Whether you’re into flatland, street, park, or just looking to tighten up your setup for better control, short BMX stems can make all the difference.
But finding the right one can be a mission,
After trying out a bunch myself and hearing from fellow dudes, I’ve learned that the right stem isn’t just about size – it’s about feel, durability, and how it fits into your riding style.
This list of the best short stems is here to make your search easier.
I’ve pulled together some killer options to help take your riding to the next level.
Do you need something super short, like 26mm reach, or something a bit more stable, like 45mm?
I’ve included something for everyone.
By the end of this collection, you’ll find your next favorite small BMX stem to enjoy shredding your bike even more.
Trust me, once you find the right fit, you’ll wonder how you ever rode without it.
This post covers:
Best Short Reach BMX Stems
1. GT NBS Frontload 40mm BMX Stem
The GT NBS stem is another excellent solution when looking for a short BMX stem.
The 40mm reach I tried some time ago makes the bike feel responsive and easy to handle.
The 15mm rise adds just enough height for a comfortable feel without overdoing it. (You can still add spacers to raise your front end.)
Moreover, at only 8.92 oz, the NBS stem is nice and light.
NBS stem specs:
- Rise: 15mm
- Reach: 40mm
- Weight: 8.92 oz (252.9 g)
- Price: $28.00 (may vary)
2. S&M Redneck FLT Flatland Stem (26mm)
The S&M Redneck FLT stem is super sick for flatland.
The 26mm reach is compact, making tight spins and technical moves feel much easier to control.
The 23mm rise adds just enough height for a comfy, balanced feel.
What’s really cool is the internal steerer tube clamping system – it locks everything down solid without needing pinch bolts.
So yes, once you install it, all you need to do is tighten the four front bolts, and you’re ready to roll.
Plus, it’s made in the USA from 6061 aluminum, so it’s crazy durable but only weighs 8 oz!
The laser-etched S&M logo and machined sides give it a clean, pro look.
Dial in your flatland tricks with the right stem!
Note: Don’t miss my collection of the best BMX flatland bikes if you’re looking to upgrade.
Redneck FLT stem specs:
- Rise: 23mm
- Reach: 26mm
- Weight: 11.8 oz (334.5 g)
- Price: $89.95 (may vary)
3. Odyssey NORD 45mm BMX Stem
Designed with Matt Nordstrom, the NORD stem is built for tech moves and wild kickflips.
The 45mm reach feels nicely balanced – responsive but not twitchy – so it’s perfect for tech wizardy.
The 30mm rise provides just the right amount of lift without feeling awkward. (For a cleaner look, you might also remove all the spacers with this rise.)
The NORD stem is made from CNC-machined 6061-T6 aluminum, and man, it feels solid (almost chunky, but in a good way) in your hands – like it’s ready to handle anything.
Which it is!
This stem is seriously next-level.
NORD stem specs:
- Rise: 30mm
- Reach: 45mm
- Weight: 12.5 oz (354.4 g)
- Price: $69.99 (may vary)
4. Colony EXON II 40mm BMX Stem
The Colony EXON II flatland stem is perfect for tight, technical riding.
The 40mm reach is short, making it ideal for flatland tricks, but it’s also awesome for street and park if you like a more responsive feel. Or you might be a smaller rider.
Note: Have you seen my top tips for small BMX riders?
It even works great for 16″ and 18″ bikes, so it’s super versatile.
The design looks clean and gives a solid grip on the bars. It’s made from forged aluminum (that’s why the low price), so it’s strong but still light at just 8.5 oz.
Don’t miss checking the EXON II stem if you’re into precision and control.
EXON II stem specs:
- Rise: 33mm
- Reach: 40mm
- Weight: 8.5 oz (240.9 g)
- Price: $29.99 (may vary)
5. Profile Racing Acoustic Lightest BMX Stem (36mm)
I feel like anything that comes from the Profile Racing factory is seriously impressive.
And the Acoustic stem is no different!
While it’s available in several reach options, you can also get it in the super short 36mm reach.
Do you want an extremely snappy feel? Then this one is probably it.
The 8.6mm rise keeps everything low and sleek, which I love for a clean look.
Like the S&M stems, the Acoustic one is CNC machined in the USA, and the attention to detail is insane.
The chamfered edges and concaved back make it look dialed, and the internal machining keeps it lightweight without sacrificing strength.
This stem feels solid and reliable – definitely worth upgrading to it.
Acoustic stem specs:
- Rise: 8.6mm
- Reach: 36mm
- Weight: 7.7 oz (218.3 g)
- Price: $73.99 (may vary)
6. Colony Variant 35mm BMX Stem
The Colony Variant is another terrific short BMX stem pick that won’t disappoint you.
The 35mm reach is perfect for super-precise handling – it makes tech moves feel so smooth.
The 22.5mm rise hits that sweet spot between top load and front load, giving you a balanced feel without being too high or too low.
Hey, if your fork steerer tube is long enough, you can still use spacers to further optimize the height of your front end.
The Variant stem is CNC machined from 7075 T6 alloy to ensure it’s lighter and stronger than the usual 6061 stems – it’s only 8.25 oz!
What’s also cool about this stem is that it’s gyro-ready if you’re running one.
Variant stem specs:
- Rise: 22.5mm
- Reach: 35mm
- Weight: 8.25 oz (233.9 g)
- Price: $79.99 (may vary)
7. S&M Enduro V2 40mm BMX Stem
This is probably the stem I’ve ridden the longest, the S&M Enduro V2 stem.
It’s an absolute tank!
The 40mm reach makes the bike feel quick to response and easy to control, especially for tech stuff.
If you’re looking for a tall, short stem, this one, with a 34 mm rise, will do the trick.
Moreover, the stem is made by S&M, which means it’s USA-made – in other words, it’s built to last.
It doesn’t have any cutouts, or other fancy nonsense, just pure strength!
The engraved S&M logo and smooth edges give it a clean, classic look.
It’s a bit heavier at 11.9 oz, but it feels rock-solid, so it’s worth it.
I highly recommend this one.
Need more info? Read my in-depth S&M Enduro stem review.
Enduro V2 stem specs:
- Rise: 34mm
- Reach: 40mm
- Weight: 11.9 oz (337.4 g)
- Price: $64.95 (may vary)
8. Cult Max 43mm BMX Stem
The Cult Max stem is Max Vu’s signature top load stem, built for shredders who want both clean looks and reliable strength in a short reach setup.
With a 43mm reach, it’s perfect for tech riding, giving you a super-responsive front end that makes spins and nose tricks easier to control. And yes, barspins will spin faster, too!
The hidden faceplate bolt design creates a sleek, minimalist look that sets it apart from most stems on the market.
I love it.
Made from 6061 aluminum with heat-treated bolts, it’s tough enough to handle heavy street abuse while keeping weight low at just 11.12 oz.
Moreover, the recessed compression bolt area adds to the clean lines while also protecting hardware from wear.
Additionally, the stem is quite tall at 30.6mm, which raises your front end, allowing you to achieve a cleaner and minimalist bike look with fewer spacers.
Available in black, silver, and rasta, the Cult Max stem combines style, strength, and functionality in one dialed package.
For more info, check out my comprehensive Cult Max Stem review.
Max stem specs:
- Rise: 30.6mm
- Reach: 43mm
- Weight: 11.12 oz (315.2 g)
- Price: $69.99 (may vary)
How To Make Your Short BMX Stem Last Longer
You can keep your stem in great shape for years with a little care and attention.
Of course, the stem longevity also depends on how often and how hard you ride.
Here are a few tips I’ve picked up in my 20+ years-long BMX career.
1. Keep It Tight (But Not Too Tight)
Regularly check your bolts to ensure everything is secure.
A loose stem can mess with your bars while over-tightening can strip threads or stress the metal.
I’ve over-tightened it too many times, ruining stem bolt threads or even breaking the stem where it clamps the steerer tube.
Make it tight, just right.
And when tightening the bolts, tighten them in a crisscross pattern so you don’t create unnecessary stress.
2. Grease Is Your Friend
Apply a little grease to the bolts and the steerer tube when installing or doing maintenance.
It prevents seizing and makes adjustments easier later on.
Remember, you don’t want to overdo it, just like you don’t want to over-tighten the bolts.
3. Inspect For Cracks Or Wear
Give your stem a quick visual check every so often.
If you see any cracks or unusual wear, replace it ASAP to avoid catastrophic failure mid-ride.
The stem is one of the BMX parts that you don’t want to wait to replace.
Do it immediately!
4. Store Your Bike Properly
Leaving your bike exposed to the cold and hot temperatures, moisture or other elements for long periods can weaken parts.
If possible, store your bike indoors or under a cover when not in use.
One more thing: Avoid throwing your bike. It’s bad for your stem and your entire bike, so control your mind!
Following these tips will keep your short BMX stem strong, reliable, and ready for action!
FAQs About Short BMX Stems
What is considered a short BMX stem?
Anything in the 48mm reach or shorter range is generally considered a short BMX stem.
Why do riders choose short stems?
Short stems make the bike feel more responsive, pulling the bars closer for quicker spins and nose tricks. Also, a shorter BMX stem makes barspins easier.
Are short stems good for beginners?
Yes. They can make learning balance-based tricks easier, but some beginners may prefer a mid-length stem for added stability. Still, I recommend starting with a 50mm reach stem and adjusting it later.
Do short stems make BMX bikes harder to control?
Not necessarily, but the bike will feel twitchier compared to a longer stem, which offers more stability. However, you’ll mainly notice this at higher speeds.
Are top load or front load BMX stems better for short reach setups?
Both work, but top load stems are more common in short reach options since they add rise and comfort while keeping the front end quick.
What size handlebars fit short BMX stems?
Most BMX stems, short or long, fit 22.2mm clamp diameter bars, which is the freestyle standard. However, some BMX brands are making 1″ stems and bars, so just ensure to read the “fine print.”
Further reading:
- Benefits of a short BMX stem
- Do shorter stems make barspins easier?
- BMX stem geometry
- What BMX stem size do I need?
- What are the different BMX stem types?
::
Note: This article was originally published on December 7, 2024. But I regularly review it and update it with necessary improvements for accuracy.
