Take serious weight out of your cockpit.
Choose the 66g IX2 or the removable-faceplate IX4 at just 74g.
The stem is one of the easiest components to overlook when building a lightweight bike. Darimo turns it into a genuine weight-saving upgrade, with two hand-laminated carbon designs for road and mountain bikes.
The IX2 weighs just 66g at 100mm. The IX4 adds only 8g while giving you a removable four-bolt faceplate. Both combine a carbon body and clamp with Grade 5 titanium hardware.
IX2 or IX4?
IX2 Carbon Stem
The lightest option at 66g in 100mm. It uses an integrated, non-removable clamp secured by two titanium bolts.
The handlebar must be able to pass safely through the closed clamp. Darimo confirms compatibility with its Ellipse road handlebar and suitable MTB handlebars. Other road handlebars should be checked before ordering.
IX4 Carbon Stem
The removable-faceplate option at 74g in 100mm. Its separate carbon faceplate is secured by four titanium bolts, making handlebar installation more straightforward.
The IX4 can be used for road, cyclocross and MTB builds. The handlebar still requires a suitable 31.8mm clamping section across the full clamp width.
Choose IX2 when minimum weight is the priority and your handlebar is compatible with its integrated clamp.
Choose IX4 when you want a removable faceplate for simpler handlebar installation.
Built as a carbon stem
This is not an alloy stem covered with a carbon shell. Darimo constructs the stem from unidirectional and bidirectional carbon fabrics, placing the required layers and fibre directions throughout the component.
The carbon body and clamp are paired with Grade 5 titanium bolts and small 7075 T6 aluminium nuts to keep weight exceptionally low.
Published weight benchmarks
- IX2 100mm: 66g
- IX4 100mm: 74g
These are Darimo’s published weight benchmarks with an approximate tolerance of ±3%. Actual weight varies with length, angle, finish and reinforced construction.
IX2 specifications
- Published weight: 66g at 100mm
- Clamp: Integrated two-bolt design
- Lengths: 60mm to 130mm
- Angles: -6°, -12°, -17° or -25°
- Handlebar diameter: 31.8mm
- Clamp width: 46mm
- Steerer: 1 1/8 inch or 1 1/4 inch
- Use: Road, cyclocross and MTB
IX4 specifications
- Published weight: 74g at 100mm
- Clamp: Removable four-bolt carbon faceplate
- Lengths: 80mm to 130mm
- Angles: -6° or -12°
- Handlebar diameter: 31.8mm
- Clamp width: 46mm
- Steerer: 1 1/8 inch
- Use: Road, cyclocross and MTB
Construction and finishes
- Body: Unidirectional and bidirectional carbon fibre
- Hardware: Grade 5 titanium bolts
- Nuts: 7075 T6 aluminium
- Finishes: UD Matte, UD Gloss, 3K Matte or 3K Gloss
- Standard rider limit: 90kg
A reinforced version can be requested for riders over 90kg. Provide your fully equipped riding weight before ordering.
Prefer an ultralight alloy stem?
Handlebar compatibility
The IX2 has an integrated clamp, so the handlebar must pass safely through it. It is not suitable for aero handlebars that become wider around the top section.
The IX4 has a removable faceplate, but this does not guarantee compatibility with every shaped handlebar. The bar still needs a suitable 31.8mm clamping section across the required 46mm width.
If you are unsure, contact us with your exact handlebar model before ordering.
Installation
Darimo stems are lightweight structural components and must be installed correctly. Use an accurate torque wrench, follow the supplied instructions and have the stem fitted by a quality mechanic if you are unsure.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between IX2 and IX4?
The IX2 has an integrated two-bolt clamp and weighs 66g at 100mm. The IX4 has a removable four-bolt faceplate and weighs 74g at 100mm.
Are both stems suitable for road bikes?
Yes. Both can be used on road bikes when the handlebar and steerer are compatible. The IX2 requires a handlebar that can pass safely through its integrated clamp.
Can both stems be used on mountain bikes?
Yes. Darimo lists road, cyclocross and MTB use for both carbon stem designs.
Which model is lighter?
The IX2. It weighs 66g at 100mm, making it 8g lighter than the equivalent 74g IX4.
Why choose the IX4?
The IX4 has a removable four-bolt faceplate. This makes handlebar installation simpler while adding only 8g at 100mm compared with the IX2.
Will the IX4 fit every aero handlebar?
No. The removable faceplate helps with installation, but the handlebar still needs a suitable 31.8mm clamping section across the full clamp width.
Is there a rider weight limit?
The standard Darimo carbon stems are intended for riders up to 90kg. A reinforced version can be requested for heavier riders.
What happens after I order?
We will confirm the model, length, angle, finish, handlebar compatibility and rider weight before placing the order with Darimo.
Build the cockpit your bike deserves
Choose your IX2 or IX4 configuration above and we will confirm compatibility before production.