Truvativ is one of SRAM’s brands, covering stems, handlebars, cranks, pedals and seatposts, and this new Descendant stem is pitched at the downhill/enduro end of the market, but manages to be considerably lighter than the previous Truvativ stubby stems.

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With a rounded, organic outline — resulting from 3D forging in 7075 aluminium — the Descendant gets its more angular, swanky aesthetic through etched graphics and final CNC work.

Inside the stem body there’s more sophisticated material shaping than most, and to save knees the steerer bolts are well shielded under smooth outer rear edges.

The solid, steel, 4mm Allen bolts have retained their black finish and resisted corrosion during six months of all-weather riding too.

You never need worry about stiffness with Truvativ stems and, true to type, the Descendant feels like it’s hewn from girders.

Basically, you lean on the bars and the bike turns with a solid, near instantaneous response with no discernible twisting or rotating between the grips.

It’s not the lightest, but it’s still perfectly acceptable for trail riding, or even XC, and the price is excellent considering the quality.