Zipp SL Speed Stem

Designed using SRAM Exogram™ technology, found in SRAM RED cranks, the new SL Speed Stem weighs just 123g (100mm) while exceeding our stiffness-to-weight standards. Zipp set a new standard of performance and style in 2013 with the introduction of the sprinter’s favorite carbon SL Sprint stem. Now the SL Speed stem broadens our carbon offerings with a light weight ±6° carbon stem. The SL Speed is available in six sizes ranging from 70 to 120mm to meet any rider’s fit needs. Includes stiff aluminum faceplate and titanium hardware Torx® T25 heads for precise torque readings and ease of adjustment. 

Zipp chooses Torx®-head bolts for its stems and aero bars - why? It’s simply a better bolt:

It comes down to the way the tool head interacts with the bolt. Common hex tools tend to strip the bolt head if the bolt is over torqued. This is especially true with lightweight bolts. Zipp wanted to be able to use a lightweight bolt with reliable performance. Bolts on stems and aero bars are critical to safety – having a reliable bolt is crucial.

The Torx® head is more robust that hex-head bolts and will not easily strip. Torx® fasteners also were designed for use with a torque-limiting wrench (torque wrench), which is needed to achieve the precise torque reading for proper installation.

We chose a bolt size, M5, that was best suited for our stems. The standard Torx tool head for an M5 bolt is a T25, although sometimes a T20 or T27 is used. The T25 is becoming a go-to bolt in the bicycle industry. It’s been used on disc brakes for years and also is in use on chainring bolts, derailleurs and shifters. What’s more, the T25 tool is a common in bike shops or hardware stores and is readily available alone or in multi-tool sets. For your convenience, Zipp includes a T25 wrench with all stems and aero bars.