Syntace Debuts Lightweight Stem for Super-Wide Handlebars - Interbike 2011

Syntace is about technically advanced component design and in-depth testing to ensure that its impressive carbon and aluminum lineup performs better than advertised. At Interbike, Syntace threw down for the lightweight gravity component competition with a non-restricted 50-millimeter two-clamp DH/AM stem that weighs only 122 grams. The stem is called Megaforce 2 and it looks wicked.

Syntace's 30-millimeter Megaforce 2 stem weighs only 107 grams, thanks to a lot of empty space, a rectangular profile and titanium hardware.

A diagram from Syntace illustrates the volume increase from round to rectangular in the Megaforce stem profile. Syntace says that this reduces lateral flex without robbing the bar's vertical compliance, which takes the edge off of sharp hits.

Megaforce 2 Stem for 31.8mm Handlebars
Designed for 31.8-millimeter handlebar interfaces and 1.125-inch steerer diameters, the aluminum alloy Megaforce 2 offers more torsional stiffness with its rectangular profile, without using up too much height on the steerer tube. Syntace says that, although its 70-millimeter Megaforce2 stem weighs only 129 grams, it can handle 800-millimeter-width handlebars and has no weight limits or use restrictions. Sound engineering, lots of testing and good manufacturing practice is how Syntace does it. Extensions and weights are as follows: 30mm/107g, 40mm/116g, 50mm/122g, 60mm/127g, 70mm/132g, 80mm/137g, 90mm/142g. Megaforce 2 stems only require 30-millimeters of steerer tube, and the rise is 6 degrees. Black only. Price: about $150 USD.

Four views of Syntace's Megaforce stem: (clockwise) In profile Megaforce 2 is about as narrow as a typical XC stem with a round profile. Syntace was the first to extend the stem-half of the handlebar clamp beyond the centerline so the strongest part of the clamp supported the most loads • A look into the gaping maw of Syntace's hollow rectangular stem extension. Syntace was also a first adopter on the double bar clamp design • Syntace's steerer cap fits flush in the stem to further reduce the height of the bike's front end. The clamps fit 31.8mm bar interfaces • When viewed up close, Syntace's shorty Megaforce 2 stems defy reality.

P6 Carbon Seat Post
Syntace engineered its P6 Carbon seat post to flex in phase (along the bike's centerline) and not to wave from side to side. This is done with the shaft's carbon layup architecture. The seat post head is aluminum alloy and it features some innovations as well. The top clamp is rather short to allow the seat to be shoved back on the rails about 6-millimeters farther than most, while the lower forged rails extend farther back to better support the rails. The end product is said to allow the use of lightweight titanium-railed saddles for downhill and all-mountain riders. Oh, and you get more fore/aft adjustment from the P6 design too. Diameters are available in 34.9mm, 31.6mm, 30.9mm, and 27.2mm and in 400mm lengths (480mm option for 34.9mm diameter shafts). Price: about $274 USD.

Three views of the P6 Carbon seat post showing the short top clamp which enhances fore-aft rail adjustment (top left) • the rear extended lower rails of the post's lower clamp • and the symmetrical clamp bolts that angle inwards at 40 degrees which make angular adjustments fuss free.

See the remainder of Syntace's well-engineered component lineup.

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