Stem stiffness matters more than most riders realize—every watt you put into the handlebar that flexes the stem instead of driving the front wheel forward is energy you're not getting back. The Zipp SL Sprint Stem addresses this with a forged aluminum construction that prioritizes rigidity over weight savings. The result is a stem that transmits power directly to the steerer tube without the deflection you'd find in stems designed primarily to hit a number on the scale.

The forging process creates a denser, more uniform grain structure than CNC machining from extruded stock. Zipp applies this technique to achieve the stiffness profile sprinters and powerful riders demand when they're out of the saddle hammering on the bars. The four-bolt faceplate distributes clamping force evenly across the handlebar, and the interface geometry works with both round and aero bar profiles without stress concentrations that could compromise the bar over time.

Zipp offers the SL Sprint in lengths from 70mm to 130mm in 10mm increments, plus a 140mm option for riders who need additional reach. All lengths maintain the same 6-degree rise, which translates to a slight upward angle when installed in the standard orientation or a 6-degree drop when flipped. The 1-1/8" steerer clamp fits standard threadless road and gravel forks, and the 31.8mm bar clamp accommodates the oversized diameter that's become universal on performance handlebars.... Read More