Best Bike Stems for Gravel Bikes of 2025

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Bike stems for gravel bikes are an essential component for riders who want to improve their bike's performance and comfort. These stems are designed to offer a perfect balance between strength, stiffness, and weight. They come in various lengths, angles, and materials, allowing riders to customize their riding position and improve their bike's handling. Some of the most popular materials used for bike stems are aluminum, carbon fiber, and titanium. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned gravel rider, investing in a quality bike stem can make a significant difference in your riding experience.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Bike Stems for Gravel Bikes
RXL SL Carbon Fiber MTB Stem
The RXL SL Carbon Stem is designed for both road and mountain bikes, offering a lightweight and visually appealing upgrade. Made from a combination of carbon fiber and aluminum alloy, this stem weighs between 120 to 148 grams, making it easier for you to handle your bike. With a 6° angle and various lengths available, it ensures a perfect fit for your riding style. The four-bolt rod clamp securely connects to your bike's fork, enhancing stability during your rides. Plus, the sturdy construction provides excellent pressure resistance and shock absorption, improving your overall cycling experience.
REDSHIFT ShockStop Suspension Stem
The REDSHIFT ShockStop Stem offers an easy installation for most modern bikes with its compatibility for standard 1-1/8in steerer tubes. This suspension stem enhances your ride by absorbing up to 70% of bumps and vibrations, ensuring a more comfortable experience. You’ll notice less fatigue, allowing you to go further and faster on your bike. With 20mm of damped suspension travel, you maintain stability while enjoying the benefits of vertical compliance. This means you can tackle rough terrains with confidence, enhancing your overall cycling efficiency.
RXL SL Carbon Road Bike Stem
The RXL SL Carbon Stem is a versatile choice for various bike types, including road, MTB, and BMX. Made from a blend of carbon fiber and aluminum alloy, it is not only lightweight but also visually appealing with its 3K matte finish. You will appreciate the precise fit with a fork diameter of 28.6mm and a handlebar diameter of 31.8mm. Additionally, installation is straightforward thanks to the secure four-bolt clamp design, ensuring your handlebars are perfectly positioned. With a recommended tightening torque of 4Nm, you can easily adjust it to suit your needs, enhancing your cycling experience.
Funn Nixie 50mm Bike Stem
The Funn Nixie Stem is designed specifically for a 31.8mm bar clamp, ensuring a snug fit for your handlebars. With its 0-degree rise, this stem allows you to lower your handlebars for a more aerodynamic position, enhancing stability, especially during fast rides or descents. Weighing only 119g, it's made from durable AL6061 material, so you can enjoy both strength and lightweight performance. Plus, with a variety of colors available, you can easily match this stem to your bike's style, making it not just functional but visually appealing as well.
Funn Stryge 60mm Bike Stem
The Funn Stryge Stem is designed for 31.8mm handlebars, offering a 7-degree rise that enhances your comfort while riding. This feature helps you maintain a more upright position, which can reduce strain on your back and shoulders. Constructed from aerospace-grade 6061 forged alloy, this stem is both lightweight and incredibly strong, ensuring your handlebars are well-supported even in tough conditions. Additionally, the Stryge Stem comes in various lengths and rise options, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your bike and riding style, making your rides more enjoyable.
Bibike Suspension Stem Handlebar
The Bibike Suspension Stem is designed to enhance your biking experience by reducing vibrations, making your rides smoother and more comfortable. With a 22mm suspension travel and a 20-degree angle, it helps minimize arm fatigue, especially on rigid forks. This stem is universally compatible with various bike types, including gravel, road, and mountain bikes, ensuring a perfect fit for your ride. Its sturdy, rust-resistant aluminum alloy construction not only adds durability but also features a stylish matte texture, making it a great addition to any bicycle.
Mountain Bike Shock Absorber Stem by Sgxbos
The Sgxbos Shock Absorber Stem is designed for a comfortable riding experience on various bicycles. It fits standard 1-1/8 inch steerer tubes and 31.8mm handlebars, making it versatile for most bikes. This stem effectively reduces impact during rides, helping you say goodbye to wrist fatigue. You can enjoy a smoother journey, even on bumpy roads, as it minimizes vibration and discomfort in your hands, wrists, back, and neck. Plus, the easy installation process and clear instructions ensure you can set it up without hassle.
Bibike Suspension Handlebar Stem
The Bibike Suspension Stem is designed to enhance your biking experience by significantly reducing vibrations. With a 30mm suspension travel and a 20-degree angle, it helps minimize arm discomfort and fatigue, especially when riding on rigid forks. This stem is universally compatible with various bike types, including mountain, road, and touring bikes, ensuring a perfect fit for your ride. Its sturdy aluminum alloy construction offers durability and weather resistance, making it a reliable choice for all conditions. Plus, the stylish matte texture adds a touch of flair to your bike.
Ritchey 4-Axis Adjustable Bike Stem
The Ritchey Adjustable Bike Stem is designed for versatility and strength. Its unique 3D-net shaped forged shaft, paired with a precision broached clamp, ensures durability while remaining lightweight. You can easily adjust the stem angle by +/- 55 degrees, allowing you to find the perfect height and position for your ride. The stainless steel bolts enhance the stem's longevity, making it a reliable choice for all your biking adventures. Plus, its sleek BB Black finish adds a modern touch to your bike's appearance.
RXL SL Carbon Fiber MTB Stem
The RXL SL MTB Stem is designed for universal compatibility, fitting 31.8mm handlebars and standard 1-1/8" steerer tubes. This lightweight yet sturdy stem, made from 3K carbon fiber and aluminum alloy, provides a solid build without adding much weight to your bike. With a 6-degree angle, it allows you to ride in a more comfortable, upright position, reducing neck and back fatigue. Plus, it absorbs vibrations from rough terrains, enhancing your control and confidence while riding. This makes it a perfect upgrade for your road bike, mountain bike, or e-bike.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you use a MTB stem on a gravel bike?
Yes, it is possible to use a MTB stem on a gravel bike. Some riders prefer the stability and control offered by a shorter MTB stem, especially when riding in more challenging terrain. However, it is important to ensure that the stem length and rise are compatible with the gravel bike and its intended use.
2. How do I know what size stem I need?
To determine the correct stem size, a good rule of thumb is to sit on the bike with your hands on the hoods and look down at the front hub. If the handlebars completely hide the front hub, then the stem length is likely correct. However, it is recommended to consult with a bike fitting professional for a more precise assessment based on your body measurements and riding style.
3. Can you ride a gravel bike like a mountain bike?
While some gravel bikes can handle light off-road trails, most are not designed for aggressive mountain biking. Gravel bikes typically come with narrower tires and may not have the suspension and geometry necessary for challenging mountain bike trails. However, there are gravel bikes available that are more capable and can be used for moderate off-road riding.
4. What are the two types of bike stems?
The two main types of bike stems are "threadless" and "quill." The type of stem required depends on the headset and fork installed on your bicycle. Most modern bikes use threadless stems, which have a steerer tube that extends through the head tube and is clamped by the stem. Quill stems, on the other hand, are threaded and inserted into the steerer tube from the top.
5. Do you want a shorter stem on gravel bike?
The ideal stem length for a gravel bike depends on various factors, including head tube angle, fork rake, and personal preference. In general, a shorter stem will result in faster and more agile handling, while a longer stem will provide more stability. Finding the right balance is important to suit your riding style and the terrain you typically encounter.
6. What is the best stem length for gravel bike?
The best stem length for a gravel bike can vary depending on individual preferences and bike geometry. Road stems typically range from 90-120mm, while gravel stems are usually 60-100mm. Shorter stems offer quicker handling, but the difference in performance is generally minor. It is also worth considering stem angles and stack height adjustments to fine-tune the fit.
7. What is the difference between 0 and 6 degree stems?
The difference between 0-degree and 6-degree stems lies in the handlebar height relative to the stem. With a 0-degree rise, the handlebars remain at the same height as the stem. A 6-degree rise raises the handlebars higher. Most stems can be flipped over to achieve the same amount of drop, allowing riders to adjust their preferred handlebar position.
8. Can a gravel bike be as fast as a road bike?
In general, road bikes tend to be faster than gravel bikes due to their lighter weight and more aerodynamic design. On average, road bikes can be around 1.24kph faster than gravel bikes. However, the specific terrain and riding conditions can also influence the speed difference between the two types of bikes.
9. What are the limitations of a gravel bike?
While gravel bikes are versatile and capable across a wide range of riding terrain, they do have some limitations. For example, they may not perform as well on technical singletrack sections, as they lack the suspension and tire width of dedicated mountain bikes. However, gravel bikes excel in commuting, gravel roads, and mixed-terrain adventures.
During our bike stem for gravel bikes research, we found 24 bike stem for gravel bikes products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 10,304 customer reviews through our big data system to write the bike stems for gravel bikes list. We found that most customers choose bike stems for gravel bikes with an average price of $30.42.
The bike stems for gravel bikes are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of bike stems for gravel bikes, including RXL SL, REDSHIFT, Funn, Bibike, Sgxbos. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 58 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Jason Kiser is an editor who lives in California, he previously worked in a travel agency for ten years, which enabled him to travel a number of interesting countries and experience several different cultures along the way. His range of job and travel experiences grant him expertise in hiking, camping, outdoors and fitness.