Do You Still Need a Suspension Stem?
The most efficient bikes are seldom born, as the saying goes - they are made. They are streamlined to perfection. True biking enthusiasts work hard at customizing their vehicles and removing or enhancing gear that proves itself cumbersome, in line with the tasks performed by each individual bike. Even bicycle makers exert an effort to stop manufacturing parts that are not often used anymore; the suspension stem is among such parts.
The suspension stem is considered by many experienced bikers to be extraneous. Most of the time, they say, a good frame is enough to assure comfort on the road or the trail. The main purpose of a stem is to absorb shock in the handlebar area. But some argue that it would not be necessary if you have already picked out a bike with a good suspension device in place.
And yet gear like the Allsop Softride and the Taiwan stems developed by J.D. Components persist in the market. Why is this? There must be some people who still need extra shock absorption.
In fact, a stem would be especially handy for changing terrains. If you are stuck with just one bike - one that happens to be easy to use in your regular route, but rather difficult for use in more challenging trails - you may wish to invest in a good stem. Bikers who need to go through extremely rocky or gravelly trails frequently may encounter some difficulty choosing a good bike model... one that comes with a suspension device that is sturdy enough to handle the frequency of use.
Rapid climate changes could also affect terrain, so in one season you may be able to effortlessly maneuver your bike through seemingly tricky trails, but in the next season you may not have such an easy time. Rougher terrain would cause extra strain on a biker's palms, which are constantly in friction with the handlebars. A suspension stem would definitely be able to lessen the load on a biker's hands.
You don't have to buy a separate bike to handle changes in terrain, if you have a good stem handy. Care and patience is always needed to streamline your precious bike, and you should not think of an add-on like a suspension stem as clunky and awkward, if it proves itself functional.
