REDSHIFT ShockStop Suspension Stem for Bicycles, Shock-Absorbing Bike Handlebar Stem for Road, Gravel, Hybrid, and E-Bikes

This is a review of the Redshift ShockStop Stem and Seatpost.I purchased and installed both products, and they were complete game changers for my ride.I bought the 27.2 x 350 mm Seatpost, and the 90 mm 6 degree stem.I installed them on my Trek Domane AL5 2025. The Seatpost was a bit longer than stock, but my fit is a fairly high seat, so there were no issues. It easily met the minimum insertion requirements. The stem was +/- 6 degree, my stock stem was +/- 7 degree so it was reasonably close. I installed it as +6 and it didn't change my ride geometry enough to be an issue.For the seatpost, a quick read of the instructions made it easy to understand how to setup the preload. I set the preload slightly soft for my weight, greased the stem, and installed it on my bike. I was careful to follow torque recommendations for tightening the stem in place. Installing the seat on the seatpost was a little bit of a challenge. the Redshift seatpost is a 2 screw mount, they are accessible, but not easily. It is a balance act to tighten both to set the correct seat angle, but with some loosening of one screw and tightening of the other, it can be accomplished. I would say that installing the seatpost took about 45 minutes to get it just how I wanted. I expect changing the preload to take me about 5 minutes, and there are clear markings in cm to aid me in installing the seat to the exact height that it was previously installed at.For the stem, a quick read of the instructions identified that I was at the very bottom of my weight group for what elastomers to install. The next combination down was a significant change. The instructions stated that I could go onto Redshift's website and view a complete list of combinations. This was slightly challenging. On the page for the stem there is no information about elastomer selection. On the support page I did find links to a video and pdf for elastomer selection. I elected to view the pdf, and printed it. Sure enough there were 2 combinations between the 2 options listed on the instructions. I selected the stiffer of the two (just below the one recommended for my wight). I mounted the stem on my bike, and mounted my handlebars. Again make note of the torque recommendations, Redshift has had them engraved on the stem, so they are hard to miss. This also took about 45 minutes. To change the elastomers, I will have to unmount my handlebars and remove a retaining plate from my stem. I do not look forward to my expected 25 minutes or so just to change elastomers.I took my bike out for a nice long ride, 20 miles, 15 MPH, and asphalt. The only downside to this trail, and the reason I bought the Redshift parts, is that there are several points where tree roots have pushed up the asphalt and created some very jarring speedbumps. Without the Redshift products, these were uncomfortable at best, and sometimes made me feel like I was on the edge of controlling my handle bars. This ride, with both installed, the seat was easy to manage, and did not hit hard. With the stem installed, I could still feel every twig and root, but it was very much dampened. You do not feel disconnected from the road, but you are very much more in control. By the end of the ride, I felt less fatigue in my arms and less soreness from the seat. While researching elastomers, I read that there is a break-in period, I would say that by the end of my 20 mile ride, the stem did offer better bump dampening than it did at the start, but I do feel that the elastomer selection I made from the support pdf was spot on.Pros:They do exactly as they advertiseClear instructions (with the exception of elastomer selection)Relatively simple installationMore controlLess shockWell manufacturedClean lookingCons:Neither of these items are what I would call cheap2 bolt connection for the seat is fiddly, but manageableElastomers, the best list is online only and not as easily found as I would have thoughtThe listing for the stem is clear that it is a 6 degree stem, but it is hard to identify if it will install as +, - or bothThey only come in black, not an issue for me as I was replacing black parts with black parts, but some might like other colorsSummary:If you have the money, and want a smoother ride, these are quality parts to compliment and soften your ride.

I’m writing this having just gone through extensive wrist surgery ending in a wrist fusion, all of which comes after 15 years of pain from a scaphoid non-fusion.For starters, this is not suspension. Don’t expect your bike to feel like you have a 100mm Rockshox form installed. What this stem does, is reduce the shock felt from heavy hits such as pot holes or sewage caps. For me, it’s made street riding enjoyable again. After 2hrs on the bike, I can enjoy my evenings again instead of having to ice my wrist to manage the pain. Also, it doesn’t feel heavy or spongy during riding, and the adjustable cushions allow you to compensate for different rider weights. This stem has finally restored my enjoyment in road cycling again and I’ll be ordering more for all my other bikes.

I am a big rider at 235 solid plus race kit I’m easily 255lbs on the bike (water, gear). I gave this a shot because I needed a longer stem and read the positive feedback from others. Purchased the 90mm length 6* degree stem and installed the 90 & 70lb rubber combo for a 70 miler gravel race. I trained hard and never used it in my training prior until the day of the race. The results surpassed my expectations as I placed 1st in my category men’s 30-39 which was competitive. Placed 7th among all males and 8th overall across all categories participating in the course (age, gender). Wow, life milestone achieved and so much more potential to improve. I was able to navigate rough terrain with much less hand/grip fatigue and most importantly a lot more bike control which produced faster and consistent speeds while others couldn’t.Now the only downside of it is the weight because it is the heaviest stem you’ll purchase unless you buy a carbon version of that is offered but I don’t think paying hundreds more is worth it over the base material version at $200+. I still rate this innovative stem 5 stars as the benefits far outweigh the weight & cost. If you need a lighter stem then do it! I’m not a pro where weight matters much as I am already a freak of a Clydesdale. I’m going to defy the smaller riders and beat them in the next race here soon. Big boy season has begun.