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 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 BMX Stems
1. GT Mallet Stem
The GT Mallet stem is seriously awesome – one of the best-looking stems in my opinion.
Old-school with a modern twist.
It’s a front load stem with a compact 43mm reach that makes barspins feel snappier and gives you more control.
The 19mm rise is just right for keeping everything dialed without feeling too high or low.
The Mallet stem is CNC machined from alloy, so it’s light (only 10.2 oz!) but still strong.
Plus, the GT logo etched on the front plate looks sick!
If you want to upgrade your ride, this stem is worth it.
Mallet specs:
- Rise: 19mm
- Reach: 43mm
- Weight: 10.2 oz
- Price: $65.00 (may vary)
2. GT NBS Frontload 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 specs:
- Rise: 15mm
- Reach: 40mm
- Weight: 8.92 oz
- Price: $28.00 (may vary)
3. Primo Aleppo Stem
This is Jordan Aleppo‘s signature stem, so you know it’s built for serious shredding.
The 46mm reach is perfect – not too long or short – making it extra responsive and dialed for all kinds of tech-first tricks.
The 8mm rise keeps everything low and sleek, which I really love for better control.
The front-load design has a clean, classic vibe, and the rounded edges feel smooth and refined.
Plus, no cutouts mean this thing is rock-solid and built to handle anything you throw at it.
Sure, it might have a little more weight to it because of it, but that weight is there for a reason.
Simple but epic, grab the Aleppo stem by Primo.
Aleppo specs:
- Rise: 8mm
- Reach: 46mm
- Weight: 12.9 oz
- Price: $69.00 (may vary)
4. S&M Redneck FLT Stem
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!
Redneck FLT specs:
- Rise: 23mm
- Reach: 26mm
- Weight: 11.8 oz
- Price: $89.95 (may vary)
5. Odyssey NORD 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 specs:
- Rise: 30mm
- Reach: 45mm
- Weight: 12.5 oz
- Price: $69.99 (may vary)
6. GT NBS Topload Stem
This is the top load version of the GT NBS stem, and it’s just as epic as the other one.
However, if you need more rise, this one will definitely be a better option for you.
It also comes at a twitchy 40mm reach, which is short and ready for technical shredding.
The 32mm rise gives it a nice lift without overdoing it – perfect for dialing in comfort and control.
Finally, it’s tough but still lightweight at just 10.35 oz.
Honestly, this stem is a win for any setup – especially at that price!
However, I’d avoid getting a cheaper BMX stem if your riding is super burly.
NBS specs:
- Rise: 32mm
- Reach: 40mm
- Weight: 10.35 oz
- Price: $27.99 (may vary)
7. Colony EXON II 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 specs:
- Rise: 33mm
- Reach: 40mm
- Weight: 8.5 oz
- Price: $29.99 (may vary)
8. Profile Racing Acoustic Stem
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 specs:
- Rise: 8.6mm
- Reach: 36mm
- Weight: 7.7 oz
- Price: $73.99 (may vary)
9. Colony Variant 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 specs:
- Rise: 22.5mm
- Reach: 35mm
- Weight: 8.25 oz
- Price: $79.99 (may vary)
10. S&M Enduro V2 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.
Enduro V2 specs:
- Rise: 34mm
- Reach: 40mm
- Weight: 11.9 oz
- Price: $64.95 (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!
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?
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Note: This article was originally published on December 7, 2024. But I regularly review it and update it with necessary improvements for accuracy.
