Stem length and angle determine how a bike fits more than most riders realize—a 10mm change in reach or a few degrees of rise can transform a cockpit from cramped to comfortable without touching anything else on the frame. The Ritchey WCS Toyon Stem addresses this reality with a design that prioritizes fit adjustability alongside the stiffness and weight targets expected from WCS-level components. Built from 3D-forged and CNC-machined aluminum, the Toyon uses a four-bolt faceplate that clamps bars securely while allowing quick swaps when you're dialing in position or switching between bikes.

The stem uses a 31.8mm bar clamp diameter, which has become the dominant standard for both road and gravel applications. A 1-1/8" steerer interface keeps it compatible with the vast majority of modern road and gravel forks, though riders running tapered steerers will still use this size at the stem since tapered designs maintain the 1-1/8" upper bearing dimension. The forging process creates a grain structure that resists fatigue better than stems machined from extruded bar stock, which matters for a component that absorbs road vibration constantly and occasionally handles impact loads from potholes or rough pavement.

Ritchey machines the stem after forging to achieve final dimensions and reduce weight where material isn't needed structurally. The result is a component that meets WCS weight targets without sacrificing the clamping security that keeps your bars from slipping during hard efforts or rough descents. If you're building up a new road or gravel bike and need a stem that won't compromise on quality, the Toyon delivers the fit precision and material quality that WCS components are known for.... Read More