Home » Bike Parts » Best BMX Stems 2022 [ Reviews + Buying Guide ]

Bike PartsSteering

Best BMX Stems 2022 [ Reviews + Buying Guide ]

Mike

May 25, 2022

0 Views 0

SaveSavedRemoved 0

One of the most underrated BMX bike parts is its stem. The majority of people spend time deciding what frame and wheels to go for, but will hardly do the same for bike stems. This is not an ideal practice.

BMX stem is one of the, if not the, most important BMX parts. This is because the stem will connect the handlebars to the steerer tube. Having a sturdy and durable BMX stem is also essential for safety as it balances the BMX.

However, shopping for a BMX stem can be a little overwhelming, especially if you are doing it for the first time. To make your selection process a lot easier and efficient, we have put together some of the best BMX stems you can find on the market in 2022.

Let’s get started.

Comparison Table of Best BMX Stems

Name	Images	Features	Rating	Price
SE Racing		Durable Lightweight	5/5	Check Review Check Price
Wake		easy to install Affordable	4.5/5	Check Review Check Price
Black Ops		durable Easy to install	4.5/5	Check Review Check Price

List of Best BMX Stems 2022

1

SE Racing Narler Stem – Best stem for professionals

Key Specifications:

CNC machined 6061 Aluminum

55mm reach

Available in 5 colors

The SE Racing Narler stem is an ideal BMX stem for professional riders who wish to go towards racing. The manufacturers of this stem are inspired by classic retro design, and they have named it after a classic SoCal BMX track, which shows exactly what they want to promote.

The SE Racing Narler is available in five colors.  Each comes with a reach of 55mm, which is considered ideal for the majority of BMX.  Whether you are going for dirt jump, street, or racing handlebars, all should fit perfectly into this stem.

The SE Racing Narler stem is also extremely sturdy and durable as it is manufactured using CNC machined 6061 Aluminum.  This means that it will stay rust-free as well as last longer than other parts on your BMX. The stem is considered lightweight with a weight of around 0.86 pounds, making it perfect for amateur as well as professional BMX riders.

2

Wake Mountain Bike Stem – Best stem for beginners

Key Specifications:

45mm reach

CNC machined 6061 T6 aluminum alloy

Weight of 130g

The Wake is ideal BMX stem for beginners who are looking for casual riding. This stem comes with a standard, easy to install, five-bolt system. You can choose from five stunning colors.

The Wake BMX stem has a reach of 45mm, which is considered almost standard. The stack height of 31.8mm is ideal for the majority of BMX headsets. These specifications will allow you to choose between a variety of handlebars that include dirt jump, racing BMX handlebars, etc.

The stem is constructed using high-quality CNC machined 6061 T6 aluminum, ensuring that it remains rust-free and enjoys a long life. The best part is that this stem weighs only 0.3 pounds, which is far less than what you will find in other similar products.

3

Black Ops Defend’R BMX Stem – Most reliable BMX Stem

Key Specifications:

Easy to install four-bolt setup

50mm reach

Constructed from AL6061 Forged Alloy

The Black Ops Defend’R is one of the most reliable BMX stems on the market, mainly because it is manufactured by a prominent BMX brand. This stem is known for its strength and durability as it is constructed using AL6061 Forged Alloy.

The Black Ops Defend’R is available in two eye-catching colors, which are black and gloss red. It has a standard reach of 50mm. With a standard stack height of 30mm, you can comfortably use it to fit most of the BMX handlebars. The stem is clearly light in weight at 0.6 pounds. Apart from this, the Black Ops Defend’R comes with a user-friendly four-bolt setup, which is extremely easy to install.

Buyer’s Guide of Best BMX Stems

Similar to BMX Bikes Seats and BMX Bars, buying a new BMX stem can be a serious challenge for any rider regardless of their experience and level of expertise. This might be due to the technicalities of the product.

Consequently,  we have prepared this buying guide to help you navigate through all the complexities of the product.

1- Different types of stem

There are two types of stems, and the apparent difference between them is at the point where the stem gets connected with the bar.

Let’s explore the two types in detail.

• Top-load stem: Here, the bar is installed from the top of the BMX stem, and the plate is fixed at the stem’s base.
• Front-load stem: These stems are installed at the front of the BMX, and the bolts are also screwed into the front.

Regardless of the type of stem you choose, both types come with high durability and strength. All you have to do is make sure that the stem has been installed correctly and isn’t very loose.

2- Reach of the stem

In simple terms, the stem’s reach is basically the distance from the steerer tube to the handlebar. This distance will have a huge impact on the way you ride your bike. The effect is due to the fact that increasing the length of the top tube of your BMX. By lengthening this distance, your BMX will feel longer.

50mm is an average reach. Before you purchase the stem, it is important to consider its reach. If you are looking for a stem that will allow you to have an upright posture, then it is recommended to go for a shorter one. On the other hand, a longer stem is famous for being incredibly stable, and it will allow the rider to ride at speed.

3- Materials used

The material used to manufacture the stem is also essential. It  should be strong and durable. Apart from this, it should also be light in weight so that the rides are comfortable and effortless.

The most common aluminum alloys used for the construction of stems are 6061 and 7075. Both of these materials are extremely reliable in terms of performance and strength. However, 7075 is popular for its higher strength to weight ratio.

4- Pricing

Nowadays, the majority of buyers associate premium prices with quality. You should know that this is not always the case. You can easily find budget-friendly products that offer excellent performance.

However, purchasing a cheap BMX stem might be a bad idea because you might be getting an inferior-quality product. This is why before spending your hard-earned money on any stem, make sure it has all the features you are looking for.

Top 10 BMX Stem brands in the market

1. SE Racing
2. Black Ops
3. Wake
4. Senqui
5. Zoom4
6. Eastern Bikes
7. Salt
8. Triwonder
9. GT Bicycles
10. KRSCT

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the significance of BMX?

BMX stem is the part that connects the handlebars to the steerer tube. Buying the wrong stem will negatively affect your overall riding experience.

Having a sturdy BMX stem is important because it will allow you to balance your weight while riding. Furthermore, it will help you to find an ideal BMX handlebar that matches with your stem.

2. Can I install a mountain bike stem on a BMX?

Yes, you can install a mountain bike stem on your BMX and vice versa. However, you must make sure that the stem has the right diameter and reach.

3. Should I choose top load or front load stem?

The answer to this question totally depends on your preference. Both types of stems promote strength and durability if installed and fitted correctly.

Verdict

There are countless models of BMX stems on the market; however, choosing the wrong one would make your BMX riding experience difficult and dangerous.

Nonetheless, if you go for the products we have reviewed in this guide,  you will surely get value for your money.