Thomson Elite X4 Stems
Thomson is a name synonymous with quality. If you’re looking for a well machined bike part, Thomson won’t let you down. Located in Macon, GA ,Thomson has been involved in CNC & Aerospace Machining and assembly for over 30 years.
The Thomson Elite X4 Series stems are built strong while still maintaining a product that is lightweight. The goal that Thomson set for themselves with the X4 line was to create a lighter and stronger stem than their Elite 25.4 series stems which is no easy feat. Whether you have a 1.5″ or 1.125″ steerer, 31.8″ or 25.4″ bars, or if you’re a downhiller/freerider/all-mountain, you can run a Thomson stem with confidence.
Inside we take a look at two Thomson Elite X4 stems, the 1.5″ Elite X4 45mm stem and the 1.125″ Elite X4 50mm stem.
The two stems we’ve got outlined to show you are:
- Thomson Elite X4 1 1/8″ x 0° x 50mm x 31.8mm (available in black/silver)
- Thomson Elite X4 1.5″ x 0° x 45mm x 31.8mm (available in black only)
The Elite X4 series stems have a stack height of 40mm which sets the bars nice and low. The machining on these stems is absolutely gorgeous and are engineered to work well with carbon bars as well. The edges are smooth and all of the lines are smooth. The Thomson stems are built to last and they keep it simple with colors. You can pick only black or silver on most all of their parts.
The Thomson stems are machined out of 7000 Series Aluminum and the bolts are heat treated for added strength and have a corrosion prevention plating.
All of the torque ratings are cleanly etched into the stem and doesn’t detract from its beauty. Two small holes on each side are designed to ensure the threads are fully anodized. (click to enlarge)
Machined out to save weight while maintaining stiffness. (click to enlarge)
The X4 stems incorporate a new steerer clamp design that shaves 20 grams, featuring a knee-friendly clamp and no welds to break. (click to enlarge)
Four bolt face plates to distribute the load and maximize stiffness. (click to enlarge)
Clean edges all around. (click to enlarge)
Weight
Price
- Both of these fine stems have an MSRP of $89.98
For those looking for a nice 1.5″ stem or if you’re just looking for a stem that is clean, lightweight, and machined well, you can’t pass up the Thomson stem as a viable option. Thomson stands by their products, and should you ever have an issue, they’re always right there to help. Look to see these stems on some more upcoming builds.
Be sure to check the gallery link below for more pictures. You can purchase these stems at any good bike shop. Hit up Chad @ RedBarnBikes for a great deal on one of these fine stems.
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It’s a shame really that Thomson doesn’t make other part’s, like kick-ass crankset’s, pedals and perhaps even disc brake’s. I bet they can give Hope some serious competition.
Yep, they make some nice parts for sure.
Seatpost clamps in the spring time hopefully.
There was talks of an integrated boxxer stem but i’m not sure where that is at right now.
Would like to see a Thompson Handlebar with the same reputation and lack of compromises as their stems.
CNC’d brake levers, pedals and other goodies would be well welcomed as well I think.
It seems like crank arms would be right up their alley also. I’m not sure how experienced they are with bearings though.
If they ever decided to branch out into the aforementioned components, we probably wouldn’t see production models for some time. Thomson doesn’t make compromises, and they’d likely put in A LOT of R&D before putting anything on the market, especially since they have no prior experience making those parts.
Thomson definitely puts in work in the R&D. They’ve broken a lot of parts to test their products to make them what they are today.
Can only agree with what my forespeakers said, totally kick ass machinery! Handlebars would be my favorit addition to their range of products! I really don’t see them making parts which have bearings, brakes seem even more odd! Seatclamp sounds like a nice thing, i really hope they contitue and widen their engagement in the mountainbiking industry!
Odd maybe, but IMHO they could become a way better company if they made more bike product’s, not “only” stem’s and seatpost’s. Seatpost clamp is another “small” item, I want to see some bigger thing’s.
Heck, if they want to they can turn out some pretty damn nice hub’s too.
It would be nice to see other products, stems and posts are easy and cheap to make. Other products hubs, brakes etc have allot more logistics involved and tend to be problematic cost ALLOT more to manufacture and maintain
How can the Sunline stem be that much lighter than that?
The Sunline stem is machined a lot more and is aimed at the more 4x/all mountain market.