How to choose your MTB stem?
The MTB stem is the part that connects the handlebar to the rest of your bike; it also determines your position on the MTB and your riding feel. Choosing this component should therefore not be taken lightly — here are some tips.
Standards
- Fork steerer tube diameter: 1"1/8 or 1.5"
- Handlebar diameter: 25.4, 31.8 or 35 mm
- Length
- Angle
Stem types
Two factors are directly dependent on the rest of your equipment.
Mounting and length
The stem mounting on the fork steerer tube depends on the diameter a of that part, which can be 1"1/8 or 1.5"; and the mounting of the MTB handlebar which can be 25.4, 31.8 or less commonly 35 mm.
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There is also a mounting specific to DH/Freeride riding. On full-suspension mountain bikes, stems are directly fixed to the upper crown* c of double crown* crown*Element of a fork that connects the steerer tube* and the stanchions. forks; this mounting is called Direct Mount*d.
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The length e is one of the two characteristics you can choose. The average across all MTB disciplines is 80 mm. In addition to lengthening your position on the bike, a longer stem will also affect the steering, making it more stable but less responsive. Conversely, if you choose a shorter stem to shorten your position, the steering will become more reactive but less stable when riding.
The rise
The second factor you can choose is the rise f. This is the angle between the stem axis and the axis perpendicular to the fork steerer tube. The average across all MTB disciplines is between 7° and 10°. The rise of a stem will only affect your position on the bike: the greater the angle, the higher your cockpit will be, meaning you will sit more upright and further back on your bike; conversely, a lower stem will tend to put you in a more stretched-out position and load the front of the bike. Note that some stems are reversible, allowing either an upward or downward angle.
Which stem should you choose?
The average for MTB is a stem of 80 mm with an 8° angle, but these figures can vary depending on your MTB discipline and your position on the bike according to its geometry.
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Trail riding
For MTB use, the classic 80 mm / 8° is often the right compromise between comfort and versatile handling.
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Cross-Country
For sporty outings on a hardtail MTB, it is not uncommon to choose a slightly longer stem angled downward, such as 100 mm / -8°, for a more aggressive and sporty position.
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All-Mountain / Enduro
For All-Mountain or Enduro riding, a 50 mm / 5° stem will offer more reactive handling and a position further back on the bike. Perfect for committed and technical descents.
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DH/Freeride
When it comes to DH / Freeride, frame geometries are generally designed for very short stems between 25 and 50 mm to maximise manoeuvrability and achieve an optimal position on the steepest gradients. The rise is often dictated by the shape of the stem, between 15° and 35°, allowing the cockpit to be raised a little further.
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MTB - Stems
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RENTHAL APEX Stem
Regular price From 39,99 €Regular priceUnit price per
