Our eeSilk Stem is highly tunable to your unique riding style and preferences via an external, single bolt elastomer change (there is no need to remove your handlebars to make a change). Unlike the elastomers used for our seatposts we do not have recommendations based on rider weight. After many hours of ride testing with many different riders, we discovered that people prefer very different setups and should choose their elastomer based on their unique style and preference. There are a number of variables that come into play when riding the eeSilk stem;  stem length, bike geometry, terrain, etc all play a part in determining which elastomer works best for you. Let's get into the details:

Riding Style and Preference: Are you riding on pure tarmac or do you seek out the most challenging gravel routes? Do you prefer comfort above all else or are you focused on speed? For smooth road riding you may want a firmer elastomer; For gravel road riding you’ll likely want more bump absorption and therefore something softer; For speed and efficiency a firmer elastomer might suit and for total comfort you'll probably lean toward a softer elastomer. Or you could change up the paradigm and break all of the rules. There is no one-size-fits-all. A huge benefit of the eeSilk stem is that, with the compliance switch, you can choose to run a softer elastomer for the rough stuff and quickly switch to the firm setting for when things smooth out.

Other Variables: these variables all affect the amount of force that goes through the pivot mechanism of your stem. Your body weight and weight bias on a bike affect the force transferred into the stem but this will be magnified by leverage. Your stem length and your position on the bike are the main drivers of this leverage. Shorter stems leverage less of your weight through the pivot mechanism and that will yield a relatively soft elastomer. Longer stems create more leverage and yield a firmer elastomer. Similarly, flat handlebars will create less leverage than drop bars. You'll also experience less pivot movement when in the "drops" of a drop handlebar than a hand position on the brake hoods.

So, yeah, the answer to this question is inexact but, hopefully, it emboldens you to go for a ride and experiment with the various elastomers and, ultimately, choose what works best for you and your unique situation. For any questions that are left unanswered please send us an email or give us a call.