Four-bolt faceplate stems solve a problem that two-bolt designs can't fully address—even clamping pressure across the handlebar's entire contact surface. The Ritchey Comp 4-Axis-44 Stem uses this four-bolt configuration to distribute clamping force symmetrically, which matters most when you're running carbon handlebars that don't tolerate stress concentrations well. The design also simplifies bar swaps and angle adjustments since you're working with smaller bolts that require less torque to achieve proper holding force.

The 44mm clamp width references the faceplate's contact area with your handlebar, giving you a reference point for compatibility with bars that have specific graphics or mounting zones. Ritchey machines the stem from 3D forged aluminum, a process that aligns the metal's grain structure along stress paths rather than cutting across them as CNC-from-billet methods do. This grain alignment improves fatigue resistance at a given weight, which is why forged stems remain the standard for components that see constant loading cycles.

Clamp diameter is 31.8mm—the current standard for road and gravel bars—and the steerer interface fits 1-1/8-inch threadless systems. Available lengths run from 70mm through 130mm in 10mm increments, covering everything from aggressive positioning to stretched-out endurance setups. The stem uses a standard quill-style pinch bolt arrangement for steerer clamping, with the four-bolt faceplate handling bar retention duties.... Read More