3T Integra Team stem

3T's Integra Team stem tidily incorporates a spot for your Garmin GPS, but that integration comes at a price.

The majority of us like to know how far and how fast we've ridden and if you're using a dedicated GPS computer chances are it's going to be a Garmin. While companies like K-Edge and the like have been knocking out brackets to put your screen in the best position no-one other than 3T have really taken a step back and looked at probably the best place for it – integrated with the stem.

There are two options, the carbon Integra LTD or the 3T Integra Team that we're testing here. Straight away though there is one small snag: if you ride any length stem other than 110mm you're out of luck as it's the only size available at the moment.

Right then, stats – the main body is alloy and is designed for 1 1/8in steerers and 31.8mm bars. A minus 10° angle means it's one for the racers. The weight comes in at 275g on the road.cc scales of truth and it'll cost you one hundred and sixty quid. Yep, £159.99 – pretty mental for a stem, especially an alloy one. It's future proof though, with not only the Garmin mount but also an integrated cable guide and battery level mount for Di2 groupsets on the underside; no more seeing those cable tied to the stem then.

The first thing you notice is it's a chunky bit of kit. To work once your Garmin is attached and allow the lines to flow it grows in width from the steerer clamp to the bars, so you're going to need a chunky carbon or alloy frame to carry it off. I tried it on my skinny steel frame and it just didn't look right at all.

Removing the plastic top cap reveals a neat pivoting clamp system for the bar, making the Integra Team one of the easiest stems in which to install a bar as everything can be set in position before you even add the bolts. The integrated top cap clips in and is held in place with a single bolt; it needs no more as its purely cosmetic.

The Garmin mount itself is held in place with three Torx screws, so it can be replaced should it wear or break. The fit for your Garmin is tight and very secure as it snaps into position, with no rattling or movement. It sits bang on in the perfect position for you to read the screen while riding. In a group it's easy to keep one on the screen and the other of the wheel you're sucking.

In terms of stiffness the Integra Team is very good. There is no detectable flex whatsoever which considering the amount of material it's carrying is largely expected. It also has a much more aerodynamic profile than a standard stem with additional GPS mount and if you want a smooth uncluttered cockpit its definitely the way forward.

Overall the Integra Team is top notch when it comes to performance and installation plus in my eyes it looks fantastic, maintaining the lines from your Garmin right through the bike. If you're a weight weenie though, a lighter cheaper stem will be easy to come by. With a bit of shopping around though you can already get the 3T for £127.99, plus take away the price of say a K-Edge Garmin bracket at forty quid and all of a sudden the Integra doesn't look too bad value especially for the uncluttered look it gives.

Verdict

Great performance and aesthetics to match but at a price in both weight wise and money.