Ritchey’s Matrix 4-Axis stem is aluminium with a purely cosmetic carbon wrap to match the bar and seatpost. It’s a 3K weave (shown) or unidirectional. However, we’d buy one of Ritchey’s 4-Axis aluminium stems instead of the latter because UD carbon doesn’t really show and the alloy stem is lighter and half the price.

With a nine-degree back and six-degree upsweep but a low rise, the Rizer is very tuneable. It’s light and a good width.

Ritchey has simplified things with its new One-Bolt post. The shaft/head is full carbon monocoque but it features a forged alloy clamp. Tilt and fore/aft adjustment is easy, and to stop everything falling apart the clamp is held together with a cross-shaped rubber cover.

Bizarrely, the Ritchey kit is not the lightest, but the all-carbon finish certainly looks exclusive. All you have to decide is whether it’s worth the price.

Contact: www.paligapltd.co.uk
Overall weight: 488g

Mbr rating: 9