Renthal Apex Stem

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Where To Buy
Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only).
International shipping available. Some exclusions apply.
Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only).
International shipping available. Some exclusions apply.
$140.45
Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only).
International shipping available. Some exclusions apply.
Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only).
International shipping available. Some exclusions apply.
$140.45

9 member reviews

Long-term review
Rating:
The Good
The stem held the bars well, there were no issues with losing bolts or any other issues.
So far I haven’t had a Stem that held on to the handlebar as well as the Apex 35 stem, I went for many months from the middle of the winter to the spring without ever needing to do anything. It outperformed the Race Face Atlas Stem.
It might be the smart clamp design, maybe the materials used helped too, The stem is made of 2014 & 7075 alloy. it’s not only the bar that’s held on securely, but also the stem to the steerer-tube, so I have had I haven’t had issue with play in the headset, because the stem holds on so securely, the bolts don’t loosen fast like most stems I have used in the past, for example Race Face Atlas, I have experienced play in the headset & handle bars slipping, due to bolts getting loose, but never with Renthal Apex.
I of course thread locker, I use Loctite 243, which I have used on all of the stems I used.
The only times I made it loosen was without Loctite or not cured with big temperature change. The rental stems have great design, which allows low weight, But I did not notice any difference in stiffness & ride feels, from the Race Face Atlas Stem, which is heavily overbuilt. The stem is well machined, very smooth, no rough surfaces, but the edges are not rounded off to the section between steerer and handlebar are quite pointy, but this does not matter much, unless you slam your hand there, which is unlikely.
The Bad
The bolts could have better tolerances. But keep in mind my vernier might not be very accurate. BUt this is not an issue if you are careful.
The bolts showed signs of wear after the first installation, the tolerances between the tool and the bolts are quite loose, the diameter measurements are between 4.15 up to 4.24mm The park tools measurements are 3.99mm, the after few times of tightening the headset, I managed to damage the bolts, the bots became more damaged after tightening headset. The caliper might have not been very accurate, but I know the tool is not as snug fitting as I think they should be. I later used Teng tools bits, which fit better than Park Tool, but still there is a lot of play.
It might be that the bolts I got are just a manufacturing fluke for this batch, but there is no way for me to know for sure, but if all bolts are like this, this is a disappointment and should be addressed ASAP, but the Hex key only slipped once, I haven’t had issue since then.
Overall Review:

A rider had issue with two stems cracking, he did enduro riding, but this did not happen to me.



Verdict:

I've used this stem in 2018-2019, I can recommend this stem, This stem seems likea great option if youwant lightweight, durable, stiffness, This is one of the lightest stems the market now, and it's robust, Apex35. I was so impressed with security of this stem I went for the 33mm version for the a new bike build.

I haven't noticed any difference in stiffness or performance between these two stems, but I haven't tested them on the same bike.


Apex 35, 33mm Photo Album

Apex 35, 50mm stem Photo Album

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Rental Apex stem (60mm)
Rating:
The Good
Looks great
Lightweight
Handlebar clamp really well designed
Well made, good bolts
The Bad
Steerer clamps too thin
Not cheap
Overall Review:

Usually I wouldn't have much to say about a stem as they usually should just work and you don't notice them. 

The Renthall Apex stem definitely gets noticed because it looks great, it has been well designed (mostly) and really well made. The bolts are quality too.

The handlebar clamps with the wrap around feature are great. It makes the handlebar easy to fit and torque correctly.

The steerer clamp is probably the weak point of the design. I think in the pursuit of lightness they took too much material out of the bands which sacrifices grip strength. I've seen a lot of people over tighten these probably due to this fact. I run mine a little over the torque setting to keep ensure the grip strength is there. I have had it shift on me but thankfully going uphill on a switchback. Apart from that no issues. 

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Post a reply to: Rental Apex stem (60mm)

It's a stem
Rating:
The Good
It's a stem, it works.
The Bad
Could be cheaper
Overall Review:


Not much to say. I does what it's supposed to do.

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One of the best looking stems
Rating:
The Good
The looks! Easy to mount, tough and elegant.
The Bad
Nothing, nada,
Overall Review:

It's one of the best stems, also best looking IMHO. Paired with a Renthal FatBar Carbon it's a perfect match. Had it for three years now on my Nomad, still kickin' and no signs of fatique. Recommended!

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does the job, but clamp desgn issue in case crash
Rating:
The Good
It does match with my nomad 4 tan color as well as my renthal handlebar. I had it on my both bike with this combo setup. I keep check the torque every 2-3 rides and work flawlessly by far.
The Bad
As mentioned the gap design on the top clamp make terrible scar if you happened hit on it, I have one of my friend had deep scratch because his knee happened to hit this top clamp gap. I hope new design eliminate this gap to reducing the risk during crash.
Overall Review:

Love it 10/10 IMO, does the job. Hopefully new design getting better. Thanks.

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Post a reply to: does the job, but clamp desgn issue in case crash

it sure is pretty
Rating:
The Good
lightweight and gorgeous
The Bad
a tad weak for my liking not to mention its pricey
Overall Review:

I bought this stem along with the carbon fatbar. what a pretty setup.  i unfortunately was in the process of figuring out my front end and was taking the stem on and off quite regularly.  i think due to that i weakened the steering clamp side and both clamps ended up breaking off.  this all happened while on a ride.  thank god i was climbing and not descending.  to put some people at ease,  i have to say that if you've got you're bike well set and you don't mess with things as much as i do, you will likely love this stem and have no issues.  id say its probably more of a trail stem but i see richie rude running one in the ews which shuts down any further opinions i may have on strength.  thats why i feel the failure i had was due to excessive loosening and tightening.  

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Renthal Apex 3.5 for a 35
Rating:
The Good
Minimalist design, light weight, just works, and looks good too.
The Bad
They're a little pricey.
Overall Review:

Another great stem from Renthal. I have two of the 35mm diameter versions. No issues with either. I like the minimalist kind of moto style design. I only wish they were a little less expensive.

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Post a reply to: Renthal Apex 3.5 for a 35

A good lightweight stem, but...
Rating:
The Good
Light weight, I like the split ~220deg clamp design, looks great when paired up to a Renthal gold ano bar
The Bad
I've broken two, and question what type of riding the stem is marketed towards
Overall Review:
A great lightweight stem that would be solid for 95% of riders, but I personally feel it's a stem for a trail bike and not up to the task of being ridden hard
I've only used the 40mm length x 31.6mm bar clamp so this problem may be specific to that variant, but I've managed to break two in 14 months doing what would colloquially described as "enduro" riding on very rough rocky terrain (New England and NC). Wasn't a catastrophic failure, but a stress crack developed on the top edge of the central bore, visible if you remove the bars.  Or, if it gets big enough and propagates out, you can see it with the bar installed.  First was covered under warranty, second happened just outside the warranty period, now it's a paperweight.  I'm 185lbs geared up and ride relatively smoothly too

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Specifications

Product
Renthal Apex Stem
Riding Type
Cross Country
Dirt Jump / Slopestyle
Enduro / All-Mountain
Trail
Material
CNC machined from a solid billet of 2014 aluminum with 7075 aluminum clamps
Clamp Diameter
31.8mm
35mm
Length
Apex: 31mm
Apex: 40mm
Apex: 50mm
Apex: 60mm
Apex: 70mm
Apex: 80mm
Apex: 90mm
Apex 35: 33mm
Apex 35: 40mm
Apex 35: 50mm
Apex 35: 60mm
Rise
+/- 6 degree - the stem body can be flipped to give either a plus or minus 6-degree rise
Steer Diameter
28.6mm (1-1/8 inch)
Colors
Anodized and laser marked black/alu-gold
Weight
From: 0 lb 3.7 oz (106 g)
To: 0 lb 5.6 oz (158 g)
Miscellaneous
3D Machining: Extensive 3D machining and external webbing increase the torsional stiffness of the stem, whilst keeping weight to a minimum.

240 Degree Clamps: The clamps are inserted over the small diameter section of the handlebar and slid into the center, giving a 240-degree wrap of the handlebar.

Oversize Center Bore: The unique handlebar clamping system opens up the front of the stem, allowing an oversize center bore, to increase stiffness and strength.

Zero Gap: The Apex 35 handlebar clamping system features a zero-gap at the underside of the handlebar. This gives support for the handlebar and ensures accurate bolt torque.

Clamp Width: 46mm
Stack Height: 40mm
Price
$109.95
More Info
What do you think?
Where To Buy
Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only).
International shipping available. Some exclusions apply.
Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only).
International shipping available. Some exclusions apply.
$140.45
Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only).
International shipping available. Some exclusions apply.
Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only).
International shipping available. Some exclusions apply.
$140.45
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