How was Potencia STS born? What problem or need pushed you to innovate in bicycle handlebar stems?
Potencia STS was born from a problem I encountered when I bought my mountain bike in 2022. The bike was my size, but it had very long proportions, which made it quite difficult for me to maneuver. So I started testing different stems (the component that connects the handlebar to the fork) in various commercial sizes to try to shorten the distance between the handlebar and my chest.
As I used shorter stems, the riding feel improved. When I reached the shortest commercially available size without achieving the control I wanted, I began designing—together with teachers from Mendizabala Institute—a stem concept that shortened the distance even further.
Where does the name Potencia STS come from?
The name Potencia STS is divided into two parts. The first part, “Potencia” (stem), defines the type of product it is. The second part is an acronym that explains the first: “STS” stands for Short Travel Stem.
What exactly does Potencia STS offer, and how is it different from other solutions on the market?
Potencia STS offers an additional level of control and traction. By having the handlebar closer to the body, the elbows remain slightly bent, allowing directional changes to be made with less effort.
Another consequence of having the handlebar closer is that the arms can extend and retract more easily, which is especially useful for adapting more comfortably and quickly to very uneven terrain.
Additionally, unlike other commercial stems, the handlebar clamp is positioned vertically rather than horizontally relative to the fork axis. This reduces the effort required when pulling on the handlebar, making actions like jumping easier.
Another key differentiating factor is safety. Thanks to the aerospace-grade aluminum (Al 7075) and its design, the safety level is significantly higher compared to other stems on the market—an important point for riders who require greater reliability.
What has it been like to patent your idea at 20 years old?
It has been a very interesting and enriching process. Patenting the idea has made me study the world of industrial property from the inside and understand how utility models, patents, and industrial designs work.
Starting with a patent has also encouraged me to explore other forms of protection, such as trademarks. So far, I’ve learned—and continue to learn—a lot, but it’s clear to me that this is a field where you need to stay constantly informed and be consistent.
Has it been easy to develop your invention while studying? What challenges have you faced?
The beginning wasn’t easy. I had to balance working, studying, and developing my project. One of the first major barriers was building a prototype in a sector I didn’t know—that was the initial challenge.
To this day, one of the biggest challenges has been achieving a viable first prototype ready for use. After going through seven prototypes over two years, using different manufacturing methods, investing many hours in design, simulations, and safety testing, I finally developed a stem that is safe to use.
Another challenge was adapting to the entrepreneurial environment—understanding what I wanted to do and following the right steps to get there. However, I must admit that nowadays there are more and more programs and communities that make this path easier.
What are the next steps or goals for Potencia STS in the coming months? How do you see the project in 5 years?
In the short term, the main milestones are: defining the type of company to commercialize the product, designing the website, continuing to gather user feedback to refine the product, and obtaining patent approval in France to expand into that market in the future.
Looking ahead, I would like the project to have a strong presence in the national market and be able to compete with other brands. I’d also like it to perform well enough to allow me to develop other products I have in mind.
Additionally, I aim to expand into other European markets such as France and Germany, where there is a strong target audience. (The patent has already been granted in Germany, and France is still pending.)
What advice would you give to those who are just starting out?
The best advice I can give is one that was given to me early on and stuck with me: “Don’t rush it or do things lightly.”
Especially in the early stages, you need to take great care with each step. Every phase takes time, and trying to cut corners can end up being very costly. In the end, building on shaky foundations leads to failure.
Quick questions
A movie or book about entrepreneurship you recommend?
I recently watched The Pursuit of Happyness starring Will Smith, and I think it reflects very well the perseverance needed to achieve your goals.
A phrase that reflects your work philosophy
Be unique to offer something unique.
If you could meet any historical figure, who would it be?
Roman Arnold.
If you could go back in time, would you start again?
Without a doubt.
