BRAND HIGHLIGHT: COPPERHEAD STEM

Let’s start with what we feel is one of the gems of the new Deity range. The Copperhead stem is CNC machined from a solid block of 6061 T6 aluminium and is available in seven anodized colours with laser etched graphics. With smooth edges and a highly polished finish this stubby stem is a looker.

It’s not just the striking visuals that grabbed us though. Check the dimensions – with 35mm, 50mm and 65mm lengths available, Deity choose the standard 31.8mm bar clamp for this new stem and we’re cool with that, it’s a size that most are happy with on a trail bike. We believe they have a 35mm clamp size in the pipeline though. What is neat is the low ‘stack height’ of this stem – at 30mm (10mm lower than most stems) this is useful to get the height down on a longer travel bike, especially a 29er. Combined with the broad 55mm face plate this should give a stiff and purposeful feel – even with a wide 800mm bar. The Copperhead takes design cues we see in Hope, Syntace and Easton (their Havoc stem) and rolls them all into one. At a listed weight of 135g (our sample weighed in at 142g) this is comparable to the Hope AM stem and Deity’s testing assures us that strength and longevity is not compromised. Will this be our new benchmark in trail/enduro stems?

PRICE: $99

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RETINA I-BEAM SEATPOST

If you’re looking for areas to drop weight from a DH bike then an I-Beam seatpost is one way to go. A system designed by saddle brand SDG, this post and seat combo does away with the twin rails. A central beam adds strength (no rails to bend), gives a great range of adjustment and reduces weight. The long beam doesn’t flex but you’re not sitting down much on a gravity-biased bike. With a measured weight of 243g for our 31.6mm sample, the Retina post is strong, light and keeps things simple. Combine this with Deity’s Sidetrack saddle for a pro set up. Black with a choice of three common post diameters.

PRICE: $69

[monetizer101 search=’Deity Retina’]

SIDETRACK I-BEAM SADDLE

At 162g, our Sidetrack test saddle is incredibly light yet feels very well made. Used with Deity’s Retina seatpost this adds up to a 405g set up and it sits low thanks to the I-Fly 2.0 saddle base. The slim shape doesn’t hamper rearward movement, yet there is a touch of comfort from the quality EVA foam padding. A tough synthetic cover uses high gloss graphics to give you added grip in mucky conditions and has Kevlar corners for increased durability. A well designed and constructed saddle that should withstand plenty of action. Black with a choice of colours to match the Deity range.

PRICE: $79

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BLACK KAT PEDALS

Deity’s Black Kat Pedals are ‘the perfect blend of weight, size, performance, feel, and the durability’. Well, those are their words and as it’s some time since we put our feet on a pair of flatties from this brand, we’re keen to see if they live up to this claim. Our sample pair weighed in at 416g – similar to a pair of DMR Vaults. A slim, concave platform, measuring 100mmx100mm has traction grooves to help clear mud in filthy conditions. The Black Kats have eight ‘thru pins’ on each side – a lower count than on many pedals – but without an ‘inner bearing bulge’ to compromise foot placement we see no issues with their shape or size. We’ll be giving these pedals a good punishing – how will they compare to our Dirt 100 pedal choices?

PRICE: $114

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