RockShox Sets Standard for Direct Mount Stems

SRAM is proud to announce a RockShox standard for direct mounting stems to Boxxer upper crowns.This new standard allows stems to be directly mounted to the Boxxer’s upper crown via four threaded holes in the top of the crown. While integrated stems are not a new concept, the idea of establishing a bicycle-specific standard for stem manufacturers to follow is.

“We are really excited about the introduction of this RockShox standard,” states BlackBox and Boxxer Product Manager Jeremiah Boobar. “This will allow riders the benefit of weight reduction, greater control and, most importantly, that the bars will remain straight in relation to the wheel after a crash. It also gives all of our customers choices in the stems they can use on their Boxxer”.

Boobar notes that the stem-bolt standard was born out of BlackBox, SRAM’s race development program. For the past two seasons BlackBox athletes have benefited from the use of the BlackBox Integrated Stem System. At the same time, manufacturers expressed interest in producing their own stems to mount on the BlackBox crown. “After the first year we wanted to give manufacturers the ability to direct mount to our crowns. We chose to wait until we could also commit to producing this upper crown before making it available industry wide,” he stated.

While this new upper crown will not be available to the public until Model Year 2005 (September ‘04), SRAM and RockShox wants all stem and suspension manufacturers to have the ability to tool-up if they choose to.

“It is our goal for this standard to be adopted by the industry, but until another suspension manufacturer decides to come on board, it will remain a RockShox standard,” adds Boobar. Stem manufacturers already committed to this standard include S.I.C., Tioga, and Easton.

For diagrams and more specific information please refer to SRAM’s website, www.sram.com/tech_info/index.asp and follow through the links – ‘Manuals and More’ – ‘Manufacturers’ – ‘User Specifications and Standards.’

For additional information please contact Michael Zellmann:
PR & Media Manager
SRAM Corporation
Tel: 312 664 3546
Email: [email protected]

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