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A bike stem isn’t the sexiest bike upgrade, but switching it out can create a better fit and handling on your favorite ride.

If you’re thinking of replacing your bike stem, you probably already have an idea of what this component is and what it's used for. But for the uninitiated, a bike stem is the tubular component that connects your handlebars to the steerer tube of your front fork. A stem will have either a quill-style or threadless system, with each system compatible with those headsets and forks. Changing the length of your bike stem will impact the fit and handling dynamics of your ride. A shorter stem can mean more reflexive, quicker steering, and a longer stem can mean slower steering.

While it’s not strictly necessary to change out your bike stem, adjusting the stem length can help fine-tune your bike's handling. Aside from just updating the stem length, buying an after-market bike stem means you can change out the head tube angle, as well. Many options on this list have adjustable rises for even more custom tailoring. Overall, a shorter stem means quicker, snappier handling, and a longer stem is slower and can feel easier to anticipate.

Whether you opt for a quill or threadless stem depends on your bike build. With quill models, the stem inserts into the threaded steerer tube and doesn’t extend above the headset. For threadless installation, the stem clamps around the tube itself, which is not threaded, and does end up extending above the headset.

We chose a variety of bike stems in varying price points and with a range of intended uses, from gravel biking to all-terrain mountain biking to road riding. We wanted to offer options for riders looking for fatigue reduction as well as plenty of rise and length choices to fit a variety of bikes and rider styles. These are all highly rated, and while no component will be absolutely perfect, there is something for every budget, bike, and type of rider here.

For more great bike components to buy now, check out our picks for the best handlebars, seatposts, and saddles.

The Service Course B2 is widely compatible with a variety of fitting positions and rise options, from -25 to +25, with several in between. This stem has a 40mm stack height along with several finish options, depending on what look you’re going for.

Like other stems in this class, we’re impressed with the stiffness-to-weight ratio, with the model weighing in at 5.6 ounces but feeling incredibly stable on even the most aggressive rides.

This newly remodeled mountain biking stem shaved 40 grams off its previous weight, with the 40mm model weighing 5.2 ounces and the 50mm model weighing 5.9 ounces.

This still isn’t the lightest model on the market, but the updates are noticeable. This stem includes a detachable mount for a light or camera for the epic descents you want to rewatch over and over. This is compatible with 31.8mm handlebars and has a 38mm stack, and fast, snappy handling for both cross-country and downhill excursions.

We love how easy this stem is to install, with several compatibility sizing options (28.6mm and 31.8mm) and rugged durability that will last season after season. This stem has an easy flip to get either -6 or +6 degree angles, and a +30 degree angle in the 100mm length option.

However, the biggest selling point for this stem is its fatigue-reduction capabilities, with a vibration-dampening design that can help keep you going over the longest, roughest rides.

This strong, stable stem is a huge confidence booster when it comes to control and reactive steering on cross-country or mountain rides.

This is a finely machined component built for strength and reliability, with an interlocking four-bolt bar clamp that works to keep the load-bearing off the hardware and onto the body of the bike. This has a stack height of 39mm and can be flipped for +6 or -6 degrees of rise.

This affordable stem offers a wide variety of adjustability and size options, and will feel perfectly comfortable on anything from a recreational ride to a cross-country mountain bike outing.

We love being able to fine-tune the stem angle, and this is a well-made component at a good price. The angles are easy to adjust, and this stem can be swapped out on a variety of rides based on preference.

Ready to splurge in the name of comfort? This finely-tuned stem has incredible vibration reduction, easing tension and increasing comfort on your back, wrists, neck, and shoulders. It is highly adjustable with up to 20mm of tuning for custom riding comfort, and a compliance switch for soft or firm options.

Switching between these takes some getting used to, but the stiffness can be adjusted with an external bolt, so you don’t find yourself in a bike construction project every time you want to adjust the feel of the stem.

This tough stem is made with durable 7075 aluminum, ideal for rugged mountain and all-terrain rides. This has a 35mm clamp for mountain bike handlebars, and manages to slot nicely in all categories of performance, price, and durability.

We’re impressed with the weight savings, which doesn't come at the cost of either stiffness or reliability, and it has an easy install and quick tightening system so you can be confident on the roughest trails.

The Easton brand has long been associated with high-quality bike components, and we love this all-around stem that feels just as at home on your commuter bike as it does on a gravel grinder. This is a simple, sleek option that has several length options ranging from 70mm to 120mm, and is a no-fuss addition to enhance handling and provide some vibration reduction.

The Top Lock technology works well with carbon bars, and this has a similar look and feel to carbon, making it a good option for riders who don’t want to spring for a carbon stem.