Top-Notch BMX Stems: Front and Top Load Options (Reviewed in 2025)

Are you ready to find the perfect BMX stem for your ride? No worries, I got you covered with the sickest options in the game!

Whether you need a front or top load, there's something for every style and budget. Let's dive right in!

Top BMX Top Load Stems

1. BSD Stacked Stem

BSD's Stacked stem is their tallest reach stem with a 33mm rise, giving you an extra stacked feel - pun intended! This top load gem is available in the conventional 7⁄8" clamping area for standard bars, but they also offer the oversized 1′′ clamping area (OS) for ultimate grip. You can grab it in black, raw, or polished colors - classics!

Specs:
Rise: 33mm
Reach: 50mm
Weight: 11oz
Price: $67.99 (may vary)

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2. Odyssey BOYD Stem

The Odyssey BOYD stem is Boyd Hilder's signature top load, boasting a 30mm rise and a 52mm reach. This top load wonder is CNC machined out of a 6061-T6 Aluminum block with a unique inside surface to prevent bar slippage. Available in black only as of now.

Specs:
Rise: 30mm
Reach: 52mm
Weight: TBA
Price: $69.99 (may vary)

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3. Shadow Treymone Stem

Trey Jones and Simone Barraco joined forces to create the Treymone stem, a top load BMX superstar from The Shadow Conspiracy. Both riders loved the geometry of Shadow's Ravager stem but wanted to make changes. The Treymone stem features a 27mm rise and a 51mm reach, cold-forged, and CNC machined from 6061-T6 Aluminum. Pick it up in over seven lush colors!

Specs:
Rise: 27mm
Reach: 51mm
Stack Height: 28.5mm
Weight: 11.5oz
Price: $41.99 (may vary)

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Best BMX Front Load Stems

4. Fiend Reynolds V3

Garrett Reynolds' signature stem, the Fiend Reynolds V3, is a simple yet iconic front load stem. It boasts a full contact cap for better grip against the handlebars, reducing slippage. Trick riders love the Reynolds V3 for its quality construction and timeless style. Choose from four fabulous colors!

Specs:
Rise: 8.25mm
Reach: 48mm
Weight: 11.4 oz
Price: $74.99 (may vary)

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5. Shadow VVS

Shadow VVS is a stunning front load stem sporting the signature of Matt Ray. This powerful front load comes in an 8.5mm rise and a 48mm reach, making it a fantastic option for modern BMXers. Made by hand in California, the VVS is CNC machined from 6061-T6 Aluminum and available in various vibrant hues, like black, copper, green, raw, purple, and more!

Specs:
Rise: 8.5mm
Reach: 48mm
Weight: 11.3oz
Price: $40.99 (may vary)

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Picking the Right BMX Stem for Your Ride

Choosing the right BMX stem is all about considerations such as reach, style, compatibility with your bike's steerer tube and handlebars, cost, and more. Here are some top tips to help you make the perfect choice:

Length: The length of the stem influences stability and handling. Longer stems give a more stable ride, ideal for riders transitioning on ramps or larger obstacles. Shorter stems provide quicker and sharper steering, suitable for technical street rides.
Rise: The rise adjusts the handlebar height. A higher rise is achieved by stacking spacers, which gives a taller front end. Pick a suitable rise to ensure proper ergonomics and comfort while riding.
Clamping Diameter: Traditional clamping (7/8″) remains popular, but oversized clamping (OS) is becoming more prevalent. Whichever you choose, ensure it's compatible with your fork, steerer tube, and handlebars.
Stem Material: While BMX stems are primarily made of aluminum, some are created using the CNC machining process, making them more durable and priced higher.

Top-Notch BMX Stems: Front and Top Load Options (Reviewed in 2025)