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review
Stems
Zipp SL Sprint stem Zipp SL Sprint stem Zipp SL Sprint stem Zipp SL Sprint stem
2020 Zipp Sprint SL stem

Zipp SL Sprint stem

7
by Liam Cahill
Tue, Aug 11, 2020 15:45
1
£254.00

VERDICT:

7
10
Incredibly stiff and not too heavy, a very good – if expensive – option for racers
Stiff
Decent weight
Torx bolt heads have a loose fit with tools
Chunky fit on narrow bars can be an issue
Weight: 
173g
Contact: 
www.zyrofisher.co.uk
How we test

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The Zipp SL Sprint Stem is an excellent way to stiffen up the front end of your road bike without too much weight. The bulky design and high price might not suit everyone though.

If you're looking to make the front end of your bike rock solid then Zipp's SL Sprint stem is perfect for the job. When paired with an equally stiff bar, it provides an excellent platform for those handlebar-wrenching efforts.

> Find your nearest dealer here

The biggest feature of the SL Sprint stem is its stiffness. For bigger riders and racers, this is a great way of removing flex from the front end. Admittedly, I've not got the biggest arms that you've ever seen, but my sprint power (on a good day) is up around the 1,200 watt mark and I couldn't feel even a hint of flex.

2020 Zipp Sprint SL stem 2.jpg

There are far bigger riders than me who love the SL Sprint, including pro sprinters who would tape over the logos to avoid upsetting their component sponsor.

Zipp claims that the SL Sprint stem weighs just 1.8g per Nm of stiffness. This 110mm version that I have here weighs in at 173g. Considering the stiffness and the bulk of the thing, that's really respectable. In comparison, the Specialized S-Works Venge stem has a claimed weight of 207g for the 100mm option.

2020 Zipp Sprint SL stem 4.jpg

The SL Sprint stem uses a bulky design to create the stiffness, and that bulk can, on certain aero handlebars, create a space issue. Setting this up with my S-Works Aerofly II handlebar left only just enough room for a K-Edge Garmin mount, needed because you lose the faceplate Garmin mount found on the Venge stem. If you wanted to fit anything else on there, it'd be a struggle.

The SL Sprint stem uses a four-bolt bar clamp and two bolts for the steerer tube clamp. These are Torx 25 bolts and I'm not a huge fan. Even using high quality Silca Torx keys, I found the fit to be loose and as a result the bolts were more difficult to adjust than hex/Allen bolts.

2020 Zipp Sprint SL stem 3.jpg

The price means this is a stem that only those with deep pockets or a need for a solid front end are going to consider. David reviewed FSA's K-Force Light back in 2015, when it was the same weight and price as this Zipp, but it's now £224 and a claimed 193g for the 100mm option. Pro's Vibe Carbon stem is a similar price at £249.99 but it is lighter at 147g for the 120mm version. I'll be reviewing that next, so we'll see how it compares.

> Read more road.cc reviews of stems here

The stiffness is what you'd be buying the Zipp SL Sprint Stem for, and that's what makes it a great product. It isn't too heavy and the price is comparable to similar products on the market. If you want a hyper stiff front end, this is a great option.

Verdict

Incredibly stiff and not too heavy, a very good – but expensive – option for racers

road.cc test report

Make and model: Zipp SL Sprint stem

Size tested: 110mm

Tell us what the product is for and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Zipp says, 'The SL Sprint Stem is an ideal balance of stiffness and lightweight. The stem weighs in at just 1.8g per newton meter of stiffness using SRAM's Exogram technology. Designed with feedback from top pros to meet the unrelenting demands of Grand Tour sprinters. Zipp also tapped into expertise gained from its pioneering carbon stems and exhaustively researched the marketplace to create the SL Sprint Stem. The SL Sprint comes with its own stem cap that's designed to be aerodynamically efficient by blending into the stem body. Available in six sizes ranging from 90 to 140mm to meet any rider's fit needs.'

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

From Zipp:

STEM ANGLE/RISE 12 degrees

LENGTH (ST) 100mm, 110mm, 120mm, 130mm, 140mm, 90mm

CLAMP DIAM 31.8mm

STEERER CLAMP DIAMETER 1-1/8 in

COLOR/FINISH (ST) Matte with stealth decals, Matte with white decals

MATERIAL (SP/ST) Unidirectional Carbon

HARDWARE Steel

WEIGHT (G) 165

WEIGHT BASED ON SL SPRINT 100MM

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
9/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
10/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the product for weight (if applicable)
 
7/10
Rate the product for value:
 
5/10

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Amazingly stiff. It worked perfectly.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The stiffness is great. There is zero movement in the front end which is the primary claim of the stem.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Torx bolts. I find that they give a loose fit on tools.

How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?

It is comparable. Pro's new Vibe Carbon stem looks like an interesting match at £249.99. FSA's K-Force Light Stem is £224.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your overall score

It does what it says on the tin, providing plenty of stiffness at the front end. It isn't too heavy and, though pricey, it's on a par with rivals.

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 24  Height: 177cm  Weight: 62kg

I usually ride: Cannondale Supersix Di2  My best bike is:

I've been riding for: 5-10 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, cyclo cross, commuting, club rides, general fitness riding, I specialise in the Cafe Ride!

Zipp SL Sprint stem 2020
Zipp SL Sprint stem
Zipp 2020
Zipp

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1 comments

Avatar
lesterama | 4 years ago
0 likes

I have one of these in 140mm, with 3T Scattos. Nice and stiff for the track.

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