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Adjustable Stems vs. Stem Risers

Adjustable Bike Stems vs Stem Risers

What are Adjustable Stems and Stem Risers?

As a biker, you might already know what a stem is -if you don’t, here’s a quick tip: a stem is a part that connects your handlebar to the steerer tube. Nevertheless, you should be aware that this concept has evolved and been adapted throughout time to make your ride as comfortable as it may get. In this article, we will ride through two of the wide range of stem varieties that are now available: adjustable stems and stem risers.

As the name indicates, adjustable stems provide the possibility of positioning the handlebar forwards or backward. What we tend to look for in these accessories is that they have a firm yet lightweight grip, along with a wide degree range.

On the other hand, stem risers are used to elevate your handlebar further upwards than what it can originally go. Grip strength, durability, and, of course, height range are the main characteristics we want to have when considering acquiring one of these.

Purpose of Using Adjustable Stems and Stem Risers – To Raise the Handlebar

So, now we know what these two perks provide to our ride, we come up with the following question: Why would anyone want to elevate or lean a handlebar forward? The answer may look simple, but it carries more meaning than it may seem: Comfort. Yes, that’s right.

Whether your back hurts while or after riding, or you feel your performance is affected by your posture, you may want to check if your handlebar position is the main cause.

Riding in a more upright position, for example, can be the solution to your back issues. Remember that the more comfortable we are, the easier we can give our best for a longer time.

Adjustable Bike Stem Reviews

As you can imagine, there is a huge variety of adjustable stems to choose from and, thus, an even larger amount of reviews. As a tip, don’t get crazy trying to find the best of them all, because you will end up buying none. Try to see which one adapts best to your needs.

For example, if you’re planning to install it on your own, look for an easy-installation one. On the other hand, if you’re looking to add as little weight as possible, pay more attention to it being as lightweight as possible.

Wake MTB Stem offers a hollow design, making it quite lightweight. Its installation is easy, so you can do it on your own. Adjusting it to your preferred position is not a difficult task, too.

As a downside, its material may wear off after some use. It does not require maintenance, but you should not let it dry on its own if you happen to encounter a storm, for example. You should also be careful not to over-torque it when installing since bolts are not as resistant as they should be.

Adjustable Bike Stems vs Stem Risers

Recommended Stem Risers

With regard to stem risers, we recommend the Triwonder MTB. Easy to install, wide height range and good materials are among its attractive points. Pay attention to size if planning to acquire it, as it must be compatible in diameter.

Nevertheless, there is a wide variety of stem risers, and you will be able to find just the right one for both you and your ride.