Gravel & Cyclocross Stems

For bikepacking and long-distance gravel rides a positive-rise stem gives a more upright, comfortable position; many stems flip to offer +/−6, 17, 25, or 30 degrees of rise for tuning. For gravel racing pick a negative-rise option to lower your bars and improve aerodynamics.

Shorter stems generally improve maneuverability on slacker headtube bikes, and gravel stems are often 90mm or less even though lengths range 40–140mm. Stay within about 10mm of your current length when changing stems to keep reach and handling predictable.

Suspension stems can noticeably smooth rough terrain, especially designs with coil springs or rubber dampers that offer around 20mm of travel. Consider single-pivot or multi-pivot suspension stems if you ride rough gravel or cyclocross courses frequently, but be aware they add a bit of weight compared with rigid options.

Integrated stems combine the stem and bar for cleaner airflow while internally routed stems can hide up to four cables, giving a cleaner cockpit and small aero gains. Models like the Ritchey WCS Carbon Matrix also boost stiffness with its carbon matrix construction, which helps transfer power when sprinting or attacking.

Measure your bar clamp diameter—most gravel stems fit 31.8mm bars while some straight or aero setups need 44mm—and confirm the stem’s clamp design such as 220–260 degree or hinged clamps for a secure fit. Also look for Di2 compatibility and features listed in the spec; forged aluminum stems like the PRO Koryak or Thomson G2l often note Di2 routing and titanium-bolt hardware in their descriptions.