The TerraCycle GlideFlex takes Above Seat Steering stem performance and
quality to a new level. It's elegant, smooth operation truly puts it in a
class by itself. We often take calls from customers who
have one of the lesser stems out there and there is no doubt
in our mind that they don't posses the same quality or performance.
If you compare the details that make it all work you can really tell the difference.
Friction on the TerraCycle Glide Flex is silky smooth- no "break free,
then get moving" sticky feeling- just smooth, steady, predictable performance.
For example, walking your bike by the handlebars is no problem with a GlideFlex.
Needless to say, there's no lurching or squeaking and the friction stays where you
adjust it... all season long, year after year. If you're used to an ordinary stem,
we know, this sounds crazy. True, though!
The reason is that there's no other stem like it. Other folding stems bend a pair
of arms to squeeze on a central pivoting part and produce friction. A simple thing to
make, but it has a number of drawbacks, including poor friction control, uneven feel,
rapid wear, and, eventually, sloppiness. If you've ever felt a floppy, uneven folding
stem, you know what we mean- bending yoke designs take too many
shortcuts.
GlideFlex stems use an advanced "disk brake" parallel squeeze mechanism.
Nothing gets bent when you tighten it; instead, precisely machined disks
evenly squeeze special Delrin friction bushings. The pivot is a massive 5/8"
in diameter. Unlike all other folding stems, there's no metal to metal
contact in the hinge or friction system, so it's silent, has very little
wear, and is almost completely unaffected by weather. The all USA made
GlideFlex takes longer and costs more to make than the others, but it is
worth it for us to offer this performance component especially in such a key
area as your steering system. The TerraCycle GlideFlex is original
equipment for HP Velotechnik bikes as well as others.
Note that the stems on the newer Bacchetta bikes look suspiciously similar to a
GlideFlex, but are not- they've got a simple bent yoke folding mechanism. If
you'd like to upgrade your bike, a GlideFlex is the stem for a lifetime of
durability and performance. If you have a threaded fork on your
bike be sure and also order the Threaded to Threadless Adaptor which allows
you to install the GlideFlex atop your fork's steerer tube.
