Kickstarter campaign for one-size-fits-all stem launched

The Kickstarter will run until 4th September, with Aero Design Swiss looking for 30,000 Swiss Francs (around £23,500) to bring their adjustable stem concept into full production. 

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Aero Design Swiss say their solution can be easily and quickly adjusted to make the rider the most aerodynamic they can be on the bike. The blocks within the stem, that can be moved back or forward according to the rider's preference, theoretically mean no more measuring for an optimal position every time you order new components, and quick an easy adjustment if you want to make small positional changes due to improvements or for targeting different types of events throughout the year. 

It's made from carbon fibre and the adjustment blocks have injection-moulded glass bubbles inside that are lightweight and increase strength. It weighs in at 149g, with a -17° angle for optimal aerodynamics, 50-150mm of length adjustment and 20-100mm of height adjustment. 

It's not the first time an adjustable stem system has been attempted, with Spanish brand 3Fstech's Adjustment in Motion creation for mountain bikes failing to reach its Kickstarter target back in 2015. 
 

The founder of Aero Design Swiss Morgan Nicol has an impressive CV, having founded Oval Concepts and worked for Zipp and Prologo previously, so we're inclined to be optimistic about the Aero Stem. Even so we're still a little puzzled by the finer details behind the concept, so here's what we want to know...

- Presuming many competitive road riders have a specific dialled in stem position on their one bike of choice, who is this it adjustable system aimed at? 

- Will the blocks be available in numerous size increments to get an exact fit to the millimetre? And what about the length of the stem itself: will this come in different stock sizes so you won't be left with lots of overhang?  

We've asked Aero Design Swiss for some answers, and will update if and when we get them. There's also no pricing confirmed yet, but a backing of 150 Swiss Francs on Kickstarter gets you one of the stems when they're ready to ship out in March 2018 at a discount of 'up to 40% on the estimated retail price': which by our calculations will make for an RRP of around 250 Swiss Francs (£195). 

Check out the Aero Design Swiss website and the Aero Stem Kickstarter page for more info.