ITM Aries Carbon Stem 428018015
The premium level handlebar stem from ITM, the completely carbon fibre molded Aries is exceptionally stiff under torsion for optimum energy transfer in sprints and powerful off the seat climbing. The smoothly shaped front clamp uses a unique angular three-bolt design to transfer load away from the bolts and into the stem and clamp itself. This minimises deflection between the handlebar and stem, further resulting in increased stiffness from the front end of the bike.
Underneath the 3K carbon weave exterior, high modulus uni-directional carbon patterns are layered within the Aries stem at specific angles to achieve high torsional rigidity for steering stability. An EPS foam core in the shape of the stem is made which is used to wrap the carbon to before the assembly is then clamped into an aluminium mold. This is then placed in an autoclave under pressure and heat. An autoclave is a special oven that not only bakes the stem, but being pressurised, also forces excess resin out through the layers of carbon fibers. The final part, made of layers of highly compressed carbon fibre, is extremely light and strong. The EPS foam core allows better control of the wall thickness of the stem than bladder molding which creates seams on the inside surfaces. Once the autoclave process is completed the foam core is melted out, and a gloss coat clear paint is applied to finish the stem.
The front clamp of the stem is a design unique to the ITM Aries. Rather than join to the stem from the front, the clamp is secured on an angle from the top of the handlebar. This takes the bolts away from being in line with the torque applied by the rider to the handlebar, and puts the centres of the clamping surfaces in line with this load. Functionally the stem is stiffer, as the bolts are used primarily to apply pressure and hold the handlebar, rather than doing both this, and managing torsional load when the rider is pulling hard on the bars in a sprint. The stem clamp is made from forged aluminium with carbon reinforcing. The inside clamping surfaces of the stem itself, and the clamp, are both textured to help promote better clamping friction with the handlebar. The three concealed clamping bolts are 5mm diameter and require a 4mm allen key for fastening. The fork steerer tube clamp bolts are the same dimensions and use small aluminium nut inserts to thread into, which rather than being fixed into the carbon, sit against small circular molded seats for better long-term durability.
The ITM Aries stem is available in lengths from 90mm to 120mm in ten millimetre increments. The relatively standard negative 6 degree angle results in a slight 9-11 degree rise from horizontal when fitted on a road bike. The fork steerer clamp is dimensioned for standard 1 1/8” forks and the 40mm clamp height minimises the total fork steerer length to reduce weight.
Aries Carbon Stem Features:
- Weight: 167g (in 110mm length)
- Sizes: 90-100-110-120mm
- High Modulus Uni-Directional Carbon Fibre
- 3K Carbon outer weave
- EPS core construction
- Fork Steerer Clamp Diameter 28.6mm
- Handlebar Clamp Diameter 31.8mm
- Angle: -6 Degrees
- Steerer Clamp Height: 40mm
Please select 'StemLength' it is required.
Our Price $265.00
