Farr Headspace stem now available in 50mm
Get into a better Headspace with this minimalist enduro stem from Farr, featuring a classic look and wide clamp structure
Farr components have revealed a more compact version of its Headspace stem.
This is a shorter 50mm derivative of the brand’s 70mm wide clamp option, which was launched last year.
Targeted at enduro and trail riders, who wish to optimize the stability and steering agility of their contemporary frame geometry, this shorter sized Headspace should work a treat with wide handlebars.
The clamping bore is 35mm, which is on trend for most current ultra-wide handlebars. Farr will supply a shim set too, sold separately, for those riders who wish to use the Headspace 50mm stem on a traditional 31.8mm bore handlebar.
Geometry is flat, with a zero degree rise throughout its profile. The Farr Headspace 50mm stem is weight classified at 142g and there is no doubt that the lack of a full faceplate helps to trim overall mass by a few grams.
What is the appeal of a wide clamp stem? It distributes the load from handlebars better and supports excellent torsional stiffness, especially if you are sporting a wide handlebar in the range beyond 770mm.
There is also an ergonomic benefit, for those who wish to use the center of their handlebar to attach lights, race numbers or bike computers.
Farr’s Headspace has such generous clamp spacing that mounting, attaching or securing any of the abovementioned items to your handlebar, is a lot neater than with a conventional narrow clamp or full faceplate stem.
The Headspace 50mm stem is constructed from forged alloy with CNC machining. Farr is marketing its Headspace stem at $105.00.
Lance Branquinho is a Namibian-born journalist who graduated to mountain biking after injuries curtailed his trail running. He has a weakness for British steel hardtails, especially those which only run a single gear. As well as Bike Perfect, Lance has written for MBR.com, Off-Road.cc and Cycling News.