Buyer's guide | Handlebar stems
All about our handlebar stems
Your handlebar stem is an often forgotten integral part of your bike. It has a major influence on the comfort and handling of your bike. Choosing the right handlebar stem is therefore very important to make sure you can optimally enjoy your rides. In this buyer's guide, we will discuss everything you need to know to purchase the right stem for you.
The stems, what is it all about?
Your handlebar stem is the connection between your bike frame and your handlebars. Quite crucial, as you can imagine. Your handlebar stem has a big effect on the handling of your bike. The ease of riding around corners, your aerodynamics on the bike, and many more. Besides, your handlebar stem also plays a significant role in absorbing vibrations from your front wheel on the road surface. This suspending function offers a steadier grip for your hands and a more comfortable ride on your bike. To make sure you purchase a stem that ticks all the boxes for you, it is important to keep a few things in mind. Below, we will discuss everything you need to know.
Compatibility
Because your stem is connected to the steerer tube and your handlebar, it has to be compatible with both. Regarding the steerer tube, 1 1/8" inch, or 28.6mm is the standard and is used on every bike. Therefore, all our stems have this diameter on the steerer tube side.
And then we've got the diameter of the handlebar. This is more variable. Most modern road bikes and MTB bikes have a handlebar diameter of 31.8mm (sometimes you even see 35 mm diameter). Trekking bikes and most city bikes have a handlebar diameter of 25.4mm. We carry all three options. Make sure you check your handlebar's diameter before purchasing a new stem. Sometimes the diameter is written on the handlebar. Otherwise, you have to measure it yourself.
Stem Length
The length of your stem is quite simple to measure. It is measured from the centre point of your steerer tube to the centre point of your handlebar. The size of your stem greatly impacts the bike's handling. Mountain bikes usually have a relatively short stem, between 40 and 80mm, which allows for sharp corners and quick changes in direction. Road bikes tend to have a longer handlebar stem, between 80 and 130mm. This results in less sharp corners and a more stable bike handling, especially at higher speeds and when taking wider turns. Gravel bikes are often somewhere in between, with stems around 60 to 90mm, offering quick responsiveness and stability.
Furthermore, your handlebar stem influences your riding position. A longer stem causes your arms to extend further forward, which results in your upper body leaning more over the top of your bike. Conversely, choosing a shorter stem allows your upper body to stay more upright and your hands to be closer to your body.
Of course, you can make a good guess yourself about what feels comfortable and what the optimal riding position should be. However, to ensure your position is perfect and all other factors are considered, it is best to get a professional bike fit. A bike fitter can tell you exactly what riding position would be best for you based on your bike, biomechanics, and personal preferences. They can also offer valuable advice on the ideal length for your handlebar stem.
Stem rise
Then, we come to the handlebar stem angle, or 'rise'. A stem with a 0º angle or zero rise is perfectly perpendicular (90º) to the steerer tube. If the stem is, for example, ±6º off, this means that the stem has a 6º rise. Since the stem can be flipped upside down, the angle can be either 96º or 84º relative to the steerer tube. By pointing the stem upwards, you can achieve a more elevated position on the bike, as your hands will be higher on the handlebars. Conversely, turning the stem around creates a negative angle, extending your arms further downwards, making your upper body sit flatter and more aerodynamic.
We offer a wide range of handlebar stems, some without rise and others with significant rise. Our fixed stems go up to approximately ±17º. It’s advisable to make a rough judgement about what might suit you best, and we always recommend trying different stems. For professional advice, it’s best to consult your local bike shop or get a bike fit, where all other variables are taken into account.
Difficult to choose?
Are you in doubt about the perfect stem angle for yourself? Or would you like to change the angle according to the situation and the terrain you are in? Simply choose a stem with a changeable angle! Our stems with variable angles are multiple stems in one. Our HighFix and HighSix stems are extremely versatile. Their angle can be changed up to 60º! This way, you can change your position on the bike according to the ride of the day.
Made to withstand everything!
A bike part as important as your handlebar stem must never fail, but it also has to be lightweight and very stiff. Therefore, we only use high-end materials and production techniques that guarantee top quality. 6061 T6 aluminium offers that to us. This lightweight aluminium can cope in extreme conditions and offers maximum safety time after time without any compromises. Every stem in our range complies with relevant norms and safety standards for E-bike, MTB, road, and touring bikes. High-end stems for high-end performance.
Finish your cockpit
After choosing the right handlebar stem, it is mounted to your bike. All your accessories can be put back on your bike's cockpit. Most of our stems also have a great and smart solution for this! By using the StemFix or GoFix you can place your bike computer, GoPro, bike light, or any other compatible accessory safely and neatly back. The StemFix and GoFix make it possible to mount your accessories exactly in the middle of your handlebar for a super neat finish to your bike.
Your handlebar stem has a big impact on your position on the bike and the handling of the bike itself. That's why you cannot underestimate the importance of having the right handlebar stem on your bike. With the information in this buyer's guide, you can start your quest for the perfect handlebar stem for you!