The idea
The Allgäu-based parts manufacturer Vecnum is launching its latest family member, the freeQENCE suspension stem. This is intended to set new standards in terms of comfort and handling and thus ensure a significant increase in riding enjoyment and safety in demanding riding situations. Elastomer elements with 30 millimetres of suspension travel are designed to effectively and significantly reduce vibrations and shocks.
The development focussed on minimum weight, maximum durability, low maintenance, a functional and load-bearing design - and of course aesthetics, because sporty cyclists in particular are considered to be demanding in this respect.
The Allgäu-based company is more than satisfied with the result: The matt black anodised eye-catcher with lasered lettering weighs 287 grams at 90 millimetres in length, which is about twice as much as a standard stem.
What sounds like a lot at first is put into perspective for those who want some comfort and safety on their rigid bike and have previously fancied a suspension fork. Models with a similarly short suspension travel may have air suspension, but they add significantly more weight to the bike and are also more expensive.
The realisation
The fundamental design principle of the freeQENCE stem is the parallelogram. The multi-link stem has the advantage over single-link/single-pivot stems that the handlebars do not tilt during compression.
In addition, the spring characteristic is not influenced by the lever length, for example by the grip position on racing handlebars. In addition, the parallelogram allows for an internal spring linkage: the spring is protected from dirt inside.
The stem is infinitely adjustable from the outside to the rider's weight and the intended use. A weight range of 50 to 120 kilograms can be adjusted using the 3 mm Allen screw on the right-hand side. Vecnum provides recommendations for the initial setup in the manual.
For suspension and damping, Vecnum relies on lightweight and low-maintenance high-performance elastomers. The maximum available stroke of 30 millimetres is divided into 20 millimetres of positive and 10 millimetres of negative suspension travel - similar to a suspension fork.
The spring characteristic of the freeQENCE is homogeneous and linear, but with strong progression at both end stops. This is intended to ensure that the sprung stem performs its service completely silently, even in rougher terrain.
Incidentally, the freeQENCE stem comes without a lockout - a very conscious decision. The initial concern that the stem could have disadvantages (energy loss, bobbing) during sporty riding such as sprinting and pedalling proved to be unfounded. After numerous series of measurements and test rides by the manufacturer, the lockout was removed from the feature list.
Retrofitting the Vecnum freeQENCE is said to be extremely simple: It is fitted in the same way as a standard stem and is said to be completed in just a few minutes. Thanks to the Open Face 4 screw clamp, nothing needs to be removed from the handlebars.
The suspension stem is compatible with all 1-⅛-inch forks with a minimum free stem length of 42 millimetres. The clamp is suitable for all handlebars with a diameter of 31.8 millimetres.
Vecnum relies on simple and robust technology that promises a long service life and uses maintenance-free special elastomers, maintenance-free plain bearings and titanium axles. At the end of their service life, they can simply be replaced. All parts are developed, manufactured and tested under one roof at Vecnum in the Allgäu region.
The result
With the freeQENCE stem, Vecnum promises a new riding behaviour and riding experience in practice. The bike can be ridden more comfortably, faster and safer without any disadvantages in handling, and demanding riding situations can be mastered more easily. Fatigue is significantly reduced and riders who complain of tingling and numb hands will be pleased with the shock absorption on their wrists and arms.
Features Vecnum freeQENCE (manufacturer's specifications):
- 30 millimetre spring travel with damping and sag
- Elastomer element absorbs vibrations and shocks
- Parallelogram construction
- Top performance in all grip positions
- Linear spring characteristic with strong end progression
- Externally infinitely adjustable to rider weights from 50 to 120 kilograms
- Weight: 287 grams (at 90 millimetres in length)
- Available in 3 lengths: 90, 105, 120 millimetres
- Made in Germany
The stem is now available from 299 Euro available in the Vecnum online shop: www.vecnum.com
Lukas Niebuhr
Working student
