Enhancing Comfort with the Cane Creek eeSilk Stem
For those seeking a cane creek eesilk stem review, here’s a quick answer:
- Purpose: Provides vibration damping for rigid fork bikes
- Benefits: Reduces arm, shoulder, and neck fatigue on rough terrain
- Features: Switchable compliance, easy elastomer swap, lightweight
The Cane Creek eeSilk stem is designed to make your rides smoother and more comfortable without the need for a full suspension fork. This innovative stem is crafted from aluminum and offers up to 20mm of travel, making it perfect for gravel bikes. It softens vibrations from rough trails, reducing fatigue in your arms, shoulders, and neck.
An easy elastomer swap system lets you fine-tune the ride to your preference, and the compliance switch allows for quick adjustments between soft and firm settings on the go. Whether you’re tackling gravel, uneven roads, or smooth tarmac, the eeSilk stem provides an improved riding experience, ensuring you can ride longer and recover faster.
Design and Build Quality
The Cane Creek eeSilk stem is a marvel of engineering designed to provide comfort and performance. Crafted from durable aluminum, this stem is both lightweight and robust, weighing in at around 231 grams. This makes it an ideal choice for gravel bikes, where every gram counts.
Compliance Switch
One of the standout features of the eeSilk stem is the compliance switch. This handy lever, located on top of the stem, allows you to adjust the compliance on-the-fly. You can switch between soft and firm settings without any tools, making it incredibly convenient for varying terrain.
- Soft Setting: Ideal for rough gravel roads and trails, providing maximum damping to reduce wrist and shoulder fatigue.
- Firm Setting: Better suited for smoother tarmac, reducing the “bobbing” effect when climbing out of the saddle.
This switch ensures that you can quickly adapt your bike’s performance to the conditions, enhancing both comfort and efficiency.
Elastomer Options
The eeSilk stem comes with multiple elastomer options to fine-tune your ride. Elastomers control the travel, providing up to 20mm of compliance. The stem includes:
- Soft Elastomer: Perfect for rough trails and gravel roads.
- Medium Elastomer: A balanced option for mixed terrains.
- Hard Elastomer: Best for smoother surfaces where less damping is needed.
- Extra Firm Elastomer: Available separately for those who need even less compliance.
Swapping elastomers is a breeze. All you need is a 4mm Allen key to remove the hard plastic wedge, swap out the elastomer, and re-secure the wedge. This process takes less than five minutes and doesn’t require removing the stem or handlebars.
The ability to easily change elastomers means you can quickly adapt your bike setup for different types of rides, whether you’re hitting rough gravel roads or smooth tarmac.
By combining a robust aluminum build with versatile elastomer options and an easy-to-use compliance switch, the Cane Creek eeSilk stem stands out as a top choice for enhancing ride comfort and performance.
Performance on Different Terrains
The Cane Creek eeSilk stem is designed to improve your ride across various terrains, from rough gravel to smooth tarmac. Let’s explore how it performs in different conditions.
Gravel Riding
Gravel roads can be rough and unforgiving, but the eeSilk stem excels here. With its 20mm of compliance, it significantly reduces vibrations from the front wheel, making long rides much more comfortable. The medium elastomer, which comes factory-fitted, is particularly effective on gravel trails.
Riders have reported that the stem is very wrist and shoulder-friendly, reducing fatigue and allowing for longer, more enjoyable rides. One user mentioned, “I really appreciated the amount of damping that the medium elastomer was giving me; it is very wrist and shoulder friendly.”
This means you can ride longer and recover faster, ready for your next trip.
Smooth Tarmac
Switching to smooth tarmac, the eeSilk stem’s firm setting shines. By adjusting the compliance switch to the firm setting, you can reduce the “bobbing” effect often experienced when climbing out of the saddle. This setting is ideal for smooth roads where you need less damping and more direct power transfer.
However, some users found the medium elastomer too soft even on the firm setting for smooth tarmac. One rider noted, “I found it too soft on smooth tarmac, even with the lever set to firm.” Switching to the hardest elastomer, which is a quick 5-minute job, provided the necessary stiffness for a smooth and efficient ride.
Washboard and Rough Roads
When it comes to washboard and rough roads, the eeSilk stem performs admirably but has its limits. While it does a great job of reducing vibrations and improving comfort, it won’t completely eliminate the harshness of extremely rough surfaces.
A user review highlighted this, stating, “It’s a little overkill for smooth paved road use, but on dirt roads and washboard, this stem works quite well… okay, washboard still sucks, but it’s not as bad.”
In summary, the Cane Creek eeSilk stem offers versatile performance across different terrains. Its ability to quickly adjust compliance makes it a valuable addition to any gravel or road bike, enhancing comfort and reducing fatigue.
Next, we’ll compare the Cane Creek eeSilk with other popular suspension stems to see how it stacks up.
Comparison with Other Suspension Stems
Let’s see how the Cane Creek eeSilk stem stacks up against other suspension stems on the market, particularly the Redshift ShockStop and the Girvin Flexstem.
Redshift ShockStop vs. Cane Creek eeSilk
Weight:
The Cane Creek eeSilk stem is impressively light. A 100 mm-long eeSilk stem weighs just 229 grams, which is over 50 grams lighter than a standard Redshift ShockStop stem of the same length. Even compared to the upper-end ShockStop Pro version, the eeSilk still has a weight advantage.
Elastomer Swap:
Swapping elastomers on the eeSilk is straightforward. You don’t need to remove the handlebars; just a single top-access bolt allows you to switch elastomers in less than two minutes. In contrast, the Redshift ShockStop requires removing the handlebars, which makes the process more cumbersome.
Compliance Switch:
The eeSilk features a handy compliance switch that allows you to adjust the stiffness on the fly. This switch can be set to firm or soft, making it adaptable to various riding conditions. The Redshift ShockStop lacks this feature, offering more elastomer options instead.
Aesthetics:
Aesthetically, the eeSilk has a more refined and discreet look with a higher-end surface finish. The ShockStop, while functional, doesn’t match the eeSilk in terms of visual appeal.
Girvin Flexstem vs. Cane Creek eeSilk
Design Similarities:
The Cane Creek eeSilk and the Girvin Flexstem share a similar design concept. Both use a pivot and elastomer system to provide suspension. However, the eeSilk offers modern improvements that make it far superior.
Modern Improvements:
The eeSilk is built with high-quality materials like forged aluminum and Igus polymer bushings, making it more durable and reliable. It also offers 20 mm of travel, which is more than what the old Girvin Flexstem could provide. Additionally, the eeSilk’s compliance switch and easy elastomer swap are features that the Girvin Flexstem never had.
In summary, the Cane Creek eeSilk stem stands out for its lightweight build, easy elastomer swap, and on-the-fly compliance adjustment. These features make it a strong competitor against other suspension stems, offering both comfort and performance.
Installation and Adjustability
Elastomer Swap Process
Swapping elastomers on the Cane Creek eeSilk stem is a breeze. You only need a 4mm Allen key to get the job done. Here’s how simple it is:
- Remove the Wedge: Use the 4mm Allen key to unscrew the hard plastic wedge from the bottom of the stem.
- Swap the Elastomer: Take out the current elastomer and replace it with one of a different density (soft, medium, hard, or extra firm).
- Secure the Wedge: Reverse the process to screw the wedge back in place.
No need to remove the handlebars or stem from the bike! The entire process takes less than five minutes. Just make sure to torque the bolt to no more than 2Nm. If you don’t have a torque wrench, it’s a good idea to visit your local bike shop for help.
Compliance Lever Adjustment
The Cane Creek eeSilk stem features a compliance lever on the top, making on-the-fly adjustments easy:
- Soft Setting: Ideal for rough terrains like gravel or washboard roads. It provides up to 20mm of compliance, reducing fatigue on your arms and shoulders.
- Firm Setting: Perfect for smooth tarmac. It minimizes bobbing, especially when climbing out of the saddle.
This lever allows you to quickly switch between soft and firm settings without any hassle. However, note that the compliance switch is not a full lock-out but provides two levels of stiffness.
Computer Mount Compatibility: If you use a top cap computer mount, you might find it obstructs the compliance lever. Cane Creek offers an out-front mount that attaches to the stem’s faceplate, which is a handy solution. An ordinary bar-mounted out-front mount will also work perfectly.
The Cane Creek eeSilk stem excels in both easy installation and adjustability, making it a versatile choice for various riding conditions.
Next, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions about the Cane Creek eeSilk Stem.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cane Creek eeSilk Stem
Where are Cane Creek parts made?
Cane Creek parts, including the eeSilk stem, are made in Western North Carolina. The company uses the Pisgah proving ground for rigorous testing, ensuring that each component meets high standards of quality and durability.
Are suspension stems good?
Yes, suspension stems like the Cane Creek eeSilk are excellent for improving ride comfort. Here’s why:
- Vibration Reduction: They effectively dampen vibrations from rough terrains, reducing fatigue in your arms, shoulders, and neck.
- Comfort: The added compliance makes long rides more enjoyable, especially on gravel or uneven roads.
- Lightweight: Despite their benefits, suspension stems are relatively lightweight. The eeSilk stem, for example, weighs just 235 grams.
- Reliability: With sturdy construction and easy adjustability, suspension stems are built to last and perform well under various conditions.
How does the Cane Creek eeSilk compare to other stems?
The Cane Creek eeSilk stands out in several key areas:
- Performance: It offers up to 20mm of compliance, which significantly reduces vibrations and increases comfort on rough terrains.
- Weight: At 235 grams, it’s lightweight compared to many other suspension stems.
- Adjustability: The compliance switch allows for on-the-fly adjustments between soft and firm settings, making it versatile for different riding conditions.
- Ease of Elastomer Swap: Changing elastomers is a quick process requiring only a 4mm Allen key and no handlebar removal.
- Aesthetics: The eeSilk stem has a sleek design that doesn’t compromise the bike’s appearance.
Overall, the Cane Creek eeSilk stem offers a balanced mix of comfort, performance, and ease of use, making it a top choice for cyclists looking to improve their ride without the complexity of a suspension fork.
Next, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions about the Cane Creek eeSilk Stem.
Conclusion
The Cane Creek eeSilk Stem stands out as an excellent choice for cyclists looking to improve comfort and performance on various terrains. Its aluminum construction, easy elastomer swap process, and the unique compliance switch make it versatile and user-friendly. Whether you’re riding on gravel, tarmac, or rough roads, the eeSilk stem offers noticeable improvements in ride quality and comfort.
Summary
- Comfort: The eeSilk stem significantly reduces vibrations, making long rides more comfortable.
- Adjustability: The compliance switch and easy elastomer swaps allow for quick adjustments to suit different riding conditions.
- Build Quality: Made from durable aluminum, the stem is both lightweight and robust.
- Performance: It excels on various terrains, providing a smooth and controlled ride.
Final Thoughts
For those who prioritize comfort without wanting to invest in a new bike, the Cane Creek eeSilk stem is a fantastic option. Its straightforward installation and adjustability make it accessible for most cyclists. Plus, it maintains the bike’s aesthetics while offering modern suspension benefits.
At Doot Scoot, we’re committed to providing you with the best eBike reviews and accessories. If you’re looking to improve your cycling experience, the Cane Creek eeSilk stem is definitely worth considering.
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