Reviewed: FRM Stem, seatpost and carbon flat 'bar

It’s simple, FRM components are the equivalent to erotica in the mountain bike industry. That supple carbon weave, those crisp white graphics or the sweet sweet golden hues of the torx bolts certainly know how to get any mechanically minded, tech savvy riders heart pumping. So lucky me when we were gifted a beautiful set of FRM bar, stem and seat post for the Whyte M 109 C long termer.

‪Bars – 229 Low Profile

‪At 700mm wide these beauties are purely for the cross country riders amongst you. Low, flat and wide they come with 10mm adjustable rise thanks to the offset 31.8 clamp area. The extra range can be found by simply flipping the bar, easy. The feel is particularly stiff under the grip and palm with absolutely no flex. The 7 degrees of back sweep goes quite unnoticed, a sign of perfect ergonomics.

‪Seatpost – FRM ST MT10 Ti Scandium

‪This seatpost ranks up there with the smooth lines and classic design of Thomson. Made of Scandium ( a super thin and strong alloy) it comes in 20grams light than the equivalent diameter and length Thomson and on par or less in weight than most after market carbon offerings. This weight advantage does come with a weight guide though, with the limit set at 85kg this is seat post for the most fit amongst us.

‪Whilst it wins in the looks and weight department it’s let down slightly in rail setup. It is a little difficult to get the saddle in the right place but once it is the ST MT 10 Ti allows some of the most finite adjustment thanks to the two long life Ti Bolts.

Stem – FRM Web Stem 6B Ti

‪These Italians love their little coded titles don’t they? The FRM Web Stem Ti is yet another piece of lovingly crafted Scandium and it both works and looks a treat. At just 100grams it’s quite a light number owing mostly to the scandium and the ultra light Ti bolts used to hold the face plate and the body of the stem to the bike. There in also lies the only minor issue. Each of the Ti bolts are star headed and limited to 5nm which can make for some uncertainty when adjusting tightness, depending on whether you have a torque wrench and the right fittings.

‪We had the 75mm option which was perfect for our long top tubed steed but there are certainly plenty of longer options available as well with a 90mm, 100mm and 110mm in the range. If you wish to go shorter there’s an endure 50mm similarly specced and cheaper there for you as well. Extra colour options are also available for the faceplate.

‪It’s fair to say that the FRM is not one of the cheapest on the market but what you are paying for is quality long lasting Italian craftsmanship and some of the lightest gear on the grid that will last you for years.

See your local FRM dealer for pricing

Images: Tim Bardsley-Smith