If you’ve been looking to raise your front end a bit, the Kink Gavel stem is an excellent solution.
This top load BMX stem is a performance powerhouse engineered to take your sessions to the next level.
Built from rock-solid 6061-T6 aluminum and precision CNC-machined for a flawless finish, it strikes the perfect mix between agility and tank-level durability.
The top load design elevates your bars just enough to boost leverage, while the recessed sides and clean lines shave off grams without sacrificing strength.
And if you’re a taller rider, the 31.5mm rise will surely help you ride more upright, which can also eliminate lower back pain.
Moreover, the chamfered edges and rounded body profile mean extra smoothness, which your knees will definitely appreciate.
The Gavel is a super versatile BMX stem that’s ready for street, park, bowl and trail shredding.
Whether you’re sending massive airs, grinding rails, or even going super tech, this is the stem that handles it all AND then some.
Ready to see how the Gavel stem can transform your ride?
This review covers:
Kink Gavel Top Load BMX Stem Review
Fun fact: The Gavel stem is the updated version of the old and popular Kink High Rise stem.
1. Key Features Of The Kink Gavel Stem
The Gavel offers precision engineering and user-focused details that give you confidence before you even drop in.
- Top load design for perfect bar height and attack angle.
- 6061-T6 aluminum keeps it light and bombproof.
- CNC-machined body and recessed sides reduce weight and look slick.
- Recessed fork cap bolt area for a flush, clean top cap fit.
- Debossed Kink logo on the faceplate for that pro vibe.
- Chamfered edges and a rounded body keep your knees happy.
- Solid oversized chromoly stem bolts and recessed compression bolt for rock-solid clamping.
- Grooves inside the top cap for extra clamping force.
2. Kink Gavel Stem Specifications
Every detail here is dialed for precision and performance.
Check out these specs to see exactly how the Gavel stem boosts your ride.
- Reach: 48mm
- Clamp diameter: 22.2mm bars
- Rise: 31.5mm
- Stack height: 30mm
- Clamp area width: 50mm
- Clamp bolts: Four 8 x 1.25mm
- Pinch bolts: Two 8 x 1.25mm
- Colors: Matte Black, Silver
- Weight: 11.4 oz / 323.2 g
- Price: $64.99
If all these specs are new to you, check out my article about BMX stem geometry.
3. How The Kink Gavel Stem Rides & Feels
That extra rise gives your bars just enough lift for additional leverage that makes the bike more agile.
You’ll definitely feel it as soon as you do your first manual or bunnyhop.
The 48mm reach brings the bar just slightly closer to your body, but that few millimeters of difference are actually huge.
When I went from 50mm to 48mm, I felt the difference immediately. I couldn’t believe that 2mm could be THAT much.
And the barspins – they sure do spin much faster, which si something I dig a lot.
Further reading: Benefits of a short BMX stem
The smooth, chamfered edges and rounded body protect your knees from nasty hits and unwanted chain snaps.
And because it bolts on so cleanly, the stem sits perfectly aligned with your forks, making setup a breeze and leaving you more time to ride rather than tweak bolts.
If you want to play with your front end’s height some more, add spacers or even get a taller handlebar.
But 31.5mm is pretty decent already, which, believe me, will make a big difference. Especially if you come from a 20mm rise or even lower.
What I also really like are the machined grooves inside the stem’s top cap.
It’s something that a lot of stems used in the past, but then brands stop doing this.
However, now, more brands are bringing back these grooves, and I love it.
It just ensures an even more powerful bar clamp and prevents slippage.
Also, the 50mm wide clamping area clamps more bar so it’ll stay in place regardless of how hard you shred.
Moreover, if you’re currently riding a 25mm rise stem and don’t yet use spacers, play with those first before investing in a new stem.
It will help you fine-tune your setup before getting a new part.
GET YOUR KINK GAVEL STEM NOW!4. Potential Cons of the Kink Gavel Stem
- Only two color options, so you might not match every build. (But, let’s be honest – black matches everything! And Silver? Killer!)
5. Who The Kink Gavel Stem Is Best For
- Street riders who need solid control and durability.
- Park, trail and blow shredders who want a clean, reliable setup.
- Beginners who need a forgiving, knee-friendly stem.
- Taller riders who will benefit from raising their front-end.
Conclusion: Should You Get The Kink Gavel Stem?
Here’s the bottom line: the Kink Gavel stem gives you pro-level strength and style at a price that won’t break the bank.
For under sixty bucks, you’re swapping flexy, heavy hardware for a precision-built, CNC-machined solution.
You’ll feel the difference the first time you crank your bike.
This stem isn’t just about bragging rights, either.
It transforms your bike into a more responsive machine. Faster lever response. Rock-solid landings. Cleaner lines through technical street spots.
You name it!
And because of its sleek, recessed design, you’re shedding weight where it counts, without giving up an ounce of durability.
If you’re serious about stepping up your (front-end) game – whether you’re railing through handrails, hucking off drops, or just crushing your daily park session – this is the part that unlocks extra confidence.
Don’t let another session go by with a setup that holds you back.
Bolt on the Gavel stem and experience how a small upgrade can make a huge difference in every trick.
You’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.
GET YOUR KINK GAVEL STEM NOW!Related BMX step with a top load design:
- Demolition Josh Dove stem
- S&M Challenger stem
- S&M Enduro stem
- Cinema Projector stem (unique front load with a top load feel)
