Race Face Aeffect 35 Stem

If you are looking to run that fancy 35mm bar, but don't want to drop a ton of dough on an expensive new stem, this is a great option. While it is not as fancy or refined as other stems (like the Race Face Atlas stem), it does its job well and without issue.

I am running the 50mm length and the stem has not had any issues with slipping either at the bar side or the steerer tube. Definitely a good thing considering that is what it is made for. The faceplate does not have alignment marks, but it does have a window on the front which keeps it relatively light and makes getting your bars aligned a pretty easy task. The finish of the stem is lightly textured and not anodized, but it has held up fine and does not look out of place on my bike.

As far as how it performs out on the trail... it's a stem, so as long as it holds my bars, doesn't twist when I am riding and does not flex like a wet noodle, it is a win. This stem ticks all of those boxes. I have yet to have any issues and it goes largely unnoticed on the bike. I am running a carbon bar and I have not had any issues with the bar cracking or getting scarred from the stem, and even without carbon grip I have not had the bar slip at the recommended torque.

I am under the opinion that stems are relatively simple and generally function well no matter the price. The cost comes when you have fancy graphics or machining to make the stem lighter and more aesthetically pleasing. If you are willing to sacrifice some grams and blingy looks for a stout and simple stem this is probably a good fit. My bike is a mix of high end parts and more value-oriented, durable parts, and this stem falls into the value category. If you are looking for a stem that won't break the bank, but will allow you to run a new fangled 35mm diameter bar, this is a great choice.