![]() ![]() The stiffer elastomers effectively reduced the static sag in the stem, which reduced the sensation of movement while preserving the ability to absorb bumps and vibration. With the stock setup, it felt like my static position was sagged too far into the stem’s travel. Upon return to the shop after my first ride on the ShockStop, I decided to install one step stiffer elastomers than stock. I could immediately tell it was working hard… Perhaps too hard. My first ride on the ShockStop was a local loop I’m familiar with. On the bike, the ShockStop looks like a normal stem, but when riding it’s easy to feel there’s something special hidden inside. Follow the instructions and you’ll be just fine. As a result, it’s an easy bolt to over tighten and inadvertently damage. It is small and requires very little torque. An example is the bolt that secures the elastomers. That said, it’s important to follow the installation instructions to the word, particularly if you’re swapping out elastomers. Initial installation was straightforward, similar to a typical stem with a four-bolt faceplate. The quality of the black finish was very nice and the fasteners had a solid, if a bit industrial, look to them. This works with a second weight range chart to help you dial-in the ShockStop to your weight.Īs I unboxed the ShockStop, the stem had a feel of quality in my hand. Five different densities of elastomers are included, and the included instructions give a good, (and from my experience) accurate reference as to which elastomers should be used with flat or drop bars, for riders of various weights.įirst Impressions A chart from Redshift Sports detailing the elastomer options, from softest to stiffest. They’re easily-swappable by removing the handlebar faceplate and unscrewing a small retaining screw. The ShockStop is suspended by elastomers hidden inside the stem extension. Weight weenies won’t like this, but for those of us who know what it’s like to ride several hundred miles in a day, it’s not a huge weight penalty for the benefit it provides. claimed) in a similar size, you’ll likely add 50-100 grams to your bike with a switch to a ShockStop. That said, since Guitar Ted and I both tested 90mm versions, I have to assume mine weighed in at a similar weight to his, or 255 grams (on his scale).Ĭonsidering a Thomson X4 stem weighs 154 grams (mfg. In my haste to mount the ShockStop up, I forgot to weigh it. ![]() Holding the stem in my hand, it didn’t feel particularly light, but it’s also not bad considering it’s hiding a couple elastomers, a pivot, bearings and hardware inside. Unboxing the ShockStop, it’s not immediately noticeable that there’s Initial installation was straightforward and the ShockStop doesn’t call attention to itself, even on a slim-tubed steel bike.Īnything special going on relative to a traditional stem. Check out his reports: Getting Rolling Checkpoint At The Finish. I’ve been riding a ShockStop stem for the past few months in a wide variety of conditions and am ready to report on my experience.Įarlier this year, Guitar Ted did a comprehensive review of the ShockStop, and overall came away impressed with its performance. But that said, I was around back then, so I approached this test with a bit of trepidation.Īs it turns out, my fears were unwarranted. The ShockStop is a fresh take on the “suspend the rider, not the bike” concept popularized by Allsop/Softride in the 1990s, but thankfully, that’s where the similarities end. The ShockStop suspension stem from Redshift Sports is one such new product. As gravel and adventure cycling grow in popularity, we’re seeing more and more products designed to filter out bumps and vibration before they reach the rider. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |