I’m all for shedding grams on my bike. And while some of the ways to do this seem silly, especially when the grams saved per dollar spent equation rears its ugly head, few are as outwardly fun as StemCaps. Like many small bits, we’re talking count-on-one-hand grams saved, but that’s really not the point with this upgrade. It’s really about helping your bike’s personality “lighten up”.
StemCaps can be ordered in a variety of stock designs, including a growing Artist’s Series. Other stock designs include team editions for a few well known riders (like Ellen Noble, BKXC, or Sonya Looney, for example), kid’s designs, and a smattering of country and state flags. And lots more.
Or have them custom print your own design for your team, shop or whatever. You can order as few as one single cap. There’s a $10 art setup charge, then caps are $13 each at the most, less when you order higher quantities.
The system is sold in two parts (or as a bundle), and requires their base headset cap. They’re available for standard 1-1/8″ road and mountain bike steerers, as well as Cannondale System and Giant OverDrive 2 steerers, all $10 each. And a refrigerator magnet version for $4.00.
The printed caps retail from $8 to about $14, the latter being part of their Livestrong series that can be custom printed with the name of your favorite cancer patient/survivor. A portion of those purchases goes to the charity.
StemCaps Installation & Actual Weights
Compared to the 17g basic headset cap that came on my daughter’s Trailcraft (which is generally spec’d very well for a kid’s bike, so this wasn’t the heaviest version you’ll find), the StemCaps kit came in at 13g with the printed cover. Meaning, you’ll likely save weight and get to customize your ride.
Installation is simple. Just unscrew and remove the old cap, screw in the new one, then pop the cover into place. It snaps on as you push it down in the center. Once in place, it’s very secure and unlikely to come off accidentally. To remove, push the center of it down harder and lift the edge off with your fingernail.
The alloy base plate with plastic printed cover on is extremely low profile, too, so you’re not giving up anything aesthetically.
Before and after. Daughter loves it more because it has a “puppy” on it. And I get a sweet Bikerumor cap for my fast bike. What’s not to like? Check out the full collection on their website.
