If you are using a carbon fiber fork with a carbon steering tube you should not use a Specialized Titanium stem or any stem that doesn't use rear fastening such as the Thomson Elite X2 and X4 stems. Models like the Thomson Elite should also not be used on carbon steerring tubes either.
Using an offset stem like the Specialized titanium can cause uneven pressures on the steering tube and can result in a catastrophic failure of the fork and serious injury up to and including paralysis and death.
Reynolds composites (the maker of Ouzo Pro forks) is currently undergoing a study to determine the best stems for carbon steering tubes. It is hoped, that like Mercedes did with their safety developments in cars that they will share this information openly with the industry once their research is completed.
If you know of any other stems that use this side fastening system to the fork, please notify me and I will include in this guide.
I do not represent or work for any manufacturer nor sell or endorse any of these parts. I am only interested in bicycle safety.
Please recommend this guide and wear a helmet when you ride!
Using an offset stem like the Specialized titanium can cause uneven pressures on the steering tube and can result in a catastrophic failure of the fork and serious injury up to and including paralysis and death.
Reynolds composites (the maker of Ouzo Pro forks) is currently undergoing a study to determine the best stems for carbon steering tubes. It is hoped, that like Mercedes did with their safety developments in cars that they will share this information openly with the industry once their research is completed.
If you know of any other stems that use this side fastening system to the fork, please notify me and I will include in this guide.
I do not represent or work for any manufacturer nor sell or endorse any of these parts. I am only interested in bicycle safety.
Please recommend this guide and wear a helmet when you ride!
Guide created: 10/22/06 (updated 08/20/08)


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