14 best bike stems
Bike stems are a critical component of a bicycle's steering system, connecting the handlebars to the fork steerer tube and allowing the rider to control the direction of the bike. They play a crucial role in determining the rider's riding position and comfort. Here are some important aspects of bike stems:
Function: Bike stems serve several functions, including:
Handlebar Attachment: Stems connect the handlebars to the fork steerer tube, allowing the rider to steer the bike.
Rider Position: Stems can affect the rider's position on the bike.They determine the reach (horizontal distance) and height (vertical distance) of the handlebars relative to the saddle.
Control and Handling: The length and angle of the stem can impact the bike's handling characteristics. Longer stems generally provide more stability, while shorter stems offer quicker, more responsive steering.
Types of Stems:
Quill Stems: These older-style stems have a quill that inserts into the steerer tube and secures with a wedge bolt. They are commonly found on vintage and classic bikes.
Threadless Stems: Threadless stems have become the standard on modern bikes. They consist of a stem that clamps onto the outside of the fork steerer tube using a stack of spacers and a top cap. They are known for their ease of adjustment and compatibility with a wide range of handlebars.
Stem Length: Stem length is measured in millimeters and affects the bike's reach. Longer stems extend the rider forward, potentially making the riding position more stretched out. Shorter stems bring the rider closer to the handlebars.
Stem Angle: Stem angle, often referred to as rise or drop, determines the height of the handlebars relative to the fork steerer tube. Positive angles (rise) raise the handlebars, while negative angles (drop) lower them.
Material: Stems are typically made from aluminum alloy, carbon fiber, or steel. Carbon fiber stems are lightweight and offer some vibration damping, while aluminum is a common choice for its balance of strength and weight.
Clamp Diameter: Stems have a clamp diameter that corresponds to the diameter of the handlebars they can accommodate. Common sizes are 31.8mm and 25.4mm.
Compatibility: When replacing or upgrading a stem, it's important to ensure compatibility with the fork steerer tube diameter, handlebar clamp diameter, and desired riding position.
Installation: Proper installation of a bike stem is essential for rider safety. The stem must be securely clamped to the steerer tube and handlebars. It's recommended to have a professional mechanic perform stem installation if you're unsure about the process.
In summary, bike stems are vital components that influence a rider's position, comfort, and bike handling characteristics. Choosing the right stem involves considering factors like length, angle, material, and compatibility to ensure a comfortable and safe riding experience.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best bike stems on the market- Handlebar diameter 31.8mm (1.25''), front fork stem diameter 28.6mm (1-1/8"), Length: 70mm (center distance of the two holes)
- Angle: +/- 35 degree.help to up or down the heigth of handlebar.
- Light weight and durable. Weight.140g(0.3lb)
- Constructed of high-strength CNC machined 6061 T6 aluminum alloy.
- Suitable for most road bike, mountain bikes, track bike, MTB, BMX, DH, etc.
User questions & answers
Question: | I dont get it why the 70mm selection shows two stems in the picture. Why is that |
Answer: | The height on steering tube is 40mm. |
Question: | why is the printing of the size upside down in the picture |
Answer: | If you measured correctly, absolutely not. These stems are for a 31.8mm diameter handlebar. However... That sounds wrong. Those measurements would be a diameter that's bigger than most people's wrists. I think you measured circumference and not diameter. Circumference is the measurement around the outside of a circle, diameter is the cross section straight across through the middle. 3 1/8th inches for a diameter of handlebars is insanely huge, and I've never seen anything remotely close to that big. |
Question: | What is height that fits over steering tube |
Answer: | Hello, The P650MB car radio should fit your 2007 Nissan Pathfinder. However, you may need three aftermarket accessories to complete your installation: · Dash kit · Wire harness (Connects car wiring to stereo wiring) · Antenna adapter Metra, PAC, and Scosche are three brands that offer these products on Amazon. You can find the correct aftermarket accessories by searching the year, make, and model of your vehicle. Thank you! |
Question: | My handlebars has a 3.125 or 79.38 diameter. Will this work |
Answer: | Hello, The P650MB is not a good fit. Instead, we offer a P9759B that should fit your 2000 Toyota Camry. However, you may need three aftermarket accessories to complete your installation: · Dash kit · Wire harness (Connects car wiring to stereo wiring) · Antenna adapter Metra, PAC, and Scosche are three brands that offer these products on Amazon. You can find the correct aftermarket accessories by searching the year, make, and model of your vehicle. Thank you! |
Product features
FOMTOR 35 degree stem
Fit for Handlebar diameter 31.8mm (1.25'')( 25mm Handlebar is not suitable), front fork stem diameter 28.6mm (1-1/8")
What type of bike is suitable for?
Suitable for most road bike, mountain bikes, track bike, MTB, BMX, etc.
For Road Bikes
For Mountain Bikes
For more other bikes
Product description
Specification:
Material: 6061 Aluminium Alloy
Color: Black
Weight: 300g
Fit for Handlebar diameter: 31.8mm (1.25'')
Front fork stem diameter: 28.6mm (1-1/8")
Adjustable angle: 0° ~ 90°
Maximum height extension: 130mm
Length: 80mm (center distance of the handlebar hole and Bolt)
Note:
1.This stem only fit for 31.8mm (1.25'') handlebars, do not fit for 1" or other size handlebars.please measure your handlebar diameter before you buy it.
2.Please make sure your brake cable and shift cable are long enough before install this adjustble stem to your bike.
Features:
Allows Handlebars to be raised for a more comfortable ride.
Easy to install.just connect up the original front fork stem. Two bolt bar clamp holds bar securely in position.
Suitable for mountain bike, road bike, MTB, BMX etc.
Constructed of high-strength CNC machined 6061 T6 aluminum alloy.
Package:
1 x 0~90 Degree 31.8 Adjustable stem (Comes with srews)
- Fit for Handlebar diameter 31.8mm (1.25''), front fork stem diameter 28.6mm (1-1/8"), Length: 80mm (center distance of the handlebar hole and Bolt)
- Adjustable angle: 0°~ 90°.Maximum height extension 140mm.Help to make your bike very comfortable to ride.
- Constructed of high-strength CNC machined 6061 T6 aluminum alloy.strong and durable.Weight:305g.
- Suitable for Most of Mountain bike, Road bike, MTB, BMX etc..Please measure your handlebar diameter before you buy this adjustable stem.
- Easy to install.just connect up the original front fork stem. Two bolt bar clamp holds bar securely in position.
User questions & answers
Question: | Will this fit trek fx |
Answer: | This stem can be used either "UP" to raise the handle bars, or "DOWN" to lower them. The "PRINTING" is going to be up-side down in one of the positions. |
Product description
Feature:
Handlebar center diameter: 31.8mm (1-1/4")
Stereer tube diameter: 28.6mm (1-1/8")
Length: 45mm
Weight: 130g
Size: 31.8*28.6*45mm
Color: Black Blue Gold Red
Style: high intensity stem
Material: Aluminum alloy AL6061 T6
Package Include:
1* Bike Stem
- Handlebar diameter: 31.8mm (1-1/4"), Stereer Tube diameter: 28.6mm (1-1/8"), Length: 45mm (center distance of the two holes), Weight: 130g
- Universal short handle bar stem suitable for most road bike, fixed gear bicycle, mountain bikes, downhill bike, track bike, MTB, BMX, DH, etc.
- Constructed of high-strength CNC machined 6061 T6 aluminum alloy.
- Easy installation, just connect up the original front fork stem. Four bolt bar clamp holds bar securely in position
- Suitable for modified, DIY, upgrade the bike. Downhill, Chongshan, climbing, with them very comfortable.
User questions & answers
Question: | What is the torque needed to tighten this stem |
Answer: | no |
Question: | Does this fit a Giant Canyon |
Answer: | The part is attractive in its design. The fork-neck clamp will grip a 1 1/8" dia standard fork tube, nice & tight HOWEVER, the "handlebar grip-clamp" is for the larger dia style handlebar center "buldge" (for lack of a better term) to describe that center-lump on more common handlebar types. I wanted to use the WAKE piece to secure my "ape hanger" style Hi handlebars to my 30" triple-tree style fork, but alas it didn't fit my handlebars b-kuz the grip lump is too small on my handlebar. That's the BEST answer i can give, since I've NO idea what a sorento is!!! |
Question: | Does this fit a dugan fit bike co frame |
Answer: | It should. It fits my Trek FX bike well. |
Question: | Will this fit a dimondback sorento |
Answer: | The short one is 70mm stem, the long one is 110mm stem.the reason why we shows two stems is for comparison. |
Product description
Feature:
Handlebar center diameter: 31.8mm (1-1/4")
Stereer tube diameter: 28.6mm (1-1/8")
Degree: 17°
Length: 70mm / 90mm / 110mm
Weight: 130g / 130g / 150g
Size: 31.8*28.6*70mm / 31.8*28.6*90mm / 31.8*28.6*110mm
Style: high intensity stem
Material: Aluminum alloy AL6061 T6
Package Include:
1* Bike Stem
- Stereer Tube diameter: 28.6mm (1-1/8"), Handlebar Diameter: 31.8mm (1-1/4"), Length: 70mm, Weight: 130g, Degree: 17°
- Hollow design, Light weight.
- Four bolt bar clamp holds bar securely in position.
- Easy installation, just connect up the original front fork stem.
- Universal short handle bar stem suitable for most road bike, fixed gear bicycle, mountain bikes, etc
User questions & answers
Question: | My Trek bike has 31.8 handbar but the other side is 5.2nm.. what does that equate to. will this product work |
Answer: | It's more of an oval. Width 33mm x height 37.66mm |
Question: | What does 70 90 110mm refer to? My stem is 28.5mm, handle bar is 25mm |
Answer: | 40mm |
Question: | What is the outside diameter of tube |
Answer: | Not specified by the mfgr, but similar screws on my Renthal stem require 5Nm. I wouldn't tighten these screws any more than that, maybe 4Nm. |
Question: | What is the stack height? No one has given a correct answer yet for this |
Answer: | It depends on the diameter of the fork stem. Usually, the sizes are standard in the middle or high gamma. |
- The Ritchey 4-Axis Adjustable stem features a 3D-net shaped forged shaft, interconnected with a precision broached clamp to create a strong, lightweight and secure stem
- Stem angle is adjustable +/- 55 degrees to obtain the optimal height and position
- Stainless steel bar and steerer clamp bolts provide exceptional durability
- Features Ritchey's BB Black finish for a sleek and modern look
User questions & answers
Question: | Do you need to back out both bolts to release the ratchet lock to make angle adjustment |
Answer: | The Ritchey 4-Axis Stem can look very different when installed, as it articulates to fit the riders position on the bike. I have been using this Stem on my SONDORS X since mid January 2019. This Stem is the most robust on the market, the locking teeth that mesh and lock the Stem at a specific angle are much larger on the Ritchey. I may put this response in the review section, so I am able to add a Photo. |
Question: | Can I add a rubber Shim if the bar doesn't fit |
Answer: | Yes. I have one on my carbon bike, and no problems. |
Question: | Does it look like the photo the customer uploaded?, if so is different then the official image |
Answer: | The 31.8 mm is the diameter of the handlebar. The 5.2 nm is the maximum torque to be used when tightening the screws that hold the handlebar in the stem. |
Question: | Will this work with a carbon handlebar |
Answer: | This refers to the 'length' of the stem. See the third photo down in the listing. This stem fits a 31.8mm diameter handlebar. If your handlebar is 25mm, you will need to select a different stem. |
Product features
Product Specifications
- For bars with 31.8 millimeter clamp diameter
- 3D net forged 6061 alloy
- Lengths: 90, 105, 120 millimeter
- Angle: +/-55-degree range of height adjust-ability
- Steerer Height: 40 millimeters
- Steerer: 1-1/8”
- Faceplate Width: 42 millimeters
- Bead Blasted black finish
- Stainless steel bar and steerer clamp bolts
- 219 gram weight (90 millimeter option)
Over 45 Years Of Design Innovation
Ritchey components are the culmination of Tom's 45 years of product and use specific design experience. Every piece of Ritchey componentry is designed with the rider's unique needs in mind so you can focus on the ride.
Over 45 Years Of Testing & Validation
Whether you're buying entry level Comp or top tier Super Logic, you can expect the same high level of performance no matter the application. Ritchey products are race proven real world design for everyday application.
Over 45 Years Of Sponsorship
Feel confident in your choice by knowing Ritchey has been the go to for world champions and weekend warriors alike for decades. No other brand has enjoyed the same success and heritage as Ritchey, and it shows in the product you now own.
Buy with Confidence
Choosing the right Ritchey component for your bike can be a big task for the uninitiated. That's why you can always reach out to Ritchey directly for a more informed opinion if you ever need to know more.
Product description
Atlas is designed to bridge the needs of AM and FR/DH riders: light enough for AM, tough enough for FR and DH, providing the ultimate in versatility.
- 6061-T6 aluminum
- Four bolt bar clamp holds bar securely in position, interlocking U-Shaped Handlebar Clamp Geometry
- Faceplate eliminates ''stress risers'' which cause your bar to bend or break
User questions & answers
Question: | Is steer stem top cap included |
Answer: | Yeah, Race Face now makes an Atlas R 35 that will fit your bars. 31.8 is the standard diameter bar size. Look for any Race Face with 35 in the title and you should be good. |
Question: | Can this stem fit a raceface handlebar Atlas, 785mm, 31.8 clamp |
Answer: | El manubrio no interfiere en la medida de la pontencia(stem). Yo compre este con un manubrio RACEFACE ATLAS y me a hido excelente. El manubrio que tienes es mucho mejor. Para All Mountain - Enduro es recomendable una potencia(Stem) corta. No te arrepentiras si llegas a comprarlo. Tener cuidado con y apretar los tornillos de acuerdo a los Nm recomendados por raceface. Saludos. |
Question: | I bought this clamp in preparation for my atlas 35 riser bar. this clamp does not fit. is there a different size |
Answer: | Yes. It’s very secure as a result. |
Question: | I bought the raceface sixC 820mm, wich size should i get |
Answer: | Not a rubber shim, but an aluminum one. Shims are specifically made to adapt bar sizes to stem clamp sizes. It’s done all the time. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=handlebar+shim+25.4+to+31.8&i=sporting&crid=1P00YNIHBYJ5O&sprefix=Handlebar+shim%2Csporting%2C168&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_4_14 |
Product description
Designed for riders wanting big hit performance at All Mountain weights. The Respond stem is engineered to offer an optimal combination of strength, stiffness, and weight at an attractive price point.
- Forged and blasted 6061 aluminum for high strength and fatigue resistance at a reasonable weight
- Four bolt bar clamp holds bar securely in position
- Interlocking U-Shaped Handlebar Clamp Geometry transferring more load through the stem body and not the bolts
User questions & answers
Question: | Stem is 6 degree x45nm . Is 10 degree will fit |
Answer: | i believe they are 4mm |
Question: | Will it fit a headshock stem |
Answer: | I picked up the Beiou Carbon MTB wide bars and yes this is a perfect stem for that purpose. When you go wide, you need to shorten up your stem...this was a perfect compliment to my upgrade. Buy with confidence. |
Question: | what size are the bolts |
Answer: | No it is not. You have to order that separately. |
Question: | Can this stem be used with Carbon Fiber handlebars |
Answer: | Yes, it sure can. Since they are both 31.8 clamp diameter they will work together just fine. |
- Fit for Handlebar diameter 25.4 mm (1'')(31.8mm is not suitable), front fork stem diameter 28.6mm (1-1/8"), Length: 60mm (center distance of the two holes)
- Angle: +/- 35 degree.help to up or down the heigth of handlebar.
- Light weight and durable. Weight.106g(0.23lb)
- Constructed of high-strength CNC machined 6061 T6 aluminum alloy.
- Suitable for most road bike, mountain bikes, track bike, MTB, BMX, DH, etc.Please be note that this stem is only suitable for 25.4mm handlebars.
User questions & answers
Question: | Will this stem work with carbon fiber handlebars |
Answer: | I'll measure it tomorrow and get back to you. Klem |
Question: | Has anyone done any real trail riding with this stem |
Answer: | Sorry... no. The one I received is fixed at 35 degrees. You can either search for the exact angle and reach you need, or find one with the adjustable neck. Adjustable stems will have a pivot point between the two clamps. |
Question: | What is the stack height of this stem |
Answer: | It fit my fuji big horn 27.5 plus bike. It is made very well, I like that it put me in a good riding position being that it is 10 mm longer than the stem that came with the bike. |
Question: | Is this an adjustible rise up to |
Answer: | This is a stem...so it won't fit on a stem. If you're asking if it will replace a headshock stem it depends on the diameter of your steerer and handlebars. |
Product features
35 Degree Stem for 25.4mm Handlebar
Fit for Handlebar diameter 25.4mm handlebar(1'') ( 31.8mm Handlebar is not suitable).
Fit for front fork stem diameter 28.6mm (1-1/8").
What type of bike is suitable for?
Suitable for most road bike, mountain bikes, track bike, MTB, BMX, etc.
Please confirm the diameter of your handlebar is 25.4mm before you buy it.
For Road Bikes
For Mountain Bikes
For more bikes
- Only Fit for Handlebar diameter 31.8mm (1.25''), front fork stem diameter 28.6mm (1-1/8"), Length: 90mm (center distance of the two holes) NOTE: Do not fit 25.mm (1") handlebar.Please confirm that your Handlebar Diameter is 31.8mm before you but it.
- Adjustable angle: 0° ~ 60°.Maximum height extension 70mm.
- Weight:269g. Constructed of high-strength CNC machined 6061 T6 aluminum alloy.strong and durable.
- Suitable for Mountain bike, Road bike, MTB, BMX etc.(1.25'' Handlebar).Do not fit 25.mm(1")handlebar.
- Easy to install.just connect up the original front fork stem. Four bolt bar clamp holds bar securely in position.
User questions & answers
Question: | After you loosen the 5 mm allan bolt how do you change the adjt |
Answer: | I’ve had a couple rides since installing this stem. You definitely sit more upright and has less pressure on my shoulders, elbows and wrists. It feels that it is a little tougher to pull the front wheel off the ground. I haven’t noticed any negatives yet. Take note that you make need to adjust your spacers. This stem was slightly slimmer than the Bontrager stem that came on my bike and I needed to add some spacing. |
Question: | I think my steerer tube is 1 inch would this work |
Answer: | Possibly. Nakto uses both threaded and threadless headsets. So if you have a threadless headset with 1 1/8 steer tube and a 31.8 mm bar it should work. |
Question: | Raising the handlebars with this device also moves them closer to the centerline of the stem: how does that affect handling |
Answer: | Yes, this stem can work with 25.4mm (1 inch) carbon handlebars. |
Question: | Will this fit a nakto |
Answer: | I used this stem for my wife’s hybrid comfort bike to shorten the reach from her stock stem. She’s been on a couple trail rides which were pretty flowy with just a couple small rock gardens, no aggressive trail riding, but it’s worked fine so far. |
Product features
FOMTOR 0~60 degree adjustable stem
Fit for Handlebar diameter 31.8mm (1.25'')( 25mm Handlebar is not suitable), front fork stem diameter 28.6mm (1-1/8")
What type of bike is suitable for?
Suitable for most road bike, mountain bikes, track bike, MTB, BMX, etc.
For Road Bikes
For Mountain Bikes
For more other bikes
- Constructed of high strength 6061 T6 aluminum alloy, the handle bar stem is light weight and durable.
- Front fork stem diameter: 28.6mm, length: 110mm (center distance of the two holes); handlebar diameter: 31.8mm.
- Angle: 0°~60°. It can help to up or down the height of handlebar for a more comfortable ride.
- The bike stem is easy to install, just connect up the original front fork tube. Four bolt bar clamp holds handlebar securely in position.
- Universal bicycle stem fits for most mountain bikes, road bike, fixed gear bicycle, BMX, MTB etc.
User questions & answers
Question: | Any sites have instructions for install and adjustments for this stem. Nothing in shipment. thanks |
Answer: | I think the top tube of the fork is standard. I would expect this to work. The handbar size is very specific. As I noted in my review, you might need additional spacers to make the right fit on the steering column. |
Product description
Gossamer Stem
- ALLOY ADVANTAGE: aluminum is forged and then CNC machined to achieve the Gossamer’s shape
- VARIATION: you have the option to run this stem at a + or – 6 degrees to suite your racing style
- STYLISH AESTHETIC: bead blasted black with lazer etched black graphics
- WARRANTY: Full Speed Ahead warrants all products to be free from defects in materials or workmanship for a period of two years after original purchase
- WARRANTY: Full Speed Ahead warrants all products to be free from defects in materials or workmanship for a period of two years after original purchase
- Handlebar diameter 31.8mm (1.25''), front fork stem diameter 28.6mm (1-1/8"), Length: 90mm (center distance of the two holes)
- Angle: +/- 17 degree.help to up or down the heigth of handlebar.
- Light weight and durable. Weight.130g(0.28lb)
- Constructed of high-strength CNC machined 6061 T6 aluminum alloy.
- Suitable for most road bike, mountain bikes, track bike, MTB, BMX, DH, etc.
User questions & answers
Question: | Does it include cap at top of fork stem |
Answer: | 40mm. |
Question: | Buen dia, la potencia es de 70mm? Gracias |
Answer: | Take the old one off and put the new one on, adjust the angle to your taste |
Question: | Stack height |
Answer: | When loose, It moves freely to any point you want. Really simple. For me, after one month, it’s awesome. Make sure to grease all bolts on unit to avoid creakage. |
Product description
The stable and strong aluminum BW Stem provides the optimum hold up front so you can concentrate on the job in hand. Suitable for 1 1/8” steerer tubes and available in 24.5 and 31.8mm sizes, three lengths (90, 105 and 120mm) and with either 10° or 35° rise you’re sure to find the stem for you so you can dial in for the ideal cockpit set up.
- STEERTUBE CLAMP SIZE - 1-1/8
- HANDLEBAR CLAMP SIZE - 31.8
- LENGTH – 80, 90, 100, 110 and 120mm options avaliable
- RISE - 7 Degrees
- MATERIAL - Aluminum Alloy
Product description
The Foil Aero stem is designed to be perfectly integrated into the Pre-2021 SCOTT FOIL bike models. The optimized design achieves the perfect balance of strength, stiffness and weight while maintaining the smoothest and cleanest design. The body is forged from strong 6061 aluminum, while the broad four-bolt face plate design better distributes stress and lowers the clamping force required to secure the handlebar. Note this is an 1 1/4 inch steerer mounting.
User questions & answers
Question: | fork Diameter |
Answer: | Nope, the frame has to be the same |
Question: | Will this fit a 2019 scott foil 10 disc, the stock stem says aero rr 1.5, the one pictured is a 1.0. what is the difference |
Answer: | No incluye tapa, viene como muestra el imagen. |
Question: | Can the original Scott foil Cap work for any other road bike with this stem |
Answer: | Nope, you have to buy the cap separately. Stems do not typically include a cap. |
Question: | El tallo viene solo como lo muestra la imagen ? El tallo trae la tapa |
Answer: | The Length of this stem is 70mm (center distance of the two holes) |
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