Hybrid Handlebar Stems

Every material can break even when properly engineered. However, those combo alu/CF components are somewhat meaningless. The CF wrapping is primarily there for the bling with little else to add. Either get full CF or full alloy and be done with it.

mark444 said:

I have been looking for a new stem and I'm seeing some products that are a combination of carbon fiber and aluminum. I presume the aluminum is there to make the stem stronger under some kinds of stresses. I've never had a carbon fiber stem...can anyone tell me if they can be unsafe, or break during a ride?

Thanks, Mark

Full CF stems add lots of $ but add nothing to your ride except coffee shop points. They aren't unsafe but are the thing of the marketing and sales department. Cheaper, carbon wrapped stems are just that, normal hamburger in an expensive wrapping.