Should I replace my E13 stem?
Discussion in 'Downhill & Freeride' started by klunky, Mar 14, 2013.
My e13 direct mount stem is pretty old now. Probably about 5/6 years old or so? Do these things have a shelf life or should I stop being a sissy and keep riding it.
Depends how much abuse it has seen. 5/6 years seems like a pretty reasonable amount of life to ask out of a component though. Get a new one if you are worried about it, $40-$80 isnt alot of money to keep you from smashing face first.
Kind of what I thought. I am only 68kgs and my riding level is fairly tame compared to some folks so I could probably keep running it. I think the E13 one is supposed to be pretty robust? I might change it for the hell of it - I found some burgtec ones cheapish so it might just be an excuse!
when was the last time you replaced your handlebars?
I've personally never seen a stem fail, but I've seen plenty of bars snap.
Brings up a good point ^ never seen either fail in person. But ive seen plenty of pictures of broken bars. Never a stem. How long is it? Direct mount or steerer mount?
E 13 was direct mount.
Pull it off of the fork and take off the bars. Inspect it for stress cracks. Can't recall if the E13 was painted or ano (guessing ano) but if ano, should be visible. None? Slap it back on.
Another vote for replace it. Good excuse for some new bike bling!