Either way I'm not sure what the point of buying a cheap Ti stem is. If you don't want to spend lots on a stem there are tonnes of alu ones from large reputable manufacturers. If you want a Ti stem, surely a big part of it is the tart factor (perfectly legitimate). In which case why would you want a cheap no-name one rather than a bling branded one?
It's for a steel frame bike so forged alu ones look too chubby compared to the frame. I have a nitto fillet brazed steel one which is a bit more svelte but it's quite heavy. Hence looking for a Ti one. Would also match the seatpost.
Maybe I should have said "ime".
Either way I'm not sure what the point of buying a cheap Ti stem is. If you don't want to spend lots on a stem there are tonnes of alu ones from large reputable manufacturers. If you want a Ti stem, surely a big part of it is the tart factor (perfectly legitimate). In which case why would you want a cheap no-name one rather than a bling branded one?
All that said I'm currently using a Ti stem.