Ritchey's original C220 stem earned a following by wrapping the clamp a full 220° over the handlebar instead of the traditional 180, and the WCS Toyon carries that clamping geometry forward with a squared, modernized body. The result is increased stiffness and a more responsive front end without abandoning the interface that made the C220 easy to live with. If you've ever wrestled a set of carbon bars through a narrow four-bolt faceplate, you already know why this design matters.

The clamp geometry does two useful things at once. Bolt forces align with the clamp so the stem body embraces the handlebar — a design which is less prone to damaging lightweight bars and allows for a lighter faceplate and stem body with no sacrifice in strength or stiffness . And unlike the C260 with its trickier threading routine, the bar can be installed like usual and the 220-degree clamping area actually holds the bar in place for easier install . Front-loading M5 stainless bolts torque to 5nm and are accessible even with an out-front computer mount in place.

Construction is forged 2014 aluminum for further weight reduction with premium quality stainless steel black bolts throughout . The stem is reversible for -6° / + 6° (FlipFlop) rise, runs a 1-1/8" steerer clamp with a 42mm stack, and takes 31.8mm bars. Ritchey includes a matching top cap.... Read More