German component maker Vecnum promises more mixed-surface comfort with an all-new freeQENCE suspension stem. Looking to smooth the ride of almost any bike with a rigid fork – road, gravel, cyclocross, commuter, or touring bikes – the new 4-bar parallelogram stem delivers more travel than we’re used to seeing in suspension stem, with easy adjustability for most riders, almost universal fit, all at a relatively low weight penalty.
Vecnum freeQENCE 30mm 4-bar suspension stem
Vecnum says the new FreeQence stem project was a direct result of founder Marzell Maier’s growing gravel bike passion. But looking for more off-road comfort on a rigid bike he wasn’t happy with the weight, feel, or finish of other suspension stems on the market. So they set out to design their own – now promising to “effectively reduce vibrations and impacts by up to 75%“.
They wanted to offer a bit more travel (most suspension stems top out around 20mm, like the similar weight Redshift ShockStop) so chose a 4-bar parallelogram layout that keeps the handlebar (and your levers) from rotating as it moves through the 30mm of travel. That also is said to ensure you get the same suspension feel whether your hands are on the tops, hoods, or in the drops.
That’s interestingly the same amount as RockShox’s new XPLR Rudy fork or even Lauf’s simple Grit SL leaf spring fork, but both of those require a tapered steerer and end your hopes of hauling bikepacking on your fork. It’s also 50% more travel than the new integrated BMC URS LT fork travel. The new Vecnum FreeQence stem can be retrofitted to any bikes with a 1.125″ steerer and 31.8mm handlebar.
Tech details
Vecnum freeQENCE – Pricing, options & availability
