I hope I wasn't the only one wondering where this stem acquired its name.

The gorgeous single pieced machinery, strong material and the fact its top load all add confidence you aren't going to break this stem when riding big trails. This top load Profile stem has been heavily influenced by Mark's riding style.

Mark has been riding for over 25 years and throughout that time has accumulated some fairly decent sponsors, including Profile, Vans and Kali. The Push stem is the signature part of Mark Mulville, an awesome dirt jump rider and surfer. It's safe to say Profile have pulled it out the bag in both departments. I'm not sure whether it's the manufacturing or the vibrant colours that attract me to this stem the most. Yet again Profile have designed a gorgeous BMX part. It is a gorgeous grey to black gradient from the back to the front of the stem.Ĭlick Here to Check Best Price 5. The rise of this stem is a little lower than average, in my opinion making it much more suited to the averaged sized rider that still likes to ride a top load stem.Īnother cool feature of the Love stem that you may not have noticed on the regular images is one of the colourways of this stem. The Love stem has been manufactured with a reach of both 48mm and 52mm, not too much different from most other top load BMX stems. To allow a flat top cap to fit flush with the top of the stem Federal have included a slight recess in the top. The 6061 aluminium has also been internally machined to save some extra weight. This clamp is CNC machined from a slightly lower grade of aluminium than most of the other clamps on this list. A very simple design with a slight forward angle on the handlebar clamp. The shape of the Love stem is very similar to some of the others on this top load stem list. Mark has a nice mid school vibe about his street riding. This is the signature design of Mark Love. This stem is no different in being much better suited to the taller rider but don't be put off if you're smaller and prefer higher bars. As you probably know, top load stems are much better for taller riders and bikers that have far harder landings than normal. The S&M stem has a height of 31.5mm and a reach of 52mm. The stem has a lovely curved design around the rear serving as a nice design feature and protection for your knees when spinning those bars. The only main thing altered between these stems is the newer one has a narrower shape and a nice reduction in weight due to the internal cutout. S&M have another stem named the challenger that is almost identical to this newer Credence Turtleneck. Not the most complicated design but this top load is CNC machined in the USA from a block of 6061-T6 aluminum. The Turtleneck stem is a top load design with no angle at all. So, let's begin with the Credence Turtleneck BMX stem made by the one and only S&M. Check them out and leave a comment at the end with your thoughts. The following list features a relatively even mix of top load and front load stems from many different BMX manufacturers around the world. If you're notorious for heavy landings or front wheel landings and believe that this factor could affect the stem itself then a top load stem may be the best idea for you. I don't believe this argument to have much basis as the front plate hugs the bars well and can actually support a lot of abuse in itself without compromising the bolts. Some people argue that front load stems are less reliable and weaker due to the fact that all dissipating force will be spread over the stem bolts, which over time could wear on the bolts and cause them to fail or seize. If you're being pedantic then you can find several factors that could affect the decision of one over the other but the only significant factor is the aesthetics of each of them. For example, a shorter stem that keeps the bars closer to the head tube will allow you to bring the back of your bike up much easier and let you lock in your front stalls and nose manuals.įront load or top load stem is a popular question in the world of BMX. What most people don't know is that just a small difference in stem angle or size can give you a much easier time when trying to do certain tricks. Unless you're an experienced rider who knows exactly what feel they need for their riding style or over six and a half feet tall the style and size of your stem won't affect you much. I don't blame people for not putting as much thought into BMX bike stems as they do when buying wheels or frames.

BMX stems! One of the most underappreciated bike parts I believe.

Best mtb stem