Comments about Easton EA90 Stem 2013:

I bought a white EA90 stem with 0 degree rise for one of my road bikes to upgrade from the OE stem that was a bit too short. I chose white since my frame is white and thought it would look good together. Easton products always have that "bling" quality to me, from their wheels to their stems. It's the bold lettering. So the stem looks great on the bike.

Functionally, the stem works great. Easy install, carbon bar friendly, light and sturdy. No creaks, or bending when pumping hard on the bars.

My issue is with the look of the white bar. The finish is dull, which is fine, but that matte finish also stains easily. There are a few spots here and there when my greasy fingers touch it, leaving light gray marks. Not too bad, just noticeable. I had my Garmin Edge mounted on the stem using the supplied mount (plastic mount with rubber bands). When I put on a different mount, the other mount left a strange tan mark on the stem. Mind you the mount is black. The mark is a stain, won't come off with soap, goo gone, anything. Why the white stem stains like that from the mount baffles me. It's an eye sore, takes away from the looks a bit, but the function is fine. I ended up using white touch up paint to cover. I mentioned that it's a zero degree since the labeling is only running one direction, so it's not like I can flip the stem to get the mark facing the ground. I could, but then the label is up side down.

Overall I give it three stars. Would have been four since it's not head and shoulders better then other stems out there, but the staining on the white bar is a concern. Go classic, go black if you buy this solid stem.