Front load BMX stems & Top load BMX stems

The Significance of BMX Stems

The BMX stem on a freestyle BMX bike serves the function of connecting the bar to the fork. It is within the stem that compression occurs, ensuring they are securely fastened. The BMX bike stem significantly influences the feel of your bike's front end. Stems come in varied lengths and heights, affecting the bike's stability and responsiveness.

How Do I Determine the Appropriate BMX Stem Size?

When selecting the suitable BMX stem size, focus on the reach/length and the rise as the key measurements.

The reach refers to the length from the centre of the fork tube hole to the centre of the handlebar clamp. A reach of 50 mm is quite common; a longer stem reach enhances stability, while a shorter reach increases responsiveness.

The rise pertains to the height at which the stem positions the handlebars above its central body. This determines how high or low the handlebars sit and can span from 8 to 36 mm. Choosing a stem with different heights is very much a personal preference, based on how comfortable you feel on your bike.

Top-load BMX Stem VS Front-load BMX Stem

The bar can be mounted in two ways on the stem: top-load mounting or front-load mounting. With a front-load stem, the bar is mounted at the front. It is often favoured by taller riders as it moves the bar further from the rider.

In contrast, a top-load stem mounts the bar on top of the stem. A top-load stem is taller than a front-load stem and is advised if you prefer riding with a higher bar.

Take note! When selecting a stem, ensure the diameter matches that of your handlebar. This detail is available in the product specification. The two dimensions of BMX Handlebars are 22.2 mm (regular) or 25.4 mm (oversized).