Dartmoor Thunder Direct 35 mm Stem – Uncompromising Stiffness and Brutalist Design for Downhill and Freeride

Gearing up for the roughest downhill tracks, massive bikepark jumps, or heavy freeride lines and need to be certain your steering can handle anything? The Dartmoor Thunder Direct direct mount stem is built specifically for dual-crown downhill forks where mistakes aren't an option. Crafted from premium aircraft-grade ALU 7075 aluminum with an innovative two-piece construction and a 35 mm clamp diameter, it delivers maximum torsional stiffness, surgical steering precision, and an amazingly low weight of just 114 grams. Whether you are tuning your downhill rig for racing or building an uncompromising freeride machine, the Thunder Direct gives you absolute control over your bike in any terrain.

Key Highlights of the Dartmoor Thunder Direct Stem

• Top-tier ALU 7075 material: Fully CNC-machined from ultra-strong aluminum ensuring maximum durability on hard landings.
• Unique two-piece construction: Independent stem arms dramatically reduce weight without sacrificing structural strength.
• Featherweight at just 114 g: One of the lightest direct mount stems on the market that won't add unnecessary weight to your front end.
• Direct Mount attachment: Mounts directly to the upper crown of downhill forks for instant responsiveness and uncompromising stiffness.
• Modern 35 mm standard: Designed for 35 mm diameter handlebars for even greater cockpit stability.

Aircraft-Grade ALU 7075 Aluminum and Precision CNC Machining

During high-speed downhill runs and huge jumps, the cockpit takes an extreme beating. That is why Dartmoor chose an uncompromising material for the Thunder Direct stem – AL-7075 aluminum alloy. This material boasts exceptional tensile strength and fatigue resistance, allowing it to withstand the hardest bottom-outs and off-line landings. The entire stem is precision CNC-machined from a single block of metal, eliminating any weak spots. The result is a component you can 100% rely on when blasting through roots and rocks at high speed, knowing your handlebars will stay exactly where they belong.

Innovative 2-Piece Design for Instant Response and Low Weight

Dartmoor engineers designed the Thunder Direct with both brutalist aesthetics and maximum functionality in mind. The two-piece concept with independent arms holds the handlebars rock-solid while removing excess material where it isn't needed. The resulting weight of 114 g pushes the boundaries of how light a direct mount stem can be. With a 45 mm extension (length) and a low base height (38 mm stack height), you get your cockpit into the ideal aggressive position. This gives you instant feedback from the front wheel, better front-tire traction in turns, and absolute confidence handling the bike in mid-air or through technical sections.

Direct Mount to Dual-Crown Forks and 35 mm Standard

The Dartmoor Thunder Direct is fully compatible with all modern dual-crown downhill forks using standardized Direct Mount bolt patterns (such as Fox 40, RockShox Boxxer, Marzocchi 58, and more). Thanks to the 35 mm handlebar clamp diameter, it forms an extraordinarily rigid unit with modern downhill handlebars that won't flex even under the harshest bikepark abuse. If you are looking for a component that combines brutal looks, race performance, and long-lasting durability, the Thunder Direct is the ultimate choice for your DH or freeride rig.

Technical Specifications

Parameter / Component	Value / Specification
Material	AL-7075 Aluminum alloy (Fully CNC-machined)
Handlebar diameter (Bar bore)	35 mm
Length / Extension	45 mm
Stack height	38 mm
Weight	114 g
Mount type	Direct Mount (Direct mounting to upper crown of downhill fork)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which forks can the Dartmoor Thunder Direct stem be mounted on?

The stem uses the standard Direct Mount mounting pattern for dual-crown downhill forks. It is compatible with most popular downhill forks on the market, such as RockShox Boxxer, Fox 40, Marzocchi 58, and others. It is not intended for standard single-crown enduro or trail forks with a steerer tube.

Can I use this stem with 31.8 mm diameter handlebars?

The Dartmoor Thunder Direct stem is engineered specifically for modern 35 mm diameter handlebars, which provide maximum stiffness. To use it with 31.8 mm handlebars, reduction shims would be required; however, to maintain maximum safety and uncompromising rigidity, we recommend pairing the stem directly with 35 mm diameter handlebars.