I know there is a thread that has discussed this question already, but I would like to listen to those who has experienced any issues & problems with carbon stems and particulary with Pinarello's Most Tigerlite stem. I am in a dilemma having it on my Paris - replace it by common alloy stem or not? I am not concerned with the weight or look, just thinking about safety, etc. Till now (I have around 2000 km on that bicycle) everithing seems OK.
So my question is how durable carbon stem, particulary this Tigerlite (for weight savings manufacturer made very thin walls and all the stress-important areas near bolts look ridiculous in my opinion)?
Thanks in advance for any answer!


P. S. I am very lightweight rider, near 59 kg ;-)

I think most the carbon stems are beefed up so much they don't offer much advantage over aluminum. I have a carbon stem/al bars on my new bike. My old bike has al bars and stem. I can't tell any difference when I ride. I am in the same situation as I would like to change my stem length on my new bike from 120mm to 110. The Bontrager xxx carbon stem new, runs about $250. A Bontrager al stems runs about $73. The best thing I like about the carbon stem is it really looks nice. Biketiresdirect.com has a Leopard carbon stem for $75.00. I am considering buying it but they don't offer a stack height and they have not responded to my email I sent them. No info on this stem on the Leopard site.

I worry more about the c.f. bars than stems. Once and a blue moon I might go down. If my bars made contact I would be neurotic.

At my weight (200+) I stay clear of lightweight stuff al or carbon.

The bigger question is if carbon bars or stems offer any real advantage.