Should I buy a Vecnum Freeqence Stem?

Vecnum freeQENCE: Is This the Ultimate Gravel Upgrade?

If you’ve been scrolling through gravel forums or watching ultra-endurance racing lately, you’ve likely seen a strangely "chunky" looking stem popping up on high-end builds. That’s the Vecnum freeQENCE, a German-engineered suspension stem that claims to absorb up to 75% of vibrations.

But in a world of carbon forks and high-volume tires, do you really need 30mm of "squish" in your cockpit? Let’s dive into why this piece of kit is currently the gold standard for long-distance comfort.

The Tech: Parallelogram vs. Single Pivot

Most suspension stems on the market (like the Redshift ShockStop) use a single-pivot design. While effective, they have a "diving" sensation—as the stem compresses, your handlebars tilt forward, slightly changing your hand angle.

The Vecnum freeQENCE uses a sophisticated four-bar parallelogram linkage.

• The Benefit: Your handlebars move vertically without tilting. Whether you are in the drops, on the hoods, or on the tops, the geometry of your cockpit stays perfectly neutral.

• The "Sag": Much like a mountain bike fork, it features 30mm of total travel, split into 20mm of positive (downward) and 10mm of negative (upward) travel. This "sag" ensures the stem doesn't "top out" harshly when you hit a dip.

Available at ProjektRide Bike Shop in Edinburgh 

Why It’s Different (and Why It Costs More)

At roughly £300 / €299, the Vecnum is a serious investment. Here is what you’re paying for:

1. On-the-Fly Tuning: Unlike other stems that require you to take everything apart to swap internal elastomers, the Vecnum is adjusted via a single 3mm bolt on the side. You can stiffen it up for a smooth tarmac section or soften it for chunky gravel in seconds.

2. No "Nodding" Sensation: Because of the parallelogram design, the bike feels remarkably stable during out-of-the-saddle sprints. It doesn’t feel like a "pogo stick"; it feels like a dampener.

3. Build Quality: It is designed and manufactured in the Allgäu region of Germany. The fit and finish are top-tier, featuring self-lubricating bearings designed to last the life of the stem without servicing.

Is It Right For You?

The freeQENCE isn't just for "old" riders with sore wrists. It’s a performance tool for:

• Ultra-Endurance: Reducing "chatter" significantly delays hand and arm fatigue over 100+ mile rides.

• Bikepacking: When your front end is loaded with gear, the extra damping saves your nerves (and your GPS mount) from constant rattling.

• Rigid MTBs/Gravel: It allows you to run higher tire pressures for speed while maintaining the comfort of a much wider tire.