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FAQ`S / Glossar – RocStem Stems

Status: August 2025

FAQ

Compatibility

What is an Ahead stem?

An Ahead stem clamps the protruding steerer tube from the outside. Requirement: no external thread on the steerer tube.

Will your stem fit my bike? (handlebar & steerer dimensions)

Our stems fit 1⅛" (28.6 mm) steerer tubes. Handlebar clamp sizes: 31.8 mm or 35 mm. Please check both diameters.

Not compatible: fully integrated cable routing through the stem/head tube – please be sure to check our ICR cable routing.

Is the stem approved for e-bikes?

Yes, for pedelecs up to 25 km/h within the intended area of use. Not approved for S-pedelecs (45 km/h).

 

Operation & Features

How does FlatFit™ technology work?

When pivoting sideways, FlatFit™ keeps the handlebar flat. This allows the bike to fit, for example, into a camper van rear garage – tool-free.

Due to the angled fork, the handlebar rises when pivoted. Our geometry automatically compensates for this by 10° – depending on handlebar width, this reduces the height increase by up to approx. 7 cm – achieved with the patent-pending FlatFit™ technology.

What does the two-finger rule mean for the RocStem stem?

To ensure your stem is secure, the quick-release lever must be set with the correct preload.
We recommend the two-finger rule: the lever should just be possible to open with two fingers.

With only one finger it must not be possible → preload too low.

With more force than two fingers → preload set too high.

This ensures your stem clamps reliably while remaining tool-free and comfortable to operate.

What does LiftFix mean?

LiftFix secures the height easily and tool-free. The locking mechanism prevents unintentional adjustment of the height setting.

What is EC preparation (Equipment Clip)?

All stems are prepared to easily retrofit accessory mounts (adapters to follow).

What is the difference between a rotating and a pivoting stem?

Some manufacturers say “rotating,” we call it pivoting – technically it’s the same principle: the handlebar is moved sideways to save space.

What can I do if there are noises (creaking or cracking) from the stem?

Under unfavorable conditions, noises may occur at the joint components. In this case, a light spray of chain lubricant (bicycle/motorcycle) into the pivot joint helps restore quiet, smooth movement. Apply sparingly and avoid brake surfaces.

 

Materials & Manufacturing

What is the difference between EN AW-6061 and EN AW-7075?

6061: proven, robust lightweight alloy.
7075: high-strength aerospace-grade alloy for maximum stiffness at low weight. We use each material according to component requirements.

Why do I need assembly paste?

Our assembly paste increases friction between stem and steerer tube as well as between stem and handlebar. This ensures everything sits securely and stably without unwanted twisting. At the same time, it protects surfaces and makes later disassembly easier.

How do you manufacture (CNC)?

We manufacture on modern 5-axis CNC machines for precise fits.

What does Edgeless mean?

Edgeless means: no sharp edges at the handlebar clamp, but chamfers/radii – reducing stress concentration and protecting the handlebar.

 

Safety & Approvals

How safe is the pivot mechanism (SLS)?

SLS uses a safety latch in the quick-release lever and a dual fixation of the steerer clamp. This prevents unintentional opening and increases operational safety.

Which uses are your stems approved for – and which not?

Approved: road, gravel roads, forest paths, light off-road.

Not recommended:

– Jumps > 50 cm
– Downhill, bike parks, trick riding, demanding singletracks
– Large handlebar bags > 2 kg / heavy front racks.

Why no installation on carbon steerer tubes?

We exclude installation on carbon steerers because carbon is more sensitive to localized clamping loads. Our stems may generate higher or point loads that could damage the carbon steerer (e.g., due to height adjustment or extension length). For safety reasons, we recommend aluminum steerers only.

Does a stem need TÜV/CE/ISO/DIN?

There is no legal CE requirement for bicycle components and no TÜV testing as in the automotive sector. Our products undergo strict quality checks and are suitable for the stated area of use. We align with ISO 4210.

 

Ordering & Packaging / Reviews

What is the mandate reference for SEPA direct debit?

Account holder in lowercase and one word, e.g. maxmustermann.

How do you ensure the authenticity of reviews?

We review and label reviews transparently (e.g., order reference/verification). Details can be found in our review information.

Do you avoid plastic packaging?

We reduce plastic as much as possible; where necessary, we use recycled materials.

GLOSSARY

A

Ahead

An Ahead stem encloses and clamps the protruding steerer tube from the outside. The steerer tube must not have an external thread.

Aluminum EN AW-6061

A proven, high-strength aluminum alloy, primarily used in vehicle construction.

Aluminum EN AW-7075

A very high-strength aluminum alloy, used especially in vehicle construction as well as in aerospace. Ideal for highly stressed components.

Extension length

Distance from the center of the steerer tube to the center of the handlebar clamp.

B

Backsweep

The backward angle of the handlebar grips relative to the handlebar center axis. It influences handling, for example by promoting a relaxed elbow and hand position. Optimal range: 5° to 8°.

Reviews

Information on the authenticity and verification of our customer reviews.

C

CNC

CNC machines (Computerized Numerical Control) manufacture components with the highest precision. Our parts are produced on modern 5-axis machines.

E

E-bike

An e-bike is powered exclusively by an electric motor (without pedal assistance). Helmet and insurance are mandatory.

EC mount (Equipment Clip)

Universal accessory interface on all RocStem stems for lights, bike computers, navigation devices, and action cameras. Retrofit-ready on all models.

Edgeless

“Edgeless” means there are no sharp edges at the handlebar clamp, but rounded transitions. This reduces stress concentrations and protects the handlebar.

F

FlatFit™ technology

Our patent-pending FlatFit™ technology ensures that the handlebar remains flat when pivoted. This allows the bike to fit better into low spaces – without modification or tools.

H

Height adjustment

Height adjustment refers to the one-time, tool-based setting of handlebar height during installation.
It is not a quick adjustment for daily use – only the pivoting function of the handlebar is tool-free.

I

Integrated cable routing through the headset (ICR)

With this design, brake and shift cables run directly through the headset into the frame. This creates a clean look but can restrict handlebar movement with pivoting stems.

Rocker Parts’ ICR cable routing guides the cables kink-free past the pivot area, allowing the handlebar to remain fully movable.

K

Plastic-free packaging

We avoid plastic in our packaging whenever possible. Where necessary, we use recycled materials.

L

Handlebar diameter

Common handlebar diameters in the stem clamping area are 25.4 mm (1"), 31.8 mm (1⅛"), and increasingly 35 mm. The grip area is usually 22.2 mm.

LiftFix

The LiftFix system prevents unintentional adjustment of the height setting.

Steering angle compensation

The steering angle of a bicycle causes the handlebar to rise when pivoted. Our special geometry (FlatFit™ technology) compensates for this by 10°, reducing the height increase by up to 7 cm depending on handlebar width.

M

Mandate reference (SEPA)

For SEPA direct debit: enter the account holder in lowercase and as one word (e.g. maxmustermann).

MAX

Designation for our stems featuring the patent-pending FlatFit™ technology.

Assembly paste

Special grease with microparticles used on stems and handlebars. It increases slip resistance, protects surfaces, and makes disassembly easier.

P

Pedelec

An electrically assisted bicycle. Propulsion is provided by a combination of human power and motor. Maximum assisted speed: 25 km/h.

Testing TÜV, CE, ISO, DIN

There is no legal CE requirement or TÜV approval for bicycle stems as in the automotive sector. However, our stems undergo strict quality testing and are developed in accordance with ISO 4210.

R

Rise

Rise describes the vertical offset of the handlebar. It allows the cockpit height to be adjusted. A higher cockpit results in a more relaxed riding position.

S

Quill stem

A quill stem is inserted into the steerer tube and clamped from the inside. The minimum insertion depth must be observed.

SLS (Safety Locked System)

Safety mechanism of our pivoting stems. An additional locking latch prevents unintentional opening, and the dual steerer clamp increases stability.

S-pedelec

A pedelec with motor assistance up to 45 km/h. Requires an AM-class license as well as insurance and a helmet.

Stem

A stem connects the handlebar to the steerer tube and determines reach and cockpit position.

U

Upsweep

The upward angle of the handlebar grips. An optimal range of 3° to 8° promotes an ergonomic wrist position.

Übrigens...

…wir bei Rocker Parts sprechen dich direkt an – klar, unkompliziert und ohne Schnickschnack. Uns geht’s nicht darum, Wörter zu verbiegen oder in Watte zu packen, sondern ehrlich miteinander zu reden.

Dabei steht für uns eines ganz oben: Respekt. Jeder ist willkommen – egal ob Frau oder Mann, jung oder alt, unabhängig von Herkunft, Religion oder sexueller Orientierung. Wir glauben an echtes Miteinander, nicht an Schubladen.

Und weil wir unsere Energie lieber in gute Produkte stecken als in Sprachdebatten, verzichten wir bewusst auf kompliziertes Gendern. Denn am Ende zählt nicht die perfekte Formulierung, sondern das, was wir tun: Qualität liefern, offen sein und fair bleiben.

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