I really like the design of the Zipp Service Course SL stem, and it's my favorite stem. Here's why:
* The clamping surfaces and edges are nice and smooth -- I've bought many and none had any burrs or rough edges. In case you think this is just for cosmetics, I had a catastrophic carbon handlebar failure once because the stem I was using had sharp, slightly rough edges with tiny, barely visible burrs. That stem was not Zipp! But it was an expensive, name-brand stem. With that other stem the bar failed right at the edge of the stem clamping surface where it was sharp and burred. I was very lucky not to crash. The bolts were torqued evenly and correctly to 5Nm using a Park Tools torque wrench, but the bar still failed because of the sharp edges on the stem. So now, every stem I get (including Zipp) I check out really carefully for any burrs or sharp edges at the clamping surfaces. The Zipp stems have been very good in this respect.
* I so enjoy having Torx head bolts on the stem -- easy to "feel" the torque with a torque wrench, and I have yet to round out a Torx head bolt. Torx head bolts are just so much better.
* Lots of choices in length and rise. I especially like the 17 degree rise version and that seems to work the best for fit on my road bike.
All in all, Zipp stems aren't cheap but in this case it's well worth it!
Finish and looks are good. Comes with a torx key which was convenient. Haven't had issues with anything.
Always liked the 17 degree options on my stem set-up zipp always delivers performance and value.
I bought this stem in the 130 mm. to put on my 2021 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 that came stock with a 110 mm. stem. I am 6 foot tall with longish arms and wanted to be stretched out a little longer. BTW, the 20 extra mm. comes to around 3/4 of an inch, or .79 to be exact. I installed in the negative 6 degree position which still has a little rise but less than the positive 6 degree. This changed my position for the best and made for a little racier bike that my original setup....As for the product itself, It looks spectacular. Bigger, with sublime graphics that I love.... In fact, I loved it so much that several months later, I did my whole cockpit with ZIPP.... Stem, plus Bar & Tape, & seatpost. I love it.... Of course we are talking aluminum here, but all for less than 350$.... But the stem is definitely the highlight.... Do It.
This stem replaced a cracked ti stem and combined this with a zipp stem faceplate with an out front Garmin mount, nothing I don't like about it , wish I'd found this earlier .
Holds my steerer while simultaneously holding my bars. This stem does it all!
It's a stem, there's not much to say. The updated ZIPP logo is better than the previous one.
It's a quality product from ZIPP.
Is it worth MSRP? Probably not.
Is it worth it on sale? I thought so.
This Zipp stem with it's 17 degree up puts my handlebar at just the right height for me on my new Bianchi. It is too bad I couldn't find one that had the aero shape of the Velomann stem it replaced. But it works great in all aspects, except appearance. Not noticeable unless you are a real bike nerd!
I'm personally critical with my cockpit selection. Aesthetics - I'll spend more time starring at the stem than anything else!
This stem is light, rigid and looks great.
There are few long reach stems. At 130mm longest, it does the job.
The Zipp Service Course SL Stem (in Beyond Black) is my personal favorite when lusting for aluminum. Super stiff, lightweight, and dependable. AND... it looks damn good!
It's aluminum, looks good and lightweight! not much more to it!
Well it's a stem. Plenty stiff, solid, and lightweight. Does require a Torx key so make sure you have one in your toolkit when riding.
Does cost a bit more and it's a stem. But IMO, the stem helps the look of the bike.
The beyond black matches the bike well so I got to give it 4 stars.
It is really nice looking, stiff, and light weight
Nice quality light weight stem
Installed on wife's Cervelo S3 - no issues. Looks good.
Good looking stem got it to match zipp handlebars
Aside from getting a custom painted stem this stem is pretty sweet looking. The stem itself has you locked onto your bars. Ive had no problems sprinting in the drops or on the hoods.
For only a few grams more than the carbon product and a whole lot less money, gets the job done.
Zipp makes a great lightweight stem for climbing with confidence. It feels very solid when your sprinting up a hill.
