of this Thomson X4 stem review.
1. Performance
We have both mountain and road bikes, and we used the stems on the mountain bikes to get its full performance. We installed and adjusted the stem according to the instruction manual. After it’s adjusted, we went on to ride it.
The stems radically changed the feel of the bike. We felt the bikes to be way more stable after putting the stems on. The steering was so smooth and responsive that we've never felt anything like it. It might not be the lightest stem to go for, but you can definitely be sure that it's the best there is. The feel and the performance of the stem make the extra grams worth it.
The stem requires very low torque, but you have to fix the torque first. The stem performs without making any sound. The great looks and performance make it a flawless stem. We didn't mind the extra weight.
2. Ease of use
The stem is very easy to use. You can install it easily if you follow the instruction manual thoroughly. The stem will make your bicycle riding smooth, easy and adventurous. You can install the stems on every bike you own. Here, you can find the best mountain bikes and the best road bikes.
3. Price
The price is a little too much for a bicycle stem, but no other stem offers the same quality, precision, and control as the Thomson X4. It even surpasses the previous Thomson stems in all these terms. If you're willing to spend a little more to have an exquisite bicycling experience, go for the X4.
How to install and use the Thomson X4 Stem
1. How to assemble
- Remove any rough edge on the steerer tube or the Thomson Stem with a sandpaper
- Grease the bolt and stem threads
- Rub alcohol inside the stem, the clamps, and the steerer tube
- Tighten the headsets according to the torque specification of the manufacturer
- Tighten both the bolts with a torque wrench
- There should be a similar gap between the stem body and the handlebar clamp
2. What to do before riding
Make sure that the stem is properly assembled and tight. Take the front wheel between your knees and try to rotate the handlebars. If the bars don’t rotate, it’s alright to drive the cycle. If it’s not, you have to tighten the bolts.
Make sure the cable housing doesn’t get tied up. Turn the handlebar in a way that the grip and the frame touch. If you find the housing to bind, change the cables with longer ones.
Customers’ Feedbacks
The Thomson X4 Stem review on Amazon shows how satisfied the customers are with this product. It has a 4.7 rating there which speaks for the product. Most of the reviewers have claimed that this is the best bicycle stem they've ever used. The strength and weight ratio of the stem has fascinated everyone. They're happy with the torque, the precision, the smoothness, the control and the looks on the product. Some people have even installed the X4 in all of their bicycles.
You'd have to find a single negative review about the product with a microscope. However, there's a customer who has mentioned about the bolt size being too small, and another customer says that it's too heavy. But Thomson products are known for its exquisite material which might weigh a little more to offer the greatest cycling experience.
Our Final Thoughts
After giving an elaborate Thomson X4 Stem review, it’s time we gave our verdict on the product.
Thomson is widely popular for producing quality products, and the X4 stem is no exception. Its aluminum alloy build, split camp design and precise control have attracted customers all over the US. If you're willing to have the actual mountain cycling experience or road cycling for that matter, try the Thomson X4 stems. It doesn't only give your bicycle a precise control, but it also changes the overall look and performance of the bicycle.
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