Front Load BMX Stems & Top Load BMX Stems

The Significance of BMX Stems

In freestyle BMX biking, the stem is crucial for securing the bar to the fork. It is here that the compression works to firmly hold the components together. The stem greatly influences the feel of your bike's front end. Available in various lengths and heights, stems can affect the stability and responsiveness of your bike.

How to Determine the Right BMX Stem Size

To choose the correct BMX stem size, focus on the reach/length and the rise measurements.

The reach is the distance from the centre of the fork tube hole to the centre of the handlebar clamp. A typical reach is 50 mm, with longer reaches providing more stability, while shorter reaches offer greater responsiveness.

The rise indicates how high the stem holds the handlebars above the centre of the stem body. The position of the handlebars can vary from 8 to 36 mm in height. Selecting a stem based on rise is a matter of personal comfort on your bike.

Top Load BMX Stem Versus Front Load BMX Stem

Bars can be mounted on the stem using either top load or front load methods. With a front load stem, the bar is mounted on the front, which often suits taller riders by positioning the bar further away.

In contrast, a top load stem places the bar on top, making it taller than the front load variant. This is recommended for those who prefer a taller bar setup.

Keep in mind, when selecting a stem, check its diameter matches your handlebar's diameter as specified in the product details. The BMX Handlebars come in 22.2 mm (regular) or 25.4 mm (oversized) sizes.