Mountain bike stems might appear to be straightforward components, but they significantly influence your bike’s handling and overall performance. Factors such as weight, stiffness, and length are crucial, affecting how your bike responds to your steering inputs. We’ve rigorously tested a variety of stems to identify the top performers and determine the best options for different riding styles and preferences.
Looking to upgrade your entire cockpit for improved comfort, performance, and control? Explore our guides to the best mountain bike handlebars and best MTB grips.
Best MTB Stems: Quick Picks
Here’s a quick glance at some of the best mountain bike stems we’ve tested:
Race Face Turbine R 35 stem on a mountain bike
1. Race Face Turbine R 35
Best Overall Mountain Bike Stem with Extensive Options
Weight: 124g (32mm) | Colors: Wide range | Lengths: 32, 40, 50, 60, 70mm | Clamp Diameter: 35mm only | Stack Height: 43mm | Rating: 10/10
Reasons to Buy:
- Extensive selection of colors and lengths to customize your mountain bike setup.
- High stiffness for aggressive riding and wide handlebars.
Reasons to Avoid:
- Higher price point compared to some competitors.
The Race Face Turbine R 35 stem allows you to express your personal style with a vibrant spectrum of anodized colors. Whether you prefer a subtle or bold look, this stem’s robust forged and CNC-machined construction provides exceptional stiffness for wide handlebars and demanding riding conditions. It’s even available in a very short 32mm length for riders seeking ultra-responsive steering. The gapless clamp design ensures secure bar retention and even load distribution, while the smooth edges of the steerer clamp prevent knee contact.
We particularly appreciate the Race Face Turbine R35’s impressive stiffness-to-weight ratio. Even when paired with a wide 800mm Next R handlebar, the steering feels precise and direct, offering an optimal balance of responsiveness and trail feedback.
Read our comprehensive review of the Race Face Turbine R 35 stem
Spank Spoon 350 stem with vibrant colors
2. Spank Spoon 350 Stem
Best Mountain Bike Stem for Striking Colors
Weight: 140g | Colors: Nine, including black | Lengths: 35mm, 45mm | Clamp Diameter: 31.8mm, 35mm | Stack Height: 35mm | Rating: 9/10
Reasons to Buy:
- Exceptional strength and resilience for demanding trails.
- Stiff and flex-free performance for confident handling.
- Excellent value for money.
Reasons to Avoid:
- Finish quality could be more refined in certain areas.
- Construction may appear slightly rough in places.
The forged construction of the Spank Spoon stem provides remarkable strength. The 350 model is designed for 35mm handlebars, and there’s also a 318 version for 31.8mm bars. Spank opts for a standard bar clamp design, resulting in a visible gap at the top of the faceplate. Even tightening of all four bolts is necessary for secure installation.
The Spank Spoon 350 stem features a low stack height and zero rise, making it an excellent choice if your frame has a tall head tube and you need to lower your handlebars. While length options are limited to the most common sizes, Spank compensates with a wide array of color choices. While the finish isn’t as polished as the Race Face Turbine, it’s a more budget-friendly alternative.
Explore our detailed test review of the Spank Spoon 350 stem
E*Thirteen Base 35 stem with a sleek designThirteen Base 35 stem: A budget-friendly mountain bike stem that doesn’t compromise on performance or style.*
3. E*Thirteen Base 35
Best Budget-Friendly Mountain Bike Stem
Weight: 155g | Colors: Black | Lengths: 40, 50mm | Clamp Diameter: 35mm only | Stack Height: 40mm | Rating: 10/10
Reasons to Buy:
- Provides all essential features at a minimal cost.
- Knee-friendly rounded design for enhanced comfort.
Reasons to Avoid:
- Aesthetics may not be as visually striking as some premium stems.
The E*Thirteen Base 35 stem offers exceptional value, delivering stiffness and a pleasing aesthetic at a competitive price. Available in popular 40mm and 50mm lengths, this stem impresses with its functionality and attention to detail. Features like opposing stem bolts with T25 heads and a gapless faceplate simplify installation and prevent over-tightening.
The wide bar clamp and rounded edges minimize the risk of knee injuries when riding aggressively. Designed for 35mm handlebars, the E*Thirteen Base 35 stem is an excellent upgrade for riders seeking a more responsive cockpit without exceeding their budget. It’s a top-performing stem at an unbeatable price point.
Read our full test review of the E*Thirteen Base stem
DMR Defy 35 stem with low stack height
4. DMR Defy 35
Best Mountain Bike Stem for Low Stack Height Adjustments
Weight: 174g | Colors: Black, silver | Lengths: 35mm, 50mm | Clamp Diameter: 31.8mm, 35mm | Stack Height: 28mm | Rating: 9/10
Reasons to Buy:
- Extremely secure bar clamp for confident riding.
- Low stack height design allows for handlebar height adjustments.
- Provides a slight handlebar rise despite its low stack.
- Good value for the features offered.
Reasons to Avoid:
- Slightly heavier compared to some competitors.
- Square-edged design may not complement all bike aesthetics.
The DMR Defy stem is designed to complement DMR’s Wingbar aesthetically, but its features make it a great choice for any cockpit setup. The Top-Close faceplate design simplifies bar installation: tighten the top bolts until they contact the stem body before securing the lower bolts for a safe and effective setup.
The tapered bar clamp towards the steerer clamp results in one of the lowest stack heights available. At just 28mm, the Defy is ideal for fine-tuning bar height and bike reach, or for situations where the fork steerer tube has been cut too short. A standout feature of the 35mm DMR Defy stem is its integrated rise (at least 5mm), offering handlebar elevation without relying on stem spacers or a high-rise handlebar.
Check out our detailed test review of the DMR Defy 35 stem
Burgtec Enduro MK3 stem with unique length option
5. Burgtec Enduro MK3
Mountain Bike Stem with a Unique 42.5mm Length Option
Weight: 155g | Colors: Nine | Lengths: 35, 42.5 and 50mm | Clamp Diameter: 31.8mm, 35mm | Stack Height: N/A | Rating: 8/10
Reasons to Buy:
- Unique 42.5mm length caters to riders seeking fine-tuned cockpit dimensions.
Reasons to Avoid:
- Split front clamps can be slightly challenging to install.
The Burgtec Enduro MK3, the third iteration of the Enduro stem, now utilizes a cold-forged construction. This change significantly enhances the stem’s stiffness compared to the MK2 version. The bar clamping width and steerer clamp depth have also been increased, resulting in a taller stack height, which may not suit riders with very short fork steerers.
The primary unique selling point of the Burgtec Enduro MK3 is its availability in a 42.5mm length. While seemingly minor, this slight difference can be noticeable for experienced riders. If you’ve experimented with 40mm and 45mm stems and haven’t found the perfect fit, the 42.5mm Burgtec Enduro MK3 might be your ideal stem.
Explore our full test review of the Burgtec Enduro MK3
Renthal Apex 35 stem with lightweight design
6. Renthal Apex 35
Best Lightweight Mountain Bike Stem
Weight: 116g (33mm) | Colors: Black & gold | Lengths: 33, 40, 50, 60mm | Clamp Diameter: 31.8mm, 35mm | Stack Height: 40mm | Rating: 9/10
Reasons to Buy:
- Lightest stem in our test group, ideal for weight savings.
- Wraparound bar clamps enhance bar support.
- Distinctive and premium aesthetics.
Reasons to Avoid:
- Higher price point.
- Limited color options (black & gold only).
- Requires careful bar installation to avoid scratches.
- Offers only a six-degree rise option.
The Renthal Apex 35 utilizes a twin faceplate design with 240° wraparound clamps for enhanced bar support. Bar installation requires caution to prevent scratching and ensure proper alignment. Using a torque wrench is highly recommended for precise bolt tightening.
The Renthal Apex stem offers a slight rise (approximately 6°), a rare and desirable feature in stems under 50mm. Similar to Renthal handlebars, the Apex stem exhibits a subtle amount of flex under heavy front-end load, which can be advantageous or disadvantageous depending on rider preference. If your current 35mm cockpit feels overly stiff, the Renthal Apex stem could provide a more forgiving ride.
Read our in-depth test review of the Renthal Apex stem
Marin Rift Zone XR mountain bike with short stem
Other Mountain Bike Stems to Consider
Over the years, we’ve evaluated numerous mountain bike stems, and several highly-rated options didn’t quite make our top list. Stems like the OneUp Stem impressed us with its knee-friendly design, zero-gap faceplate, and helpful handlebar alignment markings, but it was slightly heavier and more expensive than some competitors.
The Nukeproof Horizon stem featured a smoothly rounded design, attractive styling, a good range of sizes, and a reasonable price. It was previously included in this guide, but the current pause in Nukeproof operations has led to its removal. We hope to see Nukeproof and the Horizon stem return in the future.
Deity Copperhead stem with stylish design
The Deity Copperhead stem is another visually appealing option that nearly made this guide. However, the lack of a zero-gap faceplate, limited size selection, and higher price point kept it just outside our top recommendations.
The Pro Tharsis 3Five stem, from Shimano’s in-house component brand, offered a bold design and three length options. However, its high cost and observed bolt wear prevented it from being a top pick.
How We Test Mountain Bike Stems
To thoroughly evaluate mountain bike stems, we distribute them across various test bikes and rely on experienced testers to accumulate miles and assess long-term durability. When a stem exhibits notable stiffness characteristics, we conduct back-to-back testing against a benchmark model on the same bike and trail to contextualize its performance. All bolts are properly greased and tightened to recommended torque specifications using a torque wrench.
Key Considerations When Choosing Mountain Bike Stems
A mountain bike stem connects your handlebars to the fork steerer tube. Stems are available in various lengths and rises, allowing you to fine-tune your cockpit position. Modern mountain bike stems are typically shorter than 70mm, with 40mm and 50mm being the most common lengths. Most stems use two bolts for steerer tube clamping and four bolts for handlebar attachment.
Compatibility: Steerer and Handlebar Diameter
First, ensure the stem is compatible with your bike. You’ll need to determine your fork steerer size and handlebar diameter.
Your fork steerer will almost certainly be the standard 1-1/8in diameter (1.5in steerers are less common). Measure your headset top cap to confirm steerer size. For handlebar diameter, measure at the clamp area, not the grips. Modern mountain bikes typically use 31.8mm or 35mm handlebar diameters.
Santa Cruz 5010 mountain bike with 35mm stem
31.8mm vs 35mm Diameter: Which is Best for Mountain Bike Stems?
There’s no definitive answer, as the ideal diameter depends on rider weight, bike type, terrain, and desired feel. Heavier riders on e-bikes tackling bike parks and enduro trails may benefit from the increased stiffness of 35mm. However, for most riders, 31.8mm is sufficient and can even be preferable for reducing harshness. It’s uncommon to find a 780mm wide 31.8mm bar/stem setup feeling excessively flexible.
Retro mountain bike stems: Long and flat
Mountain Bike Stem Length: Is Shorter Better?
Again, there’s no single answer. However, the average mountain bike stem length in 2024 is likely around 40mm. Shorter stems provide quicker steering and shift weight distribution rearward. Conversely, longer stems can improve front-end weight bias and reduce cockpit crowding. If you need more weight over the front or feel cramped, and have already adjusted bar height and roll, a longer stem (up to 50mm) might be worth trying. For further adjustments to weight balance and handling, explore this article on bike geometry tuning.
Canyon G5 stem with neat spacers and clamp
Bolt Sizes on Mountain Bike Stems
4mm and 5mm Allen bolts are most common on MTB stems. Larger diameter bolts typically allow for higher torque settings and clamping force. Some stems use T25 Torx bolts, which are less prone to stripping.
DMR Defy 35 stem with low stack height
Stack Height of Mountain Bike Stems
Stack height refers to the vertical space the stem occupies on the steerer tube, essentially the height of the steerer clamp. This is crucial if your fork steerer is short and affects achievable handlebar height and stem stiffness.
Modern mountain bike stem with zero-gap clamp
Zero-Gap Clamp Design in Mountain Bike Stems
Many modern stems incorporate a zero-gap bar clamp design. In this design, one pair of clamp bolts is fully tightened, and the remaining bolts then secure the bar. This prevents uneven tensioning and simplifies setup by reducing the number of bolts requiring precise torque settings.
Mountain bike stem with rise
Stem Rise: Is It Important for Mountain Bikes?
Stem rise is the vertical difference between the steerer and handlebar clamps. Most stems are zero-rise and reversible without changing bar height. However, a six-degree rise stem allows for a +/- six-degree bar height adjustment by flipping the stem. While not critical, stem rise can be useful for fine-tuning cockpit height, along with steerer spacers and handlebar selection.
Cold-forged mountain bike stem
CNC Machined vs Cold Forged Mountain Bike Stems
Stems are manufactured using either 3D forging or CNC machining from an aluminum billet. Forging compresses aluminum under high pressure into the stem’s approximate final shape. This process is argued to create a stiffer stem with a denser, better-aligned grain structure, particularly in high-stress areas. While forging has higher initial costs and can result in less sharp edges, some stems are forged and then CNC-machined for a refined finish.
