{"id":2921,"date":"2022-08-23T11:52:00","date_gmt":"2022-08-23T11:52:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bikefinest.com\/?p=2921"},"modified":"2022-08-23T11:53:13","modified_gmt":"2022-08-23T11:53:13","slug":"stem-riser-vs-adjustable-stem","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bikefinest.com\/stem-riser-vs-adjustable-stem\/","title":{"rendered":"Stem Riser Vs Adjustable Stem ?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Generally, one effective fix to a cycling-related back issue is changing the handlebar position. You can do that with either a stem riser or an adjustable stem. But how does a stem riser vs adjustable stem compare?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both the stem riser and adjustable stem allow you to lift your handlebar. The difference is that an adjustable stem also allows you to pull it back or forward. Note, however, that a stem riser allows you to lift it higher than an adjustable stem. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overall, the reason for using either option is to improve your cycling comfort.  That\u2019s more important if you constantly complain of back pain or wrist discomfort after cycling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But to help you choose between the two, I will make a side-by-side comparison.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s get into it!<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"stem<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Stem Riser Vs Adjustable Stem: Side By Side Comparison<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While both the stem riser and adjustable stem are known to change the handlebar position, they differ in a few ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s see how.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adjustability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

From their name, adjustable stems are designed to be adjusted. You can use them to change the handlebar position by moving them forward or backward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overall, you can adjust the handlebar by up to 60 degrees back or forth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In contrast, stem risers allow you only to move the handlebar further up and not back and forth, as it\u2019s the case with adjustable stems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, while stem risers offer you the convenience of elevation, adjustable stems provide you with the comfort of drawing the handlebar closer or away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verdict<\/strong> \u2013 Adjustable stems offer you more adjustability as they allow you to push the handlebar back and forth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Grip Strength<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Even though adjustable stems are easily tilted, they offer a firm grip, essential for your bike handling and safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stem risers also promise adequate grip, thus suitable for handlebar handling and cycling safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verdict<\/strong> \u2013 Both options offer you enough grip strength to improve your handlebar handling and safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Height Range (Elevation)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is where there is a massive difference between an adjustable stem and a stem riser.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Usually, a stem riser allows you to increase the stem height by as much as 200mm or more and, in the process, lift your handlebar that high.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes, an adjustable stem can lift your handlebar by some degree, but the elevation is smaller. In some cases, you may get up to 85mm or 100mm, but that\u2019s about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verdict<\/strong> \u2013 A stem riser offers you more elevation than an adjustable stem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bike Fit and Installation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Both options mostly come in universal fits to fit an array of bikes. So, they are compatible with a wide range of bicycles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s essential to confirm, however, as it doesn\u2019t apply to all bikes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both extenders are easier to fit. You can install them in seconds without expert input.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verdict<\/strong> \u2013 Both options are easy to fit and compatible with most bikes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Durability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Both stem risers and adjustable stems employ more robust materials, mainly aluminum alloy, which promises durable performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overall, their durability depends on usage. If you use any of them aggressively, you are likely to compromise their integrity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verdict<\/strong> \u2013 There is no clear winner as both extenders come with durable materials.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Stem<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Safety<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Stem risers usually are safer when they are fitted on non-carbon steerer tubes. That\u2019s because carbon steerer tubes are weaker and likely to bend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But overall, they are not safe for aggressive riding as it compromises their strength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adjustable stems are also safer and can be fitted on most bikes. You, however, should avoid fitting them on mountain bikes as they are not built for such abuse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verdict<\/strong> \u2013 While both options are safer to use, they are not the best for aggressive usage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Weight<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Stem risers are simple. They feature a small bar that doesn\u2019t weigh much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They mostly come in aluminum alloy construction, which is lightweight, and they average 200-250g.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adjustable stems also come in the same lightweight construction material. The difference is that they have more parts which makes them weigh slightly more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most adjustable stems average 280-300g.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verdict<\/strong> \u2013 There isn\u2019t a considerable difference in weight between stem risers and adjustable stems. However, stem risers are slightly lighter for featuring fewer parts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Price<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On average, stem risers cost $10-$15, while adjustable stems cost $18-$30.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verdict<\/strong> \u2013 Adjustable stems are almost twice as costly as stem risers. That\u2019s understandable, given that they have more to offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stem Risers Vs Adjustable Stems: Purpose and Working Mechanism<\/h3>\n\n\n\n