Easton EA70 Aluminium Stem

Easton's EA70 Stem creates a solid front end and keeps the weight down. The Top Lock technology is clever, making this a good stem at a decent price.

• Pros: Top Lock tech works well with carbon bars; sleek; lightweight
• Cons: Limited sizes

Easton has used a lot of the features of the higher end EA90 to design this cheaper EA70 stem. You also get a similar look to the carbon EC range, just without the price tag. In fact, I'd say that at £49.99 this is a good upgrade option if you've got a great frame with some pretty basic finishing kit.

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This is more evolution than revolution. George tested the older version back in 2016 and he liked it, citing considerable bang for your buck compared to rivals.

So yes, I know what you're thinking, another aluminium stem. And you're pretty much right. Swapping this in for my trusty Pro Vibe 7s stem resulted in the same front end stiffness that I really like and the same road feedback that I'm not so fond of. Performance of a stem is difficult to judge, but the lack of a jarring ride is a good sign.

The EA70 comes in zero or +/- 7-degree rise options, slightly shallower than the Vibe's 10 degrees that I'm used to. Available lengths are 70, 80, 90, 100, 110 and 120mm, with a 1 1/8in steerer and a 31.8mm clamp diameter. One thing that I'm puzzled by is the narrowing of options from the one that George tested. That came in more lengths and +/- 6 and +/- 17-degree rise options.

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The 100mm that we have here tips the road.cc scales at 148g. That's a bit heavier than the 136g Ritchey WCS C220 84D stem, but at £85 the Ritchey is quite a lot more expensive.

One thing to note about this Easton stem is the fit protocol. Top Lock is how Easton wants you to secure the faceplate. As the name suggests, you tighten the top two bolts fully first and then secure the bottom bolts. That's different from the usual 'X' locking pattern and it's meant to do all sorts of good things including increasing stiffness and better clamping pressure distribution on the bar. I couldn't test these claims, but it's presented no problems with the carbon bars that I've been using this with.

It's a decent price for an alloy stem, but you've got some choice for around £50. The Genetic STV stem that Stu tested is the same price, and just 120g for a 110mm length, while the Pro LT stem is a great budget option at just £34.99.

If you're looking for an upgrade over a basic stock stem at a decent price then I'd definitely suggest you consider the Easton EA70 stem. The only thing that would stop me from buying it at the moment is the lack of a -10-degree option for my preferred fit.

Verdict

Good performance and a decent price, if one of the available options suits