Gravel Bike Suspension Shootout: Future Shock vs. Redshift Stem
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- čas přidán 9. 07. 2018
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In this vid, I compare the Future Shock headset on the Specialized Diverge vs. the Red Shift Sports stem. How do they compare? Which do I like best?
RedShift Stem: amzn.to/2NFAMFh
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Thank you for revisiting this topic and offering a comparison! I wouldn't have learned about the Redshift Stem if you hadn't covered it on your channel. This along with the Thudbuster will hopefully keep me on my bicycle longer as I age. :-)
YES! I've been waiting for this comparison! You are rocking your channel. Keep up the great posts!
I've only ridden the Future Shock on the Diverge Comp and loved it. Very supple, very responsive. I'm about 150lbs and the stock very worked great for me. You can always switch out springs too.
Thank you very much - that was a great video and very helpful! It went through all the points I was interested in. Cheers!
Just discovered your channel and love it! Any chance you can do an updated review with Red Shift vs FutureShock 2.0? I'm curious how big a game changer the variable stiffness of the 2.0 is. Thanks!!
Great, thorough review. I also like the idea of depending on tires for suspension. Now, if only someone could invent the tech to allow us to inflate and deflate tires during riding. : ) That would allow firmness on paved/smooth surface, and squishiness on the rough stuff.
Another great review...! Thanks for sharing...!
Really helpful - thank you. And I agree about the tires.
Awesome review! Just made my mind
I bought the Redshift stem after your first review of it. I ride almost exclusively on the road. I thought there was at least a 50% chance that I would return it. But I put it on my 2013 Trek Domane, adjusted the elastomers once, and have been really enjoying it ever since. Bottom line is it works. It really does smooth out the ride. The biggest change for me is in descending. I’m a light rider (135 lbs) and I really get bounced around on descents on anything but perfect roads. With the Redshift stem, I don’t get nearly the front end chatter I had before. I started getting Strava PRs on descents without really trying and without knowing the stem would make any difference on them. I highly recommend the stem if you want a smoother ride. Being a roadie I’m hoping they come out with a carbon version. I will buy it!
Redshift says they're working on a carbon version right now. I don't know that I would care being that I carry a cargo rack and that thing alone weighs a kilo.
Most of us by carbon components for our racing bikes because they're light and they look really cool but I have learned carbon has other issues. My carbon handlebars and my carbon seatpost have both failed. The good thing about carbon is it fails slowly.
I have a "Scored 99" on my road bike and it weighs 99 grams with the titanium Hardware. It is excellent and will never fail. I also use a Cane Creek seatpost but I would never buy another one because they rattle.
@@bobmajew53 how does the carbon fail?
@@buggzo On an airplane because it fatigues. I couldn't imagine damaging a carbon bicycle but I've seen plenty. I don't like my SRAM Force Crank, to flexible.
@@bobmajew53 You're lucky it failed slowly. Carbon has a higher fatigue point than aluminum. But when it fails, it's usually very sudden, rarely with hairline fractures like metals show.
What elastomers did you end up settling on? I’m also 135lbs and have the same issue on descents.
Great review/comparison! I've been riding on the Future Shock on a 2018 Roubaix Sport for 3 years. I think your description of "Mechanical" is right on the money - always feel like it's "there". Initial test rides I thought it was great - but after many more rides after purchase I was less enchanted.
I have issues with it bottoming out and feeling clunky especially when standing in a sprint. Have tried firmer springs but still feels unnatural. Would not purchase another bike with Future shock, and would consider Redshift on a future bike. It's unfortunately my only issue with the bike - but would convince me not to buy one in the future.
Excellent review, as I ride mostly on streets and light gravel I don't see the need for either shock. I am looking at the Diverge E5 Elite tomorrow if still available at my local bike shop. Thanks again , good content.
Excellent assessment. Completely agree!
Thank you very much for the video. I'm awaiting a Marin gravel bike. Based on your comments I will consider the Redshift!!!
Skydiverbob1, I recently got a Marin Four Corners and although I love the bike, definitely considering getting the Redshift Shockstop stem and seatpost.
Tires are responsible for the quality of your ride to be sure and pressures everything.
I have learned soft pressures in gravel is more desirable but in mixed riding you need to consider blacktop as well. This time of the year with the rain potholes are a bigger problem and a little extra protection goes a long way. I added suspension seatpost years ago for that very reason. This is a mature product with excellent Graded hardware and I would highly recommend it.
Need an update for future shock 2.0 review! Great vid!
I have a roubaix with the future shock. It’s and awesome bike. It doesn’t matter if I’m riding crap roads, chip seal, pot holes. My wrists are thanking me after every ride. Honestly i don’t notice the bobbing when cranking, or diving in turns. It just feels right.
Then I found out about the redshift. If I’d known about the redshift, I could have saved myself some money...
Pretty much they both do the same job. But one lets you continue to use your tried and true bike. While the other fulfills the N+1 rule.
great review, makes me feel good i just ordered the redshift stem for my Trek Checkpoint. my Trek Domane does not cause neck or shoulder aches as the suspension is good. Checkpoint not so much, so thought i would try some suspension in the stem. I assume trying out the different rubber inserts is recommended to your own comfort level? what one did you recommend for yourself? the stiffest one?
Thanks for the great review! Wondering how durable are these things? I suspect they become wobbly sooner or later but have no idea when. Do (any of) you know how long they last?
The video I was looking for - Thank You! Made my decision choosing Diverge Elite e5 with better frame colour I personally prefer over Comp e5 I like the idea that the stem is more organic and that I can always transfer it when needed or just simply take it off. I also prefer 48-32T on Tiagra 10 Speed with Tiagra hydraulic brakes instead 11 speed 105 with tektro spyre mechanical brakes. But I admit I like work culture of 105.
Considering the video is two years old and your comment 1 week ago, Specialized has brought out already an hydraulic damped version of their suspension which likely is much better than the pure spring based solution. And regarding transfer to other bikes, well, yes, but my experience with springs and suspension on bikes is that they are rather the first parts that are worn out (beside chains and cassette). So I would assume that the rest of the bike will outlast a stem like the redshift one. Here the moving joint will probably wear out with many thousands of movements. So I would assume, moving the stem after a few years of usage from an old bike to a new bike is unlikely to happen. But I would assume that replacing the redshift solution is cheaper than getting a repair for the Specialized solution.
I so fully agree with you. There is a purpose for everything including suspension gravel bikes such as Niner MCR. However, IMO gravel bikes should be rigid with suspension coming from add-ons such as tires, seat posts, etc.
Totally un-related, but I like you shirt, cool pockets...Great review also...
really curious about the Lauf true grit bike and fork...would love to see your thoughts there!
Thanks I could relate.
Lauf Fork + Future Shock + Redshift Stem = Perfection 😂😂😂
I was just thinking of the same thing, but can the Lauf fork work with the Future shock? Redshift told me that the Redshift and Future shock will work.
Thanks, Russ! I was shopping for a new bike last summer and would have purchased the Diverge with Future Shock had there been one in stock somewhere! I somehow missed your real world review! I purchased the Redshift stem instead. Have put about 2500 miles on it and I've moved it between several bikes. Hardly notice that it's there - I mean, I don't notice big movement in my bar and there's no road buzz anymore. No more numb hands either. So it's obviously working. Do you still use it?
I think that bike suspension relying on the tires is limited by the increase in rolling resistance; therefore, you can't rely on that once post certain point. That recent trend towards bigger tires, they look good but I don't consider them gravel bikes anymore. I am not a fan of stem suspension either, a decent short travel fork should be preferred to a moving handlebar. However, if that is the case, I can see why would you favor the Redshift over Specialized suspension stem, I would pick the same for the very same reasons.
I think the redshift is nice because it lets you rely a little on tire suspension without completely compromising rolling resistance, and it soaks up some of the worst bumps which are just hard on the body.
Questions:
1. What if we put redshift on a future shock bike? I sppose future shock will activate more actively initially and by the time it reaches its end of travel, redshift takes over....
2. How is pedal bobing on redshift? How does it feel when you stand up and hammer down on the pedals for quick acceleration? Can you rock the handlebar without feeling the shocks?
I weigh at the lower end of recommended range for the elastomer combo I'm using on the Redshift Stem, so it should be plenty firm. I do feel a little bobbing while sprinting or climbing out of the saddle - but not bothersome.
Hi. Nice review. Could you do one with the mongoose guide? with suspension? Thanks!
I missed this video when it came out. Excellent. I fully agree with your summary: tires should be the beginning of supple, the redshift is portable from bike to bike. Specialized also only puts the futureshock on the diverge (and the Madone?) and not their sequoia or awol gravel bikes where it would be more valuable in my opinion. I really liked my Cannondale F1000 MTB in the ‘90’s with the headshock and the futureshock seems like a mini version of that.
They put it in their Roubaix bikes. Madone is Trek.
They put it on the Sirus too. Was going to buy that, the Xcomp model (comes with 38mm tires and rack mounts). Personaly I am coming from a hybrid with cheap shocks and thought the future shock was a good innovation. You all are making me think I will regret it, this bike is 1600, alot for me.
I could just get the aluminum Sirus and save a bunch
@@georgepirpiris7309 I really want a Sirrus too. Did you get one?
Another + for me towards the Redshift stem.....£137 in the UK is a tad pricey though......I'm certainly tempted by one.
Gotta redshift stem for my giant escape and take it to the dirt and handles great it's the only way to go
I've had the redshift stem now for about 3 years. I tried a newly developed stem called Knekt that uses springs. There's a lot of reviews recently and the thing I like about it is the movement is more in-line along an axis, versus a pivot movement. Feels solid
I’ve tried that and found it too bouncy.
@@PathLessPedaledTV thx for the reply, I switched out the default spring to the stiffest (charcoal color w orange stripes), - that dialed it in, now I sprint faster, descend like I'm on rails..
@noels8817 Could you clarify: Did you find the Knekt stem's movement is more in-line along an axis or the Redshift? I'm pretty sure you're saying you like the Knekt better, right?
@@jimratliff4118 for gravel or ebike applications Knekt may be a better fit. I have both, Knekt for my ebike and Redshift for my road. I think they're both good in their specific niches, just that Redshift is ligher for road, but for ebike, Knket is sufficient.
@@noels8817 Thanks
What about doing a test on roads and rough asphalt and packed limestone trails? I am interested in reducing the buzz type vibration.
What a out change in geometry/angle of the bars with the redshift as it moves? Was it super noticeable? Annoying?
Great comparison. Was the changing angle of the Redshift stem noticeable?
It was noticeable at the extreme end of the travel, but didn't happen often.
How can I get bikes to test out and do a review
I've got a 2021 roubaix with the futureshock 1.5 and another bike with the redshift stem. I'll take the futureshock all day any day. The redshift stem does work but not as good as the futureshock imo not a fan of the elastomers plus you get more travel out of the futureshock
I think you may have been using the wrong spring in the Diverge. I have been running a carbon diverge for the last three months and 2,500mi and I have forgotten the sus is there, save when riding on chunky gravel.
Yeah. That might be a possibility. I asked for the medium spring for the review bike. Might have had a softer one than requested because it was surprisingly active.
@@PathLessPedaledTV I have the medium on mine and don't notice it compressing at all. And I'm on the shorter lighter side. In fact I was considering replacing it for the softer one, but maybe it's just right by the sound of your experience.
I agree after the first month i got used to it and forgot about it. Until i rode a buddy's bike and my hands were killing me
With over 5,500 miles on my 17' Roubaix Comp Carbon and 300+ on my 19' Diverge Comp Carbon... You really get used to it fast and it isn't a distraction at all. Also, spring variability gives you more or less action and now with FS 2.0, you can lock out the system. It's a proven technology that won't go away anytime soon.
Very nice review. FWIW, readers should be aware that the review is specific to the Diverge. I have a 2020 Roubaix and ride the pot-holled roads of Ohio. It would be interesting to repeat the comparison for us Roadies, where I suspect riders may prefer the extra travel provided by the Futureshock vs the minimum travel Redshift stem.
Everyone is trying to add suspension to these bikes now, if you don't participate in official races I'd say you should seriously consider a Cannondale Slate. It does all of this with a carbon lefty air fork with 30mm and it's better.
Honestly not a fan of suspension on these kinds of bikes. After decades of making bikes “stiffer and faster” for road racing the industry is making accessories to make it less stiff? I think a lot more can be accomplished in a more durable way by focusing on the frame, not using a an oversized tapered headset and development in supple tires.
The irony is that you're looking to do exactly what you don't want the manufacturers to do, by adding suspension to the front of the bike at the handle bars. The other irony is that the Lefty fork on the Slate sounds like it's actually stiffer than the Redshift stem. On the Lefty Oliver fork the first 10mm is purposefully super stiff to prevent it from bobbing while the suspension is open, and I can say that most of my rides on the road I just leave it open and don't lock it out because it pretty much only moves if you hit a big enough bump or you're standing on the pedals and pushing. That said, you can still lock out the fork to make it completely stiff during climbs and it works. I honestly think more people need to try a Slate because it'll change minds, especially people looking to add suspension and comfort to their bars like the Redshift or the Specialized Future Shock does. It's just a way better way of achieving that goal.
You also mentioned 'for road racing', which is why in my original comment if you're specifically road racing or XC racing then the Slate might not be for you. It doesn't meet guidelines for a lot of those races for starters; but if you're not racing there's absolutely no reason you couldn't do a Century ride on a Slate and also take it off road and be way more comfortable on a Slate compared to a gravel or Cross bike.
I’d like to try a Slate. Maybe hopping on one will change my mind. My initial reaction is that it is a lot of complexity. I was initially skeptical of the Redshift, but I think the suspension is really subtle and in terms of price and the ability to move it from bike to bike is great value. It is stiffer IME than the FutureShock.
Yeah the Redshift looks pretty nice, I just found out about it. It definitely has big advantages like you're saying with moving it between bikes, no commitment to an expensive bike that you find out really isn't what you wanted. The Redshift seat post also looks really interesting for creating a softer ride.
The complexity of the front fork/shock on a bike I understand. Same reason people like single speed or fixie bikes is because there's almost nothing to maintain on the bike. So that's also a big consideration to look into as well with a bike like the Slate.
Oh and of course the look of the Lefty fork isn't for everyone, but I love it. It just looks super funky but it rides completely straight, even with your hands off the bars.
I love my Slate, but I have a mtb background and am far from a purist. It replaced my rigid road bike. I did put a redshift on my Raleigh Redux along with some supple tires. It works great and keeps that clean simple look of a rigid.
Super
Anyway to just buy the future shock and add it to your own bike?
When you say you used the stock suspension on the redshift which elastomers did you use? Did you try it with the recommended elastomers based on rider weight?
By "stock" I mean the ones that were pre-installed. I believe they are dialed for a rider weight of 150-160lbs. I weigh closer to 180, so heavier than recommended for the pre-installed but I found that it worked well and gave me the level of suspension I wanted.
So the Redshift moves in an arc, not a parallelogram or straight vertical axis? That would be an advantage to the Future Shock, keeping the handlebars moving straight up/down since its on the fork steer tube.
Since this video they have already completely designed Future Shock. Confirming my suspicions of unreliability, and questionable future support.
It's amazing how bike manufactures continue to design suspensions away from the primary contact point, which of course are the wheels. And with bicycles weighing on average 20-30 pounds and literally have little unsprung weight or unsprung mass the only place to have any type of suspension is on the front wheels.
I have the specialized roubaix w/future shock as well as the redshift on my other bike. I would say the future shock feels a bit better on the road especially when hard braking since the redshift dips and the the motion is on an arc vs straight vertical. That said you nailed the primary positives of the redshift in that you can move it to a different bike. I recently got a stromer ebike for commuting and after switching to winter tires the ride got harsher so moved the redshift stem over from my other since my recreational road riding is handled by the roubaix. The redshift stems feels more at home with the flat bar vs the road handlebars with less dipping when hard braking just due to the geometry differences of the handle bars. The redshift stem is a great retrofit component whereas if you want a comfortable built in look/feel a specialized roubaix or diverge is a good option.
Interesting. I felt that the future shock on the bike i tested dipped a lot more than the redshift. It was too active and I could never comfortably corner with it because the steering felt vague. What set of springs do you have on your future shock?
I’m 145lbs so the default spring works well on the roubaix. The diverge springs are supposedly to be stiffer since I believe it’s a double spring design.
I've got another 30lbs on you :) The medium springs on the Diverge were too bouncy and easy to bottom out. Maybe the stiffer ones would work better.
@@PathLessPedaledTV the springs on the Diverges are progressive. But I'm not sure exactly on which models. So it should not bottom out very easily. For sure they should do it harder than the Roubaix.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the Diverge have 2 other springs that come with the box (softer and harder than the original spring)?
You’re not wrong. I only had enough time with the bike to try the middle one.
Can you review the redshift suspension seatpost. It's out June 2019. And do a comparison thanks @pathlesspedaled
He's done one now.
Hmmm...since I watched the last two videos back to back, now I’m wondering how the Redshift would be on the Pack Rat, lol
Anyone have comparison with the eeSilk vs. Redshift?
Have you tried the 2.0 future?
l bought redshift for my bike❤️
Time to do this again - FutureShock has flourished and now it faces completion from the Ruby fork.
Flourished is a bit strong. They recalled entire models with FS and did a complete redesign.
@@PathLessPedaledTV probably right - should say still around lol - the Rudy looks interesting.
Canyon is offering it a the new Grizl.
@@shamrock4840 been trying to review the new Grizl but Canyon doesn't respond to our emails.
Can this be delivered 2 or 3 day?
Which bike do you use the 50cm tire that is in this video?
Salsa Cutthrot
does the specalised stem by itself have any dampening qualities?
The stem no. But the future shock yes.
Why not add the redshift stem to the futureshock? @Path Less Pedaled
It would be too much suspension to accurately steer the bike IMO.
lol, I'm just kidding. #SuppleLifeSquared
Would you use the shock redshift stem on an event like the Dirty Kanza or touring on a route that included surfaces ranging from paved to gravel to single track dirt?
This tech is intriguing as is their suspension seat post. As both my bike and I get older, this may extend the riding years.
Loved it for DK. If touring would adjust the elastomers to compensate for any weight on the bars.
Great. Now could you review redshifts seatpost lol
The redshift needs some good miles to break in.
i tried the redshift on my gravel bike and didnt like the loose and bobbing feel. also, it would need a rebound damping for my liking to not "crash back" after a potthole, and progessive compression to not bottom out that often. thats just not dooable with only elastomers. i wonder when a real suspension fork with around 20-30mm travel becomes available for gravel bikes. that might be even integratable into the fork for the most part without looking too MTBish.
Well, at least you aren’t out $400 and can easily remove it.
Lauf Grit SL maybe something to look at, if you want a gravel bike fork with 30mm travel. Very pricy though. I originally considered getting one until I saw this review.
@@l33america i´ve not tried it yet. from an engineering point of view the lauf fork is definitely much better than the redshift stem, because you work at the wheel with much less unsprung mass. but its not damped either and thus, not a real suspension fork.
5:32 why not just have suspension be the suspension?
A tire acting as suspension is suspension. Don't be dense.
I'd like to see someone put the Redshift stem on a Future-Shock-equipped bike some day. :-)
That's not going to be easy. The FutureShock uses a custom headset and stem. It looks like you would need to CNC mill or 3D metal print something to replace the Redshift ShockStop collar attachment bracket. Then you would disassemble the ShockStop unit and replace its collar with the one you made.
But there's no longer much reason to do this. FutureShock 2.0 has an adjustment knob for on-the-fly adjustments. That's a killer feature against other competing shock absorbing systems.
@@daleskiba8 Thanks. I wasn't sure if the Future Shock took a custom stem size or not. So much for me trying it some day.
As for the 2.0... It's the pity that Specialized couldn't find a way to make that version backwards-compatible with older Future-Shock-Equipped bikes. I'd seriously consider buying one if it would fit in my 2017 Roubaix... but no dice.
I too hate "proprietary"... but the Future Shock 2 does allow dialing of the compression on the fly. So you can lock it out; and not have to change out your stem.
I guess that’s marginally better. Still locked into proprietary stems tho.
I would like redshift 80 mm.
Maybe try that with 30 degrees angle. It may be put on bike in certain way that it will feel like 85mm stem.
I don't really understand gravel bikes? Why not use a mountain bike with a small travel fork? You must get thrown around like crazy on gravel and rough terrain