Best Cycling Stems for Racing Bike of 2025

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 6 Feb 2025

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Cycling stems are essential components for racing bikes that connect the handlebars to the fork steerer tube. They come in various lengths and angles to adjust the rider's position, improve comfort and stability, and enhance aerodynamics. The stems are made of lightweight and durable materials such as aluminium, carbon fibre, or titanium to reduce weight and improve stiffness. They feature different clamp sizes to fit different handlebars, and some models have integrated computer mounts or cable routing. Cycling stems are crucial for any serious cyclist to optimise their performance, and these products offer a range of options to suit different needs and preferences.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Discount Quill Handlebar Stem 22.2 x 25.4mm Cover #TOP 1
Discount Quill Handlebar Stem 22.2 x 25.4mm
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Deda Elementi Zero 1 Stem - Lightweight Aero Design Cover #TOP 2
Deda Elementi Zero 1 Stem - Lightweight Aero Design
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Tbest Purple MTB Handlebar Stem Cover #TOP 3
Tbest Purple MTB Handlebar Stem
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 4 Cycling Stems for Racing Bike

#TOP 1

Discount Quill Handlebar Stem 22.2 x 25.4mm

Discount
Discount Quill Handlebar Stem 22.2 x 25.4mm Cover
Discount Oxford Road Bike Quill Handlebar Stem 22.2 (1") x 25.4mm Alloy 80mm Touring Racing Bike Silver

The Discount Quill Stem features a steerer diameter of 22.2mm, making it a perfect choice for 1" forks on your road or touring bike. With a maximum height adjustment of 110mm, you can easily customise your riding position for comfort and efficiency. Its 180mm stem length and 80mm reach allow for optimal handling and stability, enhancing your overall cycling experience. Weighing just 370g, this lightweight alloy construction ensures that you won't be weighed down during your rides.

What We Like
Customisable height adjustment
Lightweight alloy design
Optimal handling and stability
Suitable for road and touring bikes
#TOP 2

Deda Elementi Zero 1 Stem - Lightweight Aero Design

Deda Elementi Zero 1 Stem - Lightweight Aero Design Cover
Deda Elementi Zero 1 Stem - BoB Black - 100mm / Road Bicycle Cycling Cycle Biking Bike Lightweight Part Component Pro Aero Peloton Racing Race Triathlon Alloy Aluminium 6061

The Deda Elementi Zero 1 Stem is designed for the serious cyclist, delivering an excellent balance of stiffness and lightness. Its refined aero shape reduces drag, helping you achieve better speeds on your rides. Made from innovative forged 6061 alloy, it ensures durability without adding unnecessary weight. The flat top section aligns perfectly with the top tube of modern road bikes, providing a clean and sleek look while enhancing performance. This stem is ideal for demanding riders seeking quality at a competitive price.

What We Like
Lightweight construction
Aerodynamic shape
Durable alloy material
Perfect for modern bikes
#TOP 3

Tbest Purple MTB Handlebar Stem

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Purple
Tbest Purple MTB Handlebar Stem Cover
Tbest Purple Bike Stem,Metallic Purple Mtb Stem,Stem Mtb,MTB Stem 31.8mm ycle Handlebar Stem Durable Mountain Road Bike Handlebar Stems Aluminum Alloy ycle Bar Stem(Purple) £1389£13.89

The Tbest MTB Stem is crafted from high-quality aluminium alloy, ensuring it is both lightweight and durable. This means you can enjoy a safer ride, as the stem is designed to withstand the rigours of mountain biking. Its universal compatibility makes it a suitable replacement for most mountain bikes, racing bikes, and BMX bikes. With its striking metallic purple finish, it not only enhances your bike's aesthetics but also delivers reliable performance on various terrains.

What We Like
Lightweight and durable design
Universal compatibility
Striking metallic purple finish
Enhances bike aesthetics
#TOP 4

CYSKY 35° 60mm Bike Handlebar Stem

60mm
CYSKY 35° 60mm Bike Handlebar Stem Cover
CYSKY Bike Stem 35 Degree 31.8 60mm/70mm/90mm/110mm MTB Stem Mountain Bike Handlebar Stem for Bicycle, Road Bike, MTB, BMX, Cycling (60mm)

The CYSKY Bike Stem offers a sturdy and reliable solution for enhancing your riding experience. With a 28.6 mm steer tube diameter and a 31.8 mm handlebar diameter, it ensures compatibility with various bike types. Made from high-strength CNC machined 6061 T6 aluminium alloy, this stem is both lightweight and tough, providing excellent corrosion resistance. Its easy installation allows you to connect it directly to your front fork, making upgrades hassle-free. Additionally, the large angle and length cater to DIY enthusiasts, allowing for a more comfortable and flexible riding position.

What We Like
Lightweight yet strong material
Easy to install
Compatible with various bike types
Enhances riding comfort
Perfect for DIY modifications
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why do pro cyclists have long stems?

Obviously, the stem allows a rider to customise the fit, with the height and the reach to the handlebars both tuneable with a change of stem length and/or rise. We took a closer look at the stems of some of the notable riders in the Tour de France. It appears there is quite a large range of approaches in the peloton.

2. Do bike stems make a difference?

Using a shorter stem gives the bike quicker handling characteristics and a more responsive feel. A longer stem shifts your body weight towards the front of the bike and puts you in a better pedaling position, especially on those steep climbs.

3. Is 60mm stem too short for road bike?

The sweet spot stem length for road bikes is often said to be in the 100mm to 120mm range, but not everyone agrees, and shorter stems are not unusual. Gravel bike stems are often considerably shorter (e.g. 70mm), with relative frame reach lengthened to compensate.

4. How do I know what size stem I need for my bike?

Know the length by measuring from the middle bolt of the bike's headset top to the center of the handlebar. Ensure that you measured the length in centimeters or millimeters. A bike stem length usually runs in 10 mm increments and starts from 70 mm to 140 mm.

Editor's Notes

During our cycling stem for racing bike research, we found 192 cycling stem for racing bike products and shortlisted 4 quality products. We collected and analyzed 4,605 customer reviews through our big data system to write the cycling stems for racing bike list. We found that most customers choose cycling stems for racing bike with an average price of £16.45.

The cycling stems for racing bike are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of cycling stems for racing bike, including Discount, Deda Elementi, Tbest, CYSKY. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 148 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Luke Dobson Avatar

Luke is a runner, a climber, hiker, hunter, and a lot more. Luke Dobson is Celtic-born and has lived most of his life in Scotland. However, his sporting endeavours have taken him to several countries around Europe. He serves as a tour guide for countless companies and owns a couple of gyms and recreational centres in Scotland. Luke Dobson is proficient in 7 different languages. He maintains many sport article columns where he shares his wealth of experience in the sport industry.