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 By moving his hands closer to the steering axis, he achieves a more direct steering response and positions the rider in a more upright and central position on the bike.
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 – i.e. plenty of stack and short stems – the concept seems sound.
– Max Fuchs, BIKE test editor
Key facts
- 20 mm stem length
- 35 mm height (stacked)
- 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 has opted for just 20 millimetres
Enduro and trail bikes have evolved rapidly in recent years. The frames have become longer, the steering angles flatter and the suspension systems more capable. The result: modern bikes ride faster, smoother and feel significantly safer than they did just a few years ago.
However, this development also brings with it new challenges. Whilst reach and front centre have continued to increase, manufacturers have so far been rather cautious when it comes to stack values – that is, the height of the cockpit. On many bikes, the cockpit has not been raised nearly as much as would have been necessary to compensate for the additional length resulting from modern geometries. The result is that the rider’s position is shifting increasingly forwards.
If the rear end is also made longer, the weight distribution shifts further forwards and the rider’s position moves further and further away from the centre of the bike. As a result, too much weight is placed on the arms and shoulders, and the bikes feel even more cumbersome than they already are due to their long wheelbase.
Hope’s solution: rather than shortening the frame to improve smoothness, the rider should instead move back towards the centre of the bike. More stack height 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?
Hope combines 20 millimetres reach with 35 millimetres in height. This not only brings the hands closer to the rider, thereby reducing the effective reach, but also makes the riding position more upright and shifts the centre of gravity further towards the centre between the front and rear wheels. At the same time, the hands grip the handlebars closer to the steering axis, which enables more precise steering. This is because the closer the hands are to the steering axis, the shorter the lever through which steering inputs are transmitted.
Why a high stack height and long bikes go so well together
The concept is particularly intriguing when combined with modern enduro geometries.
Many modern bikes feature 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 and generous reach figures improve ride smoothness, but shift the centre of gravity further towards the front wheel. This makes sharp 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 counteracts 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 height increases the lever arm at 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 and a moderate reach – such as Cannondale’s Bad Habit – the same approach can backfire. On such 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 appears to be 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, reduced arm fatigue and more agile handling therefore remains to be seen in a practical test.
Max Fuchs
Editor