Flex Stems - do they make any difference?

[weeman_mtb]

Having recently tried one around the Forest of Dean, I'd definately recommend a Girvin. Never going to be as effective as a decent suspension fork but they certainly take the edge off the bumps.

 

[marc two tone]

flexstem

i have always been a sceptic but fecently bought an early pro flex - elastomer rear, rigid fork and a flex stem.

in many respects i think it is a better option than a cheap sus fork. i really like it

hey lewis, if possible could you put up some sort of pic of your machine?
im hoping to go with that rigid/flexstem on a full sus bike myself. looking for inspiration.

cheers.

for general x-country i reckon flexstems aide comfort and may even reduce stress to frame/fork? above all i think they look the good and are retro.

 

[retrokona]

I always looked in wonder at them when I was first biking around, then 'just for fun' I got one for my Explosif and now I'm hooked!
Both of my post '93 Explosifs have them and they are great.

 

[lewis1641]

Re: flexstem

i have always been a sceptic but fecently bought an early pro flex - elastomer rear, rigid fork and a flex stem.

in many respects i think it is a better option than a cheap sus fork. i really like it

hey lewis, if possible could you put up some sort of pic of your machine?
im hoping to go with that rigid/flexstem on a full sus bike myself. looking for inspiration.

cheers.

for general x-country i reckon flexstems aide comfort and may even reduce stress to frame/fork? above all i think they look the good and are retro.

Can't post a link as i'm on my phone but if you click on the proflex link in my sig you'll see pics there.

 

[Xesh]

Flexstems are to suspension forks what suspension seatposts are to rear suspension. That is they take the edge off the bumps but are no substitute for the real thing.

I had a Flexstem bitd and found it made a difference to comfort. At first it was really good and then, after a few months, I started wondering whether it was worth the cost. I swapped the stem out for a conventional one to see. After one ride I went back to the Flexstem. They're very good for a bit of comfort if you don't want the weight, and complications, of a suspension fork. Just as long as you don't expect fork performance from them you'll be OK.

 

[gerryattrick]

Thanks very much for the replies folks. I know they're not a substitute for a suspension fork,but since I'm keeping the Marin rigid I thought they might take some of the punishment out of the wrists.

The large consensus seems to be that they do make some difference so I think I'll give them a try. Most people also opt for the Girvin, with a couple of mentions for Softride.

There's one on ebay at the moment which I might go for, unless any RB'er is already bidding.

 

[FluffyChicken]

With the price of them and the resale will be about the same price you get it for, it'll be worth a try to see if you like it.
Only think you need to remeber as with all suspension forks is to set it up for your weight and style. One elastomer does not fit all