Cockpit / Steering Component study

Stem

The short part that clamps the handlebar to the fork's steerer tube.

What does the Stem do?

Connects the handlebar to the fork and sets how far forward and how high the handlebar sits.

How does it work?

The stem clamps tightly around the steerer tube, so turning the handlebar turns the fork. A longer or lower stem stretches the rider into a more forward position.

Materials & Construction

Materials commonly used to make the Stem.

Aluminium

A light metal alloy and the most common material for frames and parts on entry-level and mid-range bicycles.

Learn more

Carbon Fibre

A composite made from layers of carbon fibre sheets bonded with resin. Engineers can arrange the layers to make a part stiff in one direction and more flexible in another.