2 bolt threadless stem?

[mass_biker]

Saw that Thomson is now offering a new “G2” (gravel?) threadless stem…an update of their X2 stem. I have been on the lookout for a 2 bolt threadless stem that would make break down/build up of my Ritchey Breakaway that much easier, but have had little luck finding one. Any other options out there other than this $150+ new offering from Thomson?

Thanks
MB

[Mark McM]

I've seen too many handlebars separate from the bike with 2 bolt stems to ever want to use a 2 bolt stem.

Unlike with single bolt stems (in which handlebar encircles the handlebar clamp and is pinched by the bolt) or 4 bolt stems, on a 2 bolt stem the handlebar will detach if one of the bolts breaks. I've seen multiple cases of this happening

[Likes2ridefar]

My 2 bolt Thomson slippped holding the bar, but it was not this new gravel version. I’m all for saving time and always looking for efficiency gains but two bolts on a stem isn’t one of them…a ratchet makes short work of this.

[d_douglas]

I rarely break bike parts, but the original X2 was one of them. I didnt get hurt, but man, it spooked me to hear a faceplate crack while riding.

In spite of me thinking these are beautiful looking stems, I would never ride a two-bolt Thomson again, redesign or not!

[slambers3]

Pro vibe stem with the puzzle faceplate is two bolt- I’ve used them a bit and never had issues with this design.

[donevwil]

The only 2 bolt faceplate threadless I've liked was the 3T Forgie (2x M5 faceplate and 1x M6 @ steerer). Granted the aesthetics are a bit dated, but they can be had for cheap.

[mass_biker]

Think I’ll see if I can snag one of those puzzle type stems

[Fat Cat]

I rode a Weyless two-bolt on a MTB for years and never had a problem. I also have Profile Design two-bolt quill stems on a couple road bikes that were fine.

[Old School]

I forgot about the puzzle stems. That's a genius recommendation.

[saab2000]

I have had Thomson stems in the past and I had bar slippage. And with the history of broken stems I would simply look elsewhere. This is a case where 4 is better than 2.

[tellyho]

I have a 2 bolt older Bontrager that works great and has been problem-free. I have seen a broken 2 bolt Thomson, though the break did not relate to the 2-bolts....

[benb]

Originally Posted by Mark McM

I've seen too many handlebars separate from the bike with 2 bolt stems to ever want to use a 2 bolt stem.

Unlike with single bolt stems (in which handlebar encircles the handlebar clamp and is pinched by the bolt) or 4 bolt stems, on a 2 bolt stem the handlebar will detach if one of the bolts breaks. I've seen multiple cases of this happening

On top of all this we have so many members on this forum who have had the face plate break on Thomson 2-bolt stems.

There is basically no forgiveness on this for me. It's just WAY too dangerous. I got so lucky mine broke on the trainer.

So it basically boils down to.

- 2 bolt stems are inherently more dangerous than 1 or 4
- Thomson has a history of failures
- There is no ultra compelling reason or benefit to using a Thomson stem anyway, they are not ultra light, ultra strong, etc.. in comparison to other companies

Who the heck cares if it is 5-10g heavier, make the thing not break.

I have had plenty of 2-bolt stems that were beefy and were fine but IIRC all my bikes and my wife's and son's all have 4-bolt stems now, they all came that way.

I also still can't believe after all that Thomson went with smaller/more fragile bolts on their 4-bolt stems than 99% of all other stem manufacturers. What was the point?

[Peter P.]

I've had a Ritchey Comp two-bolt faceplate stem on my mountain bike for decades without a problem. But Tom knows how to design stems...

[fredd]

Originally Posted by slambers3

Pro vibe stem with the puzzle faceplate is two bolt- I’ve used them a bit and never had issues with this design.

This is the correct answer

[hokoman]

Originally Posted by benb

I also still can't believe after all that Thomson went with smaller/more fragile bolts on their 4-bolt stems than 99% of all other stem manufacturers. What was the point?

Reduce the possibility of over tightening if you're not using a torque wrench? The smaller torx/allen wrenches flex as you tighten. That's my guess.

To the OP, I would consider getting a locking headset spacer and leaving the stem with your bars on your Breakaway.