The Apex is externally webbed to maximise stiffness in longer lengths, it’s machined from the same 2014 grade aluminium billet as Hope’s stem.

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The Apex bar clamps are machined from 7075 aluminium and feature a 240-degree wraparound design, which allows for a stubbier (and lighter) stem body.

These longer-than-standard clamps slide onto the bar’s centre from the taper, and while installation takes a little bit more time, and care needs to be taken on carbon handlebars, once centred, clamp fit is extremely positive.

The clamp uses an easier zero-gap design on one side, but with the stem orientated normally (six-degree rise up) the gap is at the top, which isn’t quite as neat when looking down riding the bike.

It’s a solid junction, though, and there was no creaking at any point.

Function is sorted on the featherweight Apex, but there’s a vague sense it wasn’t the most rigid or precise-steering unit in back-to-back testing.

Renthal’s stem is upper end, price-wise, but at 110g it’s the lightest 35mm option here and that helps justify the cost.