Berm Cycle has achieved synergy by pairing two of cycling’s most coveted wonder materials, carbon fibre and titanium, to create the RAD2 Stem. Although eye-wateringly expensive, the result is a lightweight, stiff and strong stem with looks to die for, which delivers an exceptional ride quality.
Berm Cycle RAD2 stem – Technical details
To find a stem made from both titanium and carbon fibre is unusual in a market often defined by single materials. But it makes sense. Sinagapore based brand Berm Cycle has used titanium for the faceplate for it’s fatigue resisting strength to weight ratio and compliant feel. Manufacturing the body from carbon fibre, again for its weight-saving and stiffness. Both materials are known for delivering a vibration-absorbing ride feel, so it seems like the perfect pairing.

Let’s not forget how stunning it looks. Who doesn’t like the look of titanium and carbon? With its clean round corners, the muted dull silver of the titanium is offset beautifully by the stealthy black of the carbon body. Berm Cycle has created a stem that’s as much a piece of functional art as it is a high-performance upgrade.
Designed for XC, trail, and enduro riding, the RAD 2 comes in only one size to accommodate 31.8 bars, with a 35mm length, 0-degree rise, a stack height of 34.5mm, and clamp width of 53mm. Berm has mentioned plans for a future 35mm version too. It may be on the short side for XC, but for aggressive trail riding and enduro bikes, the size works.

Weighing in at 138g with titanium bolts puts it in a similar weight bracket as some aluminium stems of the same size, but there’s also a two-piece clamp option which drops the overall weight to 129g.
Berm Cycle RAD2 stem – Performance
The RAD2 stem could be described as engineered elegance, as one thing is for sure: it’s one hell of a head turner. I paired it with a previously tested 780mm Berm Cycles Titanium Roam Riser bar as they are designed to work together, and well, it would be rude not to!

I’ve been testing the RAD2 stem for just over six months, with it arriving late December deep in muck season. The super dry conditions of this summer have provided fantastic conditions, so it’s been a great test bed for this stem as the trails are at their fastest and most challenging.
It only took one long ride that mixed in rocky descents, rooty chutes and long climbs to feel the benefits of this setup. The stem certainly delivers on deep levels of comfort, whether riding chattery singletrack or descending long fatigue-inducing rocky sections.

There’s no perceptible flex, but you know the titanium and carbon are doing their thing, especially paired with the titanium bar. Handling is direct and snappy without feeling harsh, and the whole setup culminates in a confidence-inspiring and very comfortable ride quality.
The RAD2 stem, especially when ridden with the Roam Ti bar, delivers a blend of precision, control, and comfort that both elevates the handling and look of your bike.
Berm Cycle RAD2 stem – Verdict
There is no denying the fact that the RAD2 stem is expensive, and it could be seen as an indulgence or, conversely, an ultimate upgrade. For the average rider, there are so many options with stems that it boils down to budget and personal preference, so the size and price of the RAD2 may not work for you.
Another high-end and desirable stem is the Renthal Apex35 V2 at £116.95. It’s another spendy model machined from aluminium that uses a two-piece clamp, but unlike the RAD2, is available in both 31.8 and 35mm and a range of lengths. It’s a real looker and also adds a certain amount of flair to your front end, especially when paired with Renthal bars.
The Pembree GCS Stem is a bling bit of kit. At £130, you get the choice of six anodised colours, 31.8 or 35mm clamp diameters, but only 35mm length like the RAD2 stem. At 174g, it’s certainly no flyweight, but it tested well and is a great way to customise your front end with a British-made product.
The list could go on and on, as there are so many options, and budgets, and sizes… but if you are after a worthy upgrade for your hard-earned cash, the Berm Cycles RAD2 stem is definitely worth a look as it manages to blend exquisite looks with top-tier performance.
Test Report
What does the manufacturer say about this product?:
Berm Cycle says: The Rad stem bodies are made from carbon fibre to provide a lightweight, strong, and super stiff quality. Titanium clamp plates are chosen for their high strength-to-weight ratio, vibration-damping connection and corrosion resistance. The advantages of combining the “best of both worlds” are enjoying the benefits of two different best materials at the same time without having to sacrifice one for the other. This exclusive design means getting all the desirable aspects from the high-grade performance materials, leading to a unique and balanced outcome. This improves handling, control, and rider comfort on rough terrain by reducing the overall weight of the cockpit and absorbing impacts. The stem wide clamp area enhances bar stability, and all the edges are softly rounded off for safe riding. Rad stem is the ultimate component upgrade like no other.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of this product:
Berm Cycle lists: 31.8mm handlebar clamp, Available in 35mm length, 0º rise, stack height 34.5mm, clamp width 53mm, Weight 138g includes Ti bolts, designed for XC. Trail and enduro riding. Recommended titanium bolt torque 5.5nm
Any further comments on quality?:
Stunning build quality
Any further comments on performance?:
Top-tier vibration-absorption and comfort levels
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested?:
Renthal Apex £116.95, Pembree GCS Stem £130
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend?
Yes, if they have the budget
Use this box to explain your overall score
One hell of an upgrade in terms of both performance and looks if you have the budget
About the tester
Age: Height: 170cmWeight: 67kg
I usually ride: Trail MTBMy best bike is: Santa Cruz Tallboy
I’ve been riding for: Over 20 yearsI ride: A few times a weekI would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: Mountain bike XC, Mountain bike Enduro




