If you have recently been into your local bike shop, you may have been stunned at the number of bike stems there were - I was! Why so much choice? What makes the best mountain bike stems better than the rest?
A mountain bike stem is nearly the most important part of a mountain bike and it's something that is overlooked by many. The stem can change the way your bike responds, from razor-sharp steering to altering the stiffness, perfect to suit your needs.
So where should you start if you're considering a new mountain bike stem?
Stem length is a great place to start, it will have the most impact. However, there are plenty of other considerations; stem rise, clamp diameter, material, and the design.
With so much to look at and consider, let's jump right in!
What Are Mountain Bike Stems?
Put plainly, a stem is what connects the handlebars on a bike to the steerer tube fork.
You may have heard it referred to as a "gooseneck" (if you look at one for long enough, you might be able to see the resemblance).
Having the right stem can turn your MTB into the best mountain bike you've ever owned - seriously!
The best mountain bike stems can save weight, making your bike easy to handle.
Depending on the type of riding you do, will impact what you think the best mountain bike stem is but choosing the right one can give you so much more control over your bike. This can really change the whole experience!
From how you sit, to how many watts you're pushing through the pedals, this list goes on!
Not only that, they give you the chance to add a bit of character to your bike. Have you seen the array of colors you can choose from?! It's almost endless!
1. Types of Mountain Bike Stems
There are two main types of mountain bike stems; "threadless" and "quill".
What are the main difference, advantages, and disadvantages? Let's take a look!
Quill Stems
The Quill stem system was in existence before threadless was.
The stem will be inserted into the steerer tube. This will be threaded and will not extend above the headset.
Advantages of Quill Stems
Threadless Stems
Threadless mountain bike stems are the newer of the two styles. They have become increasingly popular and have overtaken quill stems as the industry standard.
Rather than the stem going into the steerer tube, with a threadless stem, it will go around. It will also extend above the headset. You will find that threadless MTB stems are often available in lengths of up to around 130mm.
If you have a threaded fork but would like to use a threadless stem, this may still be an option available to you! There are adaptors available that allow threadless bike stems to be fitted with threaded forks.
Advantages of Threadless Stems
Which type you will need will depend on the headset and fork that is on your mountain bike.
When you have determined the style of headset you need then it's time to consider steerer tube diameter and handlebar diameter.
2. Stem Length
One of the first considerations when buying a new bike stem is the length.
The overall fit of your bike can feel different by changing the stem length. It can turn an uncomfortable ride into something really quite sweet!
A change in the stem can alter the way your mountain bike handles, almost more than any other bike part so please don't underestimate a stem's importance!
A short mountain bike stem will give you greater handling capabilities. You will be able to turn your mountain bike more quickly, making you more agile. Absolutely perfect for those speedy descents.
With a shorter bike stem, you will find that your weight is shifted backward slightly. When you're hurtling down a hill, you will be grateful for this as it will stop you from going over the handlebars!
Downhill riders: 40-50mm range
Trail and enduro riders: 50-80mm range
Ideal For: Enduro, Trail and Downhill
For those who love heading up, steeper climbs may want to opt for a longer stem. Longer stems mean that your bodyweight goes towards the front of the bike, allowing you to apply more pressure down through to the pedals. Getting you up those climbs with ease!
X Country riders: 80 - 120 mm range
Ideal For: Cross country
While the trend at the moment seems to be for stems to be longer, giving you slacker steering, it isn't always the best option. Consider what style of riding suits you and you'll get the best out of your mountain bike!
To be honest for the majority of people a shorter stem is more suitable to the style of riding they do.
As a rough guide, the more aggressive you want your bike to be, the shorter the stem should be.
3. Clamp Diameter
There are only really two different choices when it comes to the clamp diameter on a mountain bike:
35mm or 31.5mm.
If your mountain bike is relatively new, it is likely to have a 35mm clamp. This appears to be where the MTB world is headed.
Having said that, 31.5mm is still very popular.
Both clamp diameters come with tradeoffs - but when can you have your cake and eat it?
A 35mm clamp will give you more stiffness and an increase in durability. With this extra width, can come extra weight. Though this is changing and some 35mm clamps are lighter than 31.5mm - yet remaining more durable!
In some cases, you may find that your older mountain bike may come with a 25.4mm clamp - though they're fairly rare these days. When it comes to changing this type of stem, you will need to change your handlebars too.
At the end of the day, which clamp diameter is right for you, comes ultimately down to your preference and works best for you but it never hurts to do a bit of research!
Which Mountain Bike Stem is Right for Me?
This will depend on the type of riding you want to:
If cross country is your thing then a longer stem in the 80 - 120 mm range should be ideal for you.
For the downhill riders among you, you will want to have maximum control so a short stem is preferable. Something in the 40 - 50 mm range will work well.
Those a fan of hitting the trails and enduro riders will find that a stem in the 50 - 80mm range a blast.
Buyers Guide: How to Choose the Right Mountain Bike Stem
There can be lots of different aspects when it comes to choosing the best mountain bike stem for your bike so let's narrow it down!
1. Material
A large proportion of mountain bike stems on the market today are made from aluminum for carbon fiber.
The eagle-eyed among you might spot a stem that is constructed from alloy but wrapped in carbon fiber. This can add extra comfort and look a little nicer but will be less expensive than an outright carbon fiber model - make sense, right?
Alloy Stems
These are usually more affordable when compared to their carbon fiber counterparts. However, some of the high-quality alloy stems are actually more responsive than carbon fiber models so it definitely pays to do your research!
Carbon Fiber
Carbon fiber's selling point is that they tend to be lighter and more comfortable on a mountain bike. It works as a fantastic vibration dampener, this helps provide extra comfort to the rider so it's really something worth bearing in mind when looking at your next bike stem.
2. Stem Rise/Drop
The rise is the angle that the stem makes relative to the fork.
This is less of a consideration for short stems as the distance to travel is less.
With a longer stem, this has to be considered more as the bars can be shifted up or down more.
3. Adjustability
Some of the best mountain bike stems can be adjusted so you're never fixed to one angle.
This is a great option for riders who change what type of riding they like to do.
Changing the angle can transform your ride and reach - ultimately your comfort so having the option to change it around can be really helpful.
4. Handlebar Width
The width of your handlebars will vary based on the type of riding you do. The range is between 680mm - 800 mm wide.
The 5 Best Mountain Bike Stems
1. Funn Crossfire
If you're looking for a high-quality lightweight stem, then the Funn Crossfire MTB stem could be the ideal stem for you! The Funn mission is "to help riders have more fun" and they certainly know how to do that!
The Crossfire stem was built in collaboration with Funns' elite enduro racers so for anybody looking for the perfect enduro stem, this one has been designed with you in mind!
Due to the material it has been forged from, these mountain bike stems are strong but they're also light.
Providing the best blend of stiffness, comfort, and super-precise steering, the clamp area is nice and wide.
Funn is all about giving you the very best mountain bike stems. The production quality is fantastic, with full CNC-machined alloy products.
All the complex stuff is taken care of by them. You can out your best race face on and have fun!
Pros
Cons
2. Fomtor Stem
If you're looking for a comfortable ride then the Fomtor stem is one of the best mountain bike stems you could choose.
This bike stem is designed to bring you extra comfort. With lots of flexibility, it comes close to providing you with that adjustable bike stem feel but the security of a solid stem - what more could you want!?
The Fomtor stems are not only suitable for mountain bikes but can also bit fitted to road bikes.
The best MTB stems should be quality and this one certainly is. With high-strength CNC machined 6061 T6 aluminum alloy you can be sure of a safe ride, no matter how quickly you're tearing down those hills.
Pros
Cons
Ideal for riders who want a short stem. This threadless stem is crafted from alloy material, meaning that it's lightweight but strong - exactly what you want!
To save time when installing, this stem comes with all the tools needed to install it and it's very easy.
SLHYA understands that not all mountain bikes are the same and color is needed so they offer a great range of color choices. Always keeping you looking your best!
Pros
Cons
This stem from Race Face not only looks the part, it plays the part.
It isn't the lightest stem on the market but it's sure to keep you safe as the alloy is forged and blasted. This thing will last for years!
Designed to be extra robust, there is a bar clamp to ensure the bars are held securely. Not stopping there, Race Face has included a faceplate to eliminate the stress that can cause your bars to bend or break.
If you're looking for a sturdy stem, then Race Face has some of the best mountain bike stems around and you can't go wrong with this one.
Pros
Cons
Anybody who is looking for one of the best mountain bike stems on the market today, need look no further than the Triwonder.
This high-quality, durable stem is made from alloy and can be easily installed to have you up and running in no time.
Set your angle and tighten the bolts - it's really that easy!
The great thing about this stem is that it's adjustable up to 60 degrees, offering tons of flexibility making it a great choice for many.
Pros
Cons
Final Thoughts - Which Stem is Best?
Weighing up all the factors for the best mountain bike stems, it has to go to Race Face Chester.
It is there to do a job and it does it so well.
You feel safe when the Race Face is fitted. The bar clamp keeps everything in place.
Even though there is only one color, they somehow manage to make black seem stylish and attractive.
Bravo!
Common Questions & Answers
1. How do I choose a mountain bike stem?
There can be lots of considerations when it comes to choosing the right MTB stem. Helpfully you can take a look at our Buyers' Guide: what to consider when buying a mountain bike stem.
That can be found just above!
2. What does a shorter stem do on an MTB?
Mountain bikes with a shorter stem are perfect for enduro and downhill riders as it provides them with additional control over the handling.
3. What is the shortest MTB stem?
Even though shorter ones are available, 25mm is thought to be the shortest stem that is still effective.
4. Will any stem fit any bike?
Near enough but not quite! There's about a 95% chance any stem will fit. Handlebars are usually the same width as are the steering forks so a stem is likely to fit.
The complications come when they aren't the same but this is fairly rare.
5. How are bike stems measured?
Easily!
- Find the headset (this is the top of the steering head that holds the steering column).
- Measure from the center of your handlebars to the center of the headset
- Measure from the center of the headset to the center of your handlebars.
Job done!
That's it, that's our guide to the best mountain bike stems in all their glory! What will your next MTB adventure be?