Do you feel scrunched up when you ride? Too stretched out? Hunched over? Then it might be time to get a different stem for your bike. Having the correct length stem is important part of your bicycles geometry to ensure you are comfortable on your bike. If you're of the fairer sex, you just might want to try a Wylder 'Juliana' stem designed specifically for women.

This is Wylder's inaugural year in cycling, however the company consists of veterans from the cycling industry. Christi Feeter-Stark (Co-founder of RockShox), Tom Eagleton (RockShox), Frank Scurlock (RockShox), Rich Novak (Santa Cruz), and Juliana Furtado (Former World Champion Cross Country Rider). Furtado is the most successful mountain biker in the history of the sport. Before retiring in 1997, she had earned 28 UCI World Cup gold medals and Furtado still holds the record for the most World Cup wins. In the United States, she earned five national championships and 27 national race wins. Prior to competing in mountain biking Furtado was a National Road Champion and a member of the U.S. National Ski Team (1980-1987).

Wylder is introducing the "Juliana" line of components for 2001. The Juliana stems will be available in hard to find lengths and rises retailing for around $75. They are made from forged 6000 Series Aluminum, have a removable faceplate and weigh between 180 - 200 grams. The stems will be available in the following lengths; 50, 70, 90, 105, 120 mm and rises 5,15 and 25 degrees. Unless you want to buy a downhill specific stem it is difficult to find a stem under 90 mm, women need components for women, not parts that merely pass. The stem is pretty beefy but the Unique 3-D forging makes the stem light, stiff and still strong.

I wanted a longer stem for my bike and my pal Lisa needed a shorter stem for hers. I put a 120 mm/15 degree rise stem on my bike and Lisa put a 50 mm/25 degree rise stem on her bike. The first thing Lisa said before we even got to the trail head was, "This is great! I can't believe what a difference this makes!" It was easier for her on climbs and she was now able to sit further back when descending. I noticed a difference also with the longer stem and the higher rise. I wasn't over the front wheel as much as I used to be when climbing and I was still far enough back on my bike when descending. The stem is very stiff and there wasn't any flex when going over roots and rocks and the handling was nicely responsive with the longer stem.

Overall this is a great stem based on a better concept - designed for women. Installation is a snap with the removable face plate. It's also nice to have the smaller stem lengths and rise angles available in combinations usually hard to find. In addition to the stems, the Juliana line also includes handlebars, saddles, and grips.

Who is it for:

Women who are looking to dial in their fit and not compromise performance.

Who isn't if for:

The super-agro-testosterone-fueled hammerheads. This one is for the ladies!