BURGTEC DIRECT MOUNT MK3 STEM REVIEW

SIMPLY STUNNING

Words by Robert Johnston  |  Photos by Finlay Anderson

February 21, 2025

Burgtec has been manufacturing products like the Direct Mount MK3 Stem since back in 2004, always offering the most aggressive riders with components that inspire confidence. We’ve been putting the miles on the Burgtec Direct Mount MK3 for the last year to see how it stacks up, and the only attention it has demanded is checking out its appealing visuals.

ABOUT THE BURGTEC DM MK3

In its third iteration, Burgtec’s DM direct mount stem is a tried and tested piece of kit. Fully CNC’ed and available in 45 mm, 50mm and 60mm reach, the stem fits Rockshox Boxxer, Fox 40, or any other forks that use the typical IS direct mounts for dual crown forks. The clamps sit 65mm apart at their widest.

The Burgtec Direct Mount MK3 is available in both 31.8mm and 35mm clamp diameters and comes with steel bolt hardware as standard. As we’ve come to expect from Burgtec, there are nine eye-catching colors to choose from. The DM MK3 costs £109.

THE DIRT

I fitted Burgtec’s Direct Mount MK3 to my Starling Mega Murmur 2024 long term test rig, which was equipped with Formula’s Dual Crown enduro fork, the Belva. I’m a firm believer that the improved connection between a direct mount stem and upper crown of a dual crown fork leads to increased control when pushing a bike hard. Compared with a conventional single crown fork and stem setup, removing the element of “tilt” flex from the stem is a notable benefit. A good direct mount stem only serves to ensure that these benefits are delivered. I selected the 45mm reach with a 35mm handlebar clamp, in the beautiful Rhodium Silver anodized colorway.

It took me until I wrote this article to learn that the Burgtec Direct Mount MK3 stem’s faceplate clamping width exceeds the allowable on the Race Face ERA Carbon bars I had been using for the past year. No harm was done, but the moral of the story is to be sure to check and ensure your desired handlebar isn’t going to fail as a result of the wider clamping distance.

Once mounted up, the Burgtec Direct Mount MK3 stem held onto the bars without a single complaint for the entirety of the year. I periodically checked the bolt torque since I value my teeth, and not once throughout testing was there any evidence of the bolts loosening. The Burgtec Direct Mount simply went about its job with zero complaints or perceivable flex, and looked great in this raw finish while doing it. It’s not a heavy bit of kit; the price is in line with the competition, and you just get the impression that it’s going to stand up to more abuse than any mortal could muster.

The Wolf’s Last Word

Solid and sexy, the Burgtec Direct Mount MK3 stem is a stellar option for bolting your handlebars to a dual crown fork. The question is, which colour are you going to choose?

Price: £109
Website: Burgtec.co.uk

ABOUT THE WOLF

Robert’s habitat is the Tweed Valley, Scotland, which is renowned for its root-littered enduro mountain bike trails. Robert has been developing his bike handling skills for the last 16 years. Since he was a pup, he’s been riding everything from BMX through to enduro and downhill bikes. Combining a playful style with occasional speed-focused aggression, he favors supportive bikes, and does his best to push them hard.

Rank: European Tech Editor
Size: 6’2” / 189cm | 220lbs / 100kg
Social: @robert_johnston

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