Deda’s latest Superbox DCR stem has evolved into a single flexible cockpit solution that can fit and integrate more cable routing setups than pretty much anything else on the market. Deda calls it – 1 Stem 4 Ways – giving you the option for fully internal routing, a couple of in-between semi-integrated solutions, or good old traditional external routing. You pick.
And if you change your mind down the road, you won’t need to buy a new stem to reshape your routing.
Deda Superbox DCR stem: internal or external routing
Fully integrated cable routing has definitely become a huge trend in the last couple of years, but not all integrated cockpits are created equal. Especially if you prefer the fit & feel of a specific handlebar, or really just need the real angle adjustability of a classic 2-piece stem + bar system… then, the options are fairly limited… or at least locked into one solution.
Deda Elementi’s overhauled Superbox DCR stem aims to keep it simple, with classic 2-piece cockpit adjustability. It’s not an entirely new system, we’ve seen the older semi-integrated S-DCR setup on every Titici bike we’ve covered this year, and Sanne Cant’s all-new Stevens SuperPrestige cross bikes. Plus, we got a sneak peek this summer at the fully integrated DCR details.
One stem can work with:
- a fully integrated setup with cables routed completely internally, inside your bar, stem, headset & frame
- a semi-integrated setup with cables outside of your bar, then cleanly entering an extra lower stem cover to get inside the frame through the headset
- an external setup, still with tidy cable routing that enters the frame through openings in the headset cap
- classic fully external cable routing, at least at the cockpit
How does it work?
The secret of the boxy alloy Superbox DCR stem’s flexibility is a combination of cable ports for internal routing, a removable external cable cover to guide semi-integrated cable routing neatly, and adaptable DCR (Deda internal Cable Routing) headsets with modular caps to fit many bikes and routing setups.
The full internal DCR setup works just with hydraulic brakes and electronic shifting – this new version adds 2 hose ports in front of the 1.125″ steerer and 1 electro shift wire groove just against the steerer. It’s the cleanest integrated solution.
Attach the plastic S-DCR external cable cover that neatly fits under the stem body and you can route 4 cables/hoses inside which enter the stem just behind the bar clamp, and then turn down through the special spacer stack to enter the DCR headset. Here you get almost all the internal routing benefits with much less setup or position adjustment hassle.
Ditch the cable cover again for the slimmer stem looks, and you can just pick a Deda DCR headset upper bearing cap with holes to route your 4 cables into the frame. Or keep a closed bearing cap for bikes with external or more classic internal routing ports in the frame.
Tech details
The Deda Superbox DCR stem itself is 3D-forged 6061 alloy with flat aero sides, and a claimed weight of 175g (110mm). The -8° stem adds two new smaller lengths, coming in a super wide size range 70-140mm in 10mm increments to fit many kinds of on & off-road bikes, with a 31.7mm bar clamp (remember that “31.8” bars are actually 1 1/4″ in diameter, which technically is 31.75mm, so it’s a rounding thing).
The black on black Superbox DCR also includes an angular matching integrated topcap, integrated aero steerer spacers to route your cables, regular headset caps to fit 46mm (typical to 1.125″ top bearing) & 56mm (common with 1.5″ upper bearing headsets) round headtubes, and a D-clip insert that smooths the gap between the 2-piece face plate.
Extra benefit
That new faceplate design also introduces compatibility with a new adjustable angle out-front computer mount that dovetails between the bar & stem. With a removable insert, the fiber-reinforced nylon mount fits Garmin, Wahoo & Bryton GPS devices, plus it adds a removable GoPro-style mount underneath.
The new mount can also be retrofitted to older Superbox, current Superzero RS & Superzero stems by swapping in a new faceplate.
Deda Superbox DCR – Pricing & availability
Officially the more versatile new Deda Superbox DCR stem is available now for 118€, although they aren’t yet on Deda’s consumer-direct site so you’d have to get it through a dealer shop. The out-front GPS mount kit sells for an extra 39€, also available now.
The retrofit faceplate kit sells for 13.50€, available now for the older Superbox stems and from January for the Superzero stems.
