Front Load BMX Stems & Top Load BMX Stems

The Significance of BMX Stems

The role of a BMX stem on a freestyle BMX bike is to connect the handlebars to the fork. It is within the stem where the compression occurs to ensure they are held together securely. The BMX bike stem significantly influences how the front end of your bike will feel. Stems come in varying lengths and heights, affecting the stability and responsiveness of the bike.

How Do I Determine the Correct BMX Stem Size?

When deciding on the appropriate size for a BMX stem, the reach/length and the rise are the two measurements to consider.

The reach of a BMX stem is the distance from the centre of the fork tube hole to the centre of the handlebar clamp. A 50 mm reach is quite common, with a longer reach adding stability and a shorter reach offering more responsiveness.

The rise of a BMX stem refers to the height at which the stem positions the handlebars above the centre of the stem body. This affects how high or low the handlebars are positioned, typically ranging between 8 - 36 mm. Choosing a stem with more or less height is a matter of personal preference, influenced by how comfortable you are on your bike.

Top Load BMX Stem vs. Front Load BMX Stem

There are two methods for mounting the bar on the stem: top load mounting and front load mounting. In a front load stem, the bar is affixed to the front of the stem. Taller riders often favour a front load stem, as it positions the bar further from the rider.

In contrast, a top load stem mounts the bar on top of the stem, making it taller than the front load stem. A top load stem is ideal if you prefer a taller bar configuration.

Remember! While selecting a stem, ensure the diameter matches that of your handlebar. This detail can be found in the product specification. The available sizes for BMX Handlebars are 22.2 mm (regular) or 25.4 mm (oversized).