Conclusion: An exciting idea for modern geometric designs
The Hope 20 mm stub stem really turns heads. But there’s more to it than just its striking appearance. With just 20 millimetres in length and 35 millimetres in height It brings the hands closer to the steering axis, positions the rider in a more upright and central position on the bike, and thereby alters the overall cockpit ergonomics.
Modern trail and enduro bikes in particular, with a long reach, large front centre and long chainstays, are likely to benefit from this approach. Based on my own experience with bikes that feature similar cockpit set-ups with plenty of stack and short stems, the concept seems sound. However, only a practical test will reveal whether Hope actually delivers the promised benefits on the trail.
– Max Fuchs, BIKE test editor
Key facts
- 20 mm stem length
- 35 mm height (stack)
- Available for 31.8 mm and 35 mm handlebars
- CNC-machined from 2014-T6 aluminium
- Production at the Hope plant in Barnoldswick (England)
- Handlebar clamps widened by 5 mm for greater stiffness
- Integrated stem cap
- Colours: black, silver, smoke, blue, red, purple and orange
- Developed with input from Downhill and Enduro World Cup riders
- Weight: 200 g (31.8 mm) or 206.5 g (35 mm)
- RRP: 144.50 euros
Why Hope opts for just 20 millimetres
Mountain bikes have evolved rapidly in recent years. Frames have become longer, head angles flatter and suspension systems more capable. The result: modern bikes ride faster, smoother and feel much safer than they did just a few years ago.
However, this development brings with it new challenges. With long front centres and generous reach values, the rider’s position is becoming increasingly front-heavy. On steep descents, this puts more strain on the arms and shoulders. At the same time, an unbalanced weight distribution often makes it harder to actively manoeuvre the bike. Long bikes in particular therefore feel even more sluggish than their geometry would suggest.
Hope’s approach: rather than shortening the frame at the expense of a smooth ride, the rider should be positioned closer to the centre of the bike. More stack and an extremely short stem are designed to achieve precisely that. The new 20 mm Gravity stem combines both measures in a single component.
What difference does the high stub stem actually make?
The key difference does not lie solely in the short stem length.
Hope combines 20 millimetres reach with 35 millimetres in height. This not only brings the hands closer to the rider, but also closer to the fork’s steering axis. Depending on the steering angle, this also reduces the effective reach: it is said to be up to three centimetres shorter than with a traditional cockpit without additional stack.
This brings the hands closer to the fork’s pivot point, whilst at the same time the rider sits in a more upright position and is centred between the front and rear wheels.
Hope claims that this results in a more neutral riding position, less strain on the arms and more precise steering. The theory behind it seems sound: if the hands are closer to the steering axis, the lever through which steering inputs are transmitted is shortened. At the same time, the rider has to support less weight with their arms.
Why a high stack height and long bikes go so well together
The concept is particularly interesting when combined with modern enduro geometries.
Many modern bikes are featuring ever-longer chainstays. The new Yeti LT is available in frame size XL, measuring an impressive 475 millimetres. By way of comparison: The Cannondale Bad Habit remains at just in XL 435 millimetres.
Long rear triangles improve ride smoothness and transfer more weight to the front wheel. At the same time, they make quick changes of direction, wheelies and bunny hops more difficult. This is exactly where more stack and a shorter stem work wonders.
A higher and shorter front end compensates for this weight distribution and ensures a better balance between the front and rear. The more central riding position allows for greater freedom of movement, and the higher stack increases the lever arm on the front wheel. Longer bikes are easier to control and can be brought onto the rear wheel more easily without compromising stability.
However, on bikes with short chainstays, such as Cannondale’s Bad Habit, the same approach can backfire. On these bikes, the weight distribution is already more heavily on the rear wheel. A higher and shorter front end would further reduce the pressure on the front wheel and impair handling.
Made in the UK
Hope developed the new Gravity stem in collaboration with World Cup downhill and enduro riders. It is manufactured entirely at the company’s own factory in Barnoldswick, England.
The front section is carved from a solid block 2014-T6 aluminium and is machined entirely using CNC. Compared with the familiar TR stems, the handlebar clamp is five millimetres wider, which is intended to provide additional stiffness.
The stem is available for 31.8- and 35-millimetre handlebars as well as in the classic Hope anodised colours: black, silver, smoke, blue, red, purple and orange.
Editorial commentary
At first glance, the Hope 20 mm Gravity stem looks like a niche product. In fact, it tackles one of the biggest challenges of modern mountain bike geometries: giving long, flat bikes balanced and straightforward handling, despite their smooth ride.
The technical concept behind the stem is impressive. It is in line with developments in modern trail and enduro bikes and is consistent with the experience we have already gained with similar cockpit designs. However, we haven’t yet had the chance to ride the Hope stem itself. Whether the theoretical advantages actually translate into greater control, less arm fatigue and more agile handling therefore remains to be seen in a practical test.
Max Fuchs
Editor