When choosing the elements to assemble mountain bike, you always have to look for the best, from the frame to the fork and handlebars.
But something is missing – a piece without which we cannot join the handlebars to the fork, and therefore the bike could not work. Of course, I mean the stem.
This small piece that we often underestimate is a vitally important element both in the structure and in the comfort of the bicycle.
Therefore, I have compiled everything you need to know about how to choose the best mountain bike stems, along with the best options that the market offers.
What is a mountain bike stem? A stem is a piece of steel, aluminum, or carbon that allows the bicycle fork to be attached to the handlebar.
They are usually available in different lengths to regulate the distance from the saddle to the handlebars and make the rider more comfortable.
Usually, the lengths of the stems can vary between 40 millimeters and 160 millimeters, although they can be made longer or shorter depending on the brand, and in some cases, they can even be made to order.
The 7 Best Mountain Bike Stems (Reviews)
Mountain bike stems are the pillars that support every ride, connecting the handlebars to the fork and fundamentally impacting how your bike handles and how you interact with the trail.
The following mountain bike stem reviews are written to share this knowledge with you and help you choose a stem that will transform your riding experience for the better. Read on to discover the 7 best mountain bike stems.
1. Syntace Megaforce2 Bicycle Stem
Key Features
- Weight: 70g
- Length: 40/50/60/70mm
- Material: Aluminum
- Stacking: 40mm
- Rise: 6°
Syntace’s Megaforce2 is one of the best mountain bike stems for wide handlebars. It is designed specifically for the widest bars to provide exceptional control and leverage.
The Megaforce2 stem weighs only 70g and is forged from high-strength aluminum alloy, making it both lightweight and durable.
With its wider 36mm x 42mm cross-section and lower profile, it helps reduce swaying of wide bars for confident and stable handling. Titanium bolts are used to further minimize weight.
This stem is available in lengths of 40mm, 50mm, 60mm, and 70mm. It clamps securely to steered tubes and offers a 6-degree rise for a stable steering feel that works well for most riding styles. With 40mm of stacking height, it provides ample bar height for most riders.
With its robust and lightweight 70g construction paired to its ability to minimize the drawbacks of wide bars, the Syntace Megaforce2 is a great choice for mountain bikers looking to upgrade their stem. It delivers a clear performance advantage for tackling aggressive trails.
For mountain bikers running wide handlebars, the Syntace Megaforce2 should be at the top of the list of stems to consider.
Pros
- It comes with a 10-year guarantee and a TwinFix mount for accessories.
- It is 3D-forged from cold aluminium for excellent strength and fatigue resistance.
- It has a low stack height and a six-degree rise that can be flipped for different bar positions.
- It has titanium M6 hardware that uses a higher torque setting for extra hold.
- It has a wide clamp face of 42mm that provides better clamping force and steering precision.
Cons
- It has a minimal bar clamp design that may not be compatible with some handlebars.
- It is only available in 31.8mm diameter and may not fit other sizes.
2. Truvativ Stem Hussefelt
Key Features
- Weight: 210g
- Length: 40/60mm
- Material: 6061 aluminum
- Stacking:/
- Ascent: 0°
The Truvativ Stem Hussefelt is one of the strongest and most durable mountain bike stems available. Crafted from high-grade 6061 aluminum, this stem provides a totally rock-solid connection between your handlebars and fork for epic mountain adventures.
With over 25 years of experience engineering components for downhill and freeride, Truvativ has built a reputation for producing some of the most advanced yet affordable stems.
The Hussefelt continues this legacy, offering a weight-stripping 210g and lightweight yet shock-absorbing design.
Whether you’re taking on technical trails or hitting the biggest airs, the Hussefelt stem keeps your handlebars firmly in place and your mind at ease.
Its CNC machined faceplate and clamp bolts distribute weight perfectly for maximum stability at minimal weight. Only the finest CrMo bolts are used for optimal strength and corrosion resistance.
The Hussefelt stem is available in 40mm and 60mm lengths to suit any riding style. While shorter 35mm options exist, the 40/60mm range covers the needs of 99% of mountain bikers for the perfect stack height and reach.
When seconds matter on technical descents, you want a stem that won’t let you down—and the Hussefelt never will.
Downhill demons, freeride fanatics, enduro shredders, and hardcore trail riders alike trust Truvativ to build components that can handle the punishment without breaking the bank.
The Hussefelt stem embodies this philosophy, offering pro-level geometry and durability at an affordable price point.
For the strongest, lightest, and most durable stem possible, the Hussefelt is the obvious choice. When the going gets tough, the tough get Truvativ!
Pros
- Forged AL-6061-T6 material for strength and durability
- 4 bolt h-bar clamp design and 2 bolt steerer tube clamp for stability
- Suitable for downhill and freeride biking
- Affordable price
Cons
- Heavy weight (203g for 40mm)
- Limited color options
3. DMR Defy2 stem
Key Features
- Weight: 138g
- Length: 35mm
- Material: 6061 aluminum
- Stacking: 27mm
- Rise: 5mm
The DMR Defy2 stem is one of the best mountain bike stems for aggressive trail riding and all-mountain adventures. This high-quality 35mm stem is crafted from lightweight 6061 aluminum alloy and features a streamlined Top-Close clamp design for a stable yet responsive ride.
The Defy2 stem’s 35mm diameter perfectly balances stiffness and feedback, providing confident handling on technical descents without being too harsh over bumps.
At only 27mm tall with 5mm of rise, it keeps your legs safe while still providing ample lift for visibility and control.
While many riders prefer 31.8 or 35mm stem diameters, the Defy2 stem caters specifically to those wanting an sturdy yet nimble 35mm platform.
If you need more diameter options, the Truvativ Hussefelt is also highly regarded, but for 35mm, the Defy2 stem is an excellent, durable choice.
CNC machined to precise tolerances, the Defy2 stem is engineered to last. With a 138g weight and 5-year warranty, it delivers lightweight performance without compromise.
Whether racing local trails or tackling bikepacking adventures, the Defy2 stem inspires confidence at high speeds and over rough terrain.
For aggressive mountain biking, the DMR Defy2 stem is one of the most capable yet affordable options.
With its impact-resistant construction, seamless fit and lightweight feel, this stem will boost your speed, control and enjoyment of the ride. The Defy2 stem – built for trails, engineered to thrill.
Pros
- It comes with a color matched stem cap for a sleek look.
- It is a CNC machined 6061 aluminum stem, which makes it strong and durable.
- It has a low stack height of 31mm, which reduces the height of the handlebar and improves the bike’s handling.
- It has a wide clamping area for bar stability and reduced stress on the bars.
- It has a stubby length of 35mm that pairs well with aggressive modern geometry and enhances steering responsiveness.
- It has a 110 degree clamps that increase stiffness and fit well with modern bars.
- It has a Top-Close clamp design that secures the bar firmly and evenly.
Cons
- It may not be compatible with some older or non-standard bars or steerers due to its 35mm diameter clamp.
- It may not suit some riders’ preferences or riding styles due to its 5 degree rise and short reach
4. Renthal Apex 35 Stem
Key Features
- Weight: 118g
- Length: 33/40/80/60mm
- Material: 6061 aluminum
- Stacking: 40mm
- Rise: 6°
The Renthal Apex 35 Stem is one of the premier mountain bike stems available. This high-performance stem is meticulously crafted from 6061 aluminum using state-of-the-art CNC machining for optimal strength, stiffness, and lightweight feel.
Featuring an oversized 35mm center bore and lightweight 118g frame, the Apex 35 Stem provides an exceptional foundation for superior control and responsiveness on challenging terrain.
Extensive 3D machining and polished exterior details deliver a stem that is not just high-performance but also stunningly refined.
240 degree handlebar clamp ensures maximum rigidity for powerful pedaling and confident cornering. The Apex 35 Stem perfectly complements Renthal’s lightweight yet durable mountain bike handlebars and is compatible with nearly all third-party options.
For demanding mountain bikers seeking the best, the Apex 35 Stem should absolutely be at the top of the list.
This is a stem that is engineered to excel without compromise. Whether racing XC, riding technical AM trails, or venturing into enduro, the Apex 35 Stem inspires confidence at every turn.
With its lightweight yet tough reputation and impressive machining quality, the Apex 35 Stem stands out among the competition as one of the finest mountain bike stems currently available.
For experienced and recreational riders alike, the Apex 35 Stem helps unlock all the potential of their two-wheeled adventures.
Pros
- It has a 6° rise that can be flipped to adjust the handlebar height.
- It has a stylish gold/black color scheme that matches well with Renthal handlebars.
- It has a unique 240° handlebar clamp that allows much of the stem body material to be removed, while retaining the strength and stiffness demanded by modern, wide handlebars.
- It is fully CNC machined, featuring an oversize centre bore, extensive 3D machining and external webbing to maximise structural strength and stiffness and minimise weight.
- It combines All Mountain strength, Enduro stiffness and XC lightweight, making it suitable for various riding styles and terrains.
Cons
- It has a limited range of lengths (33mm, 40mm, 50mm and 60mm) that may not suit every rider’s preference.
- It has a narrow clamp width (46mm) that may not provide enough support for some handlebars.
5. Burgtec Enduro MK3 Stem
Key Features
- Weight: 160g
- Length: 35/42.5/50mm
- Material: 6061 aluminum
- Stacking: 0mm
- Ascent: 0°
The Burgtec Enduro MK3 Stem is one of the best mountain bike stems for aggressive descending and high-performance downhill racing.
This stem is engineered with precision and control in mind, delivering ultra-responsive and precise steering for tackling technical trails with confidence.
The Enduro MK3 Stem is constructed from high-grade 6061 aluminum which keeps weight minimal at only 160 grams while maximizing strength and durability.
Riders can choose from 35mm, 42.5mm and 50mm clamp diameters as well as 0 degree rise for a completely neutral position or -17 degree rise for an aggressive forward-slanted position.
Whether you prefer a steep or slack headtube angle, the Enduro MK3 Stem provides maximum adjustability and the ability to fine-tune your geometry for optimal handling,
balance and stability at speed. This stem instills trust in riders by allowing them to react swiftly to any obstacle or terrain feature.
While some stems can feel too stiff and uncomfortable, the Enduro MK3 Stem strikes a perfect balance of stiffness and compliance.
It has enough flex for impact absorption and a comfortable, controlled feel yet remains precise for making snap steering inputs when needed.
This versatile and nuanced design will satisfy both experienced shredders looking to improve lap times as well as amateur racers upgrading to a high-performance setup.
The Burgtec Enduro MK3 Stem is a high-quality, lightweight yet durable product choice for any mountain bike enthusiast seeking a responsible, reliable and race-proven solution.
With confidence-inspiring precision, capability and optimal performance, the Enduro MK3 Stem delivers a premium riding experience on every descent. For the ultimate in control, adjustability and style, choose Burgtec.
Pros
- Stainless steel hardware to prevent rusting in wet conditions.
- Increased clamping surface area on the steerer tube for extra rigidity and stability.
- Forged and fully CNC machined from AL6061 – T6 Aluminium for strength and durability.
- Inspires confidence for hitting the trails with precision and accuracy.
- Available in 9 colours to match your bike and style.
Cons
- Limited availability as it is a niche product from a UK-based company.
6. FOMTOR 31.8 Stem
Key Features
- Weight: 115g
- Length: 60mm
- Material: 6061 aluminum
- Stacking: 0mm
- Ascent: 0°
The FOMTOR 31.8 Stem is one of the lightest yet strongest mountain bike stems available. Crafted from high-grade 6061 T6 aluminum, this stem weighs a mere 115 grams while still delivering impressive stiffness and durability.
Whether you’re a weekend mountain biker or an aggressive trail shredder, the FOMTOR 31.8 Stem enables you to achieve optimal handling and control.
It provides 7 degrees of adjustability in angling your handlebars to your perfect steering geometry.
Available in 60mm, 70mm, 80mm and 90mm lengths, the FOMTOR 31.8 Stem will suit any mountain bike, from XC race bikes to downhill demons. Its 31.8mm diameter and 28.6mm clamp ensure compatibility with all mountain forks and handlebars.
While featherlight, the FOMTOR 31.8 Stem is rock solid in strength and stability. Its CNC machined construction and four bolt bar clamp will keep your handlebars firmly in place over any terrain.
Switching between trail bikes or between a mountain bike and road bike has never been easier thanks to its universal fit.
With a pedigree in producing high-performance yet affordable components, FOMTOR continues to impress with the 31.8 Stem.
For the discerning mountain biker looking for advanced components on a budget, the FOMTOR 31.8 Stem delivers responsible weightsavings without compromise. Unleash your riding with confidence and control using this stem.
Pros
- It is suitable for most road bike, mountain bike, BMX, etc.
- It is light weight and durable, weighing only 166g.
- It is easy to install and has a four bolt bar clamp that holds the bar securely in position.
- It can help to adjust the height of the handlebar for a more comfortable riding position.
Cons
- It only fits for 31.8mm (1.25″) handlebars, which may not be compatible with some bikes.
- It may not be stiff enough for some riders who prefer a more rigid stem.
- It may not be aesthetically pleasing for some riders who prefer a different color or design.
7. OneUp Components EDC Stem
Key Features
- Weight: 115g
- Length: 35/50mm
- Material: 6061 aluminum
- Stacking: 38.5mm
- Ascent: 0°
The One Up EDC Stem is one of the best lightweight and versatile mountain bike stems available. This high-performance stem delivers an efficient yet durable design that shaves weight without sacrificing strength or reliability.
Constructed from 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum, the EDC Stem weighs just 115 grams yet can withstand the punishment of demanding mountain bike adventures. It offers a stiff and stable platform for responsive steering and handling.
The stem lengths of 35mm and 50mm suit a wide range of rider preferences, from short-travel trail bikes to long-travel enduro machines.
The EDC Stem stands out for its innovative integrated tool storage design. It includes channels and mounts on the top and front of the stem to securely store essential tools like multi-tools, Lezyne tools, CO2 inflators, and more—keeping them within easy reach on every ride.
The integrated tools eliminate the need for extra pouches or packs and result in a sleek, minimalist look.
Pre-load adjustment is possible thanks to the EDC Stem’s threaded interface and tensioning ring. This allows riders to fine-tune the headset without loosening the stem bolts, enabling quick adjustments on the fly.
The EDC Stem will keep stems securely clamped using its 34.9mm clamp diameter, suiting most 1.5-inch and 1.875-inch steerer tube sizes.
Versatile, lightweight and packed with innovative features, the One Up EDC Stem delivers an experience of pure riding bliss without excess baggage.
For enduro racers, expedition adventurists or anyone wanting the ultimate minimalist setup, the EDC Stem is the choice of Champions.
People who want to read this article: Best Mountain Bike Under $500
Pros
- It is designed for everything from trail riding to Enduro racing.
- It allows you to store your EDC Tool in your steerer tube, without threading your fork.
- It combines an integrated preload system that allows you to adjust your headset preload without loosening your stem.
- It is compatible with existing threaded EDC top caps, for people who’ve already threaded their steerer tube.
- It has a low stack height of 39mm and a wide bar clamp width of 55mm for better stiffness and control.
Cons
- It will only fit 35mm-diameter bars3, so you may need to change your handlebar if it has a different diameter.
- It is relatively heavy compared to some other stems, weighing 155g for the 35mm length and 173g for the 50mm length.
Guide to Buying the Best Mountain Bike Stems
Not all stems are created equal, a change of just one millimeter or one degree in lean makes a world of difference when it comes to riding a bike.
Therefore, some basic knowledge must be taken into account in order to choose the most suitable stem for our bike, and thus take home a product that satisfies all our needs.
Long
One of the most important factors that greatly affects the handling of a bicycle is the length of the stem. By just varying the power of your bike a few millimeters, you will be able to gain better performance in terms of balance, posture and turning capacity.
In the case of downhill cyclists or BMX cyclists, these are disciplines in which you must be able to make very fast and unexpected turns, so the wheels must turn quickly when you require it.
In these cases it is best to go for a short stem, about 40 millimeters with which the wheels will respond in a better way, sacrificing a little the position and comfort of the bike.
However, for enduro or trail riders, these are cases where comfort plays an important factor, so both posture and balance must be increased.
In these cases, it is best to choose a longer stem that allows you to improve your balance and position on the bike, sacrificing a bit of turning ability.
In these cases you can get one of about 120 millimeters, you can even get a stem extension to further improve the driving position.
Durability
The last thing you want is for your stem to break in the middle of a race or outing when you are pedaling, since in addition to having to spend on another stem,
it is extremely dangerous to lose control of your bike when you are rolling, therefore, it is Better to invest in a quality stem that will last you several years.
The factor that most influences the durability of the stem is the material from which it is made. The most common material in mountain bike stems is 6061 aluminum as it is quite light, strong and allows it to be molded in various ways,
although currently you can get some aluminum stems which are hollow and provide the same resistance with less weight. .
It is also possible to get other stems in either carbon fiber or titanium, but these are highly specialized parts which save you a few grams on the overall weight of your bike, and are reserved for cross country bikes.
Normally a good aluminum stem will suffice for the vast majority of bikes.
Read Also: Best MTB Elbow Pads
Stem height
In addition to choosing the length of the stem, you also have to determine how steep it is going to be. This grade can be positive or negative depending on what you want to achieve with the bike,
grade 0 is normally reserved for downhill bikes as it allows the stem to be perfectly aligned with the ground, lowering the center of gravity a bit and gaining stability, this factor is even the same one that is looked for in BMX stems
A positive stem angle makes you sit more upright on the bike making your ride much more comfortable while a negative stem angle makes you ride more forward causing less aerodynamic drag but sacrificing comfort.
Bike type
And of course the most determining factor, which is basically the combination of the 3 elements above, is for which bike you need the stem.
In the case of a cross country bike you should get a stem that is about 100 or 120 millimeters long which will allow you to ride more upright along with a zero degree neutral lean angle.
In the case of a trail bike, you will need a shorter stem that goes between 60 to 80 millimeters in length along with a moderate rake which will allow you to ride more upright, further improving posture and still increasing comfort.
If you are a Down Hill runner you should choose a shorter stem around 40mm which will give you much more responsiveness in turns, as well as a zero degree neutral lean angle.
Forged stems or CNC stems, which is better?
There are currently two methods of manufacturing stems, the first that is cheaper and delivers more solid parts are forged stems.
This class of stems starts out as a solid block of aluminum and then takes its final shape using a lathe. This method requires subsequent polishing and embellishment of the piece, but it is capable of manufacturing stems made to last.
On the other hand, we have a much more precise method called CNC or (Computerized Numerical Control),
which thanks to a computer and a 3D printer is capable of manufacturing perfect parts over and over again, thus guaranteeing that the quality and length of power are accurate every time.
Both methods are equally good, in the end it is a matter of taste and budget since the CNC method tends to be a little more expensive than forged stems.
