I am looking to upgrade my riser and stem from the standard Giant own brand stuff on my bike. I have decided upon an Easton EA70 riser bar but the stem is proving very hard to choose. I think it is a choice between an Easton EA50/70 and a Ritchey WCS V3. The Ritchey came out on top in a recent test but is it more race orientated? It has a 6degree angle, which is the same as the Easton's so I cant see why I wouldnt be able to use it for trail riding and XC. The stem also gives me the option of oversizing to 31.8. What is the advantage of this? I only ride trails and XC with no jumping involved so is it worth it?

Rich

Well i ride mainly frreride the new 31.8 handlbar standard increases the strength of handlbars and increses torsionl strengh as there is a bigger surface area to clamp. Howevere as your only doing xc and trails i do not think there is much point for you buying it. I think personally id go for the easton one beacause it would match the handlebars and secondly easton stuff in general is some of the best availible.

See WMB for a review of bars - they recco std for all dayers

Easton just look good and hae the best shape IMO

well my personal choice is Answer Protaper bars and Thomson stems

The Ritchey WCS stem is excellent. It is super-light but seems plenty strong. I have one and have crashed countless times since fitting it and it has stood up perfectly. To be honest, I don't see why you would want/need anything burlier. They aren't cheap but then quality never is. A great bit of kit

protapers feel good IMO. nice looking piece of kit too.

I've just changed my Thomson for a Hope. Nice bit of kit too