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Zipp unwraps new SL Speed stem and seatpost

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Zipp_SL-Speed_stem+seatpost

To add to the new disc brake and limited edition aero wheels that they introduced earlier in the week, Zipp has now debuted a new stem and seatpost in their SL range. The SL lineup is comprised of Zipp’s carbon components and are geared towards the road, cross, and growing gravel segments. The Speed line gives a bit more priority to light weight while still building in ergonomics and aerodynamics. The Speed SL stem is all new with a best-in-class level of stiffness  at a weight that is hard to beat. And the updated SL Speed seatpost takes and already successful component, trimming its weight down while maintaining its ride quality and secure adjustability. Take a closer look and get the details after the break…

Zipp_SL-Speed_stem-sides

Zipp introduced their massive and super stiff SL Sprint stem 3 years ago, and with a lot of customer feedback they have finally decided to produce a more all around option. The new all unidirectional carbon SL Speed stem comes in a more standard +/-6° version (vs. the Sprint’s 12°) and weighs 25% less, coming in at just 123g (for a 100mm stem.) It is built with the same complex hollow-molded Exogram that SRAM uses in their Red cranks for a combination of stiffness and light weight.

Zipp_SL-Speed_stem-tops

The SL Speed stem will come in  70, 80, 90, 100, 110 & 120mm lengths, all with a ±6° angle. The stems are full carbon with titanium Torx head hardware, and are exclusively for 31.8mm bars and 1.125″ steerers. The matte raw carbon finish stems will sell for $265/290€/£220 when they are available in 2016.

Zipp_SL-Speed_seatpost_straight+setback-heads

The SL Speed seatpost is an update of the already popular reliable carbon post, at an even lighter weight. Again using Exogram tech (meaning even the head gets hollowed-out molding), Zipp has trimmed weight from both head and shaft. The new post is available in both 0 & 20mm offset heads, 27.2 & 31.6mm diameters, and 330 & 400mm lengths. The longer shafts are specifically designed to better accommodate more compact geometry bikes.

Zipp_SL-Speed_seatpost_27-2_330mm_setback

The shorter 27.2 post (no offset) claims a weight of just 170g, with the offset adding just 2g. The posts get 6061 aluminum hardware together with steel Torx bolts for a combination of security and durability. The posts also end up with a generous 300lb (136kg) weight limit. Their one-bolt head is compatible with both round and oval rails, and the will retail for $265/290€/£220 when they also come to market in May.

In addition to the new posts, for just $10/11€/£8 Zipp is adding a new Di2 battery internal seatpost mount. Sold separately. the <19g plastic plug will let you securely slide your battery up either diameter of these new SL Speed posts.

Zipp.com

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MotoPete
MotoPete
8 years ago

Great looking stuff… Do we really need another seat post size though?
Eds. Sorry, it does stick with more standard sizes. See the updates.

Andrew
Andrew
8 years ago

Why have they copied the old style Enve seatpost clamp (possibly the worst conceived clamping method) when they had a perfectly servicable 2 bolt method before?

Dave
Dave
8 years ago
Reply to  Andrew

I assume the seatpost is really 31.6 mm. 31.8 is typically a handlebar/stem size.
Eds. Yes, Dave you are correct. Our brain just like typing the 1 1/4″ of 31.8.

Derek
Derek
8 years ago
Reply to  Andrew

Lighter. I agree though, the new design is a total pain in the butt to set up. I’m pretty committed to my saddle choice though so at least I’d only have to do it once.

Bill
Bill
8 years ago
Reply to  Andrew

Never again will I buy a single bolt post seatpost. Enve, Ritchey.. all of them end up shifting on me under a hard hit at some point.

greg
greg
8 years ago

kudos for them being able to engineer a side mount seatpost clamp that will do round and oval rails without different hardware.

Rixter
Rixter
8 years ago

I don’t get paying $265 for a carbon stem that weighs 125g. There’s others that are CNC that are a similar weight and 1/2 or less the price. I’m not sure how many people will ever feel the difference in stiffness. I would think handlebars have a much factor in the flex/rigidity of handling

DJ
DJ
8 years ago

Couldn’t agree more with the comments regarding single bolt seat posts…. no, no, never again for me!

Nick Mannerings
Nick Mannerings
7 years ago

Has anyone used this seat post?

Gareth
Gareth
5 years ago

these are very expensive bike bling – yes they do look good but the gains offered are negligible at best. I ve had Zipp stems, posts and handlebars currently . I had the misfortune of losing the face plate for the sprint stem – a complete mare to replace Zipp were no help whatsoever Zyro Fisher’s advice was to simply buy a new stem – customer service is worse than rubbish.
Future customers should consider this at purchase

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