Article by Jeff Vallliere
Redshift Sports Shockstop Pro Suspension Seatpost and Stem, and Top Shelf Handlebar
Introduction:
Founded in 2013 by a team of mechanical engineers who are also avid cyclists, Redshift Sports aims to create new and innovative products that help to improve the ride comfort and versatility for all types of cycling, from road to gravel, mountain, tri, e-bike and urban. In the article I test the Redshift Sports Shockstop Pro Suspension Seatpost and Stem, and Top Shelf Low Flare Handlebar.
I have a lifelong history of cycling, but as I am not putting in the high mileage like I used to, nor am I as youthful and limber, my shoulders and neck almost always get sore after around 2 hours on the gravel bike or road bike. I have experimented with different stem lengths/rise, as well as a drop bar with 15mm rise, which has helped some, but didn’t quite get me to where I needed to be.
Having recently been diagnosed with a fractured T5 vertebrae from a bad slip on the ice while trail running, I have been getting on the bike a bit more (as I am not one to sit still) so I figured it was a perfect time to reach out to Redshift to see if I could review their Top Shelf Handlebar to raise me up 50mm (2”), as well as the Shockstop Pro suspension stem and seatpost to help to dampen the impact of bumps in the road, bumpy washboard and smooth out mild singletrack.
Having spent many years racing bikes and concerning myself counting grams and prioritizing lightweight componentry along with sleek aesthetics, I was instinctively a bit hesitant about the added weight and appearance, but after putting in some quality miles on a variety of terrain, I can say I am absolutely sold on the products as they have made an incredible difference to improve my comfort on the bike. Redshift products are a game changer and I cannot imagine now riding without these incredible components, read on to see why!
Top Shelf Handlebar Low Flare ($139)
499g in size 44
The top shelf handlebar is very much like a normal drop bar, but with an extension below the center of the bar which clamps into the stem as a normal handlebar would. By adding this extension, it raises the bar up either 50mm (2”) or 70mm (2.75”) depending on which rise you choose. This rise provides an ultra-comfortable upright riding position, makes it much more easy to reach the drops, and provides added bar space to mount lights, GPS computers, etc….
The Top Shelf bars come in a variety of configurations, either 50mm (2”) or 70mm (2.75”) rise as mentioned above, various widths from 41-53 mm (in 3 mm increments) and different degrees of flare, either 10 degrees (Low Flare, which I selected) or a 25 degree flare option. All of the bars have a 7 degree sweep and a 118mm drop.
Setup was made easier by the tick marks on the handlebar, making lining up the hoods a snap. My hydraulic brake hoses were a touch short as it was, so adding a 2” rise into the mix required me to replace the hoses, so keep that in mind if you are planning to change out the bars yourself. I have to emphasize though that the added work of changing brake hoses and other cables (or expense if you need to pay a shop to do the work) is absolutely worth it for the comfort the bars provide.
Redshift also offers (and graciously provided to me) cruise control grips to add to the bar for added comfort with either the Top Grips ($34.99), Drop Grips ($34.99) or a combination ($59.99) plus extra long handlebar tape to accommodate for the extra width of the grips ($34.99).
The top grips are easy to line up and come with 2 sided tape to keep them in place while you wrap the bars.
The lower bars slide on (not easily though, so I used my air compressor with the blower chuck to more easily work them on). Once on, you can install the screw to tighten end plugs that come with the bar tape.
Once installed and wrapped, the top grips add a great amount of comfort for when riding on the tops (this is NOT the Redshift tape, just old beater tape until I get everything set up where I want it finally to be).
It has been many years since I have made a habit of riding in the drops for any length of time, so I was unsure how handy the drop grips would be, but with the added 2” rise, that also of course means that the drops are also 2” higher and much more comfortable for me to utilize. The drop grips also greatly add to the comfort and is nice to change hand positions on longer rides (though I only ride the drop grips on the open road when there is no need to access the brakes, as your brake levers are not in reach while in this position).
There is plenty of added room for computers, lights and my Di2 satellite shifters, where they are conveniently positioned.
As I mentioned in my introduction, previously, I would get a sore neck and shoulders after around 2 hours of riding, requiring me to sit up often to self massage, or get off the bike and stretch. Even so, the relief would be temporary and the discomfort would build. Now, with the Top Shelf bars on the bike, I have zero pain or discomfort for up to 3 hours, then, after that, any discomfort I have is quite minimal, just a fraction of what I experienced previously and even up to 5 hours, the discomfort did not increase, just stayed at a minimal level. The low flare, sweep and drop combine to add to the comfort and the 2” rise makes it much easier for me to ride in the drops, be it on the flats, descents or even climbs. These bars alone have revolutionized my riding, allowing me to ride longer with less fatigue and more energy.
Shockstop Pro Suspension Stem ($249.99)
227g in 90mm as tested
20mm travel
The ShockStop Pro suspension stem relies on configurable elastomers integrated within the stem, to allow for up to 20mm of effective suspension travel, greatly smoothing out the ride. The Pro model as tested, is a step up from the regular Shockstop stem, as it is 15% lighter, featuring lighter titanium hardware, weight reducing CNC machining and a premium finish. At just 227 grams (as measured on my scale), it weighs only 98 grams more than the 90mm stock stem I had been using previously.
Installation of the stem is easy, the same as a standard stem and takes just minutes.
The ShockStop Pro Stem is made of 6061 T6 aluminum and while slightly chunky in appearance, has a very premium, polished, well constructed look. The rise/drop is 6 degrees.
As I alluded to above, the stem relies on two internal elastomer blocks that are interchangeable depending on rider weight and preference. It comes set up for a rider who weighs 135-155lbs, intending to use drop bars and stem at a 6 degree rise. I weigh 145lbs, opted for 6 degree rise and of course am using the Top Shelf low flare drop bar, so I did not need to change out the elastomers (included) to a different durometer or configuration, but in looking at the instructions and peeking inside the stem, it appears quite easy to do, even if you have minimal mechanical skills. It is important to note here though that while very easy to do, it is critical to follow the instructions exactly as to not cause any damage to the stem. It comes ready to accommodate for 31.8 bars and a 1 ⅛” stem, but you can get adapters from Redshift if necessary (sold separately).
I initially wondered how efficient the stem would feel overall, when riding smoother terrain and especially climbing, which I do a lot of here in Colorado. Would it bob and bounce unnecessarily? I was pleasantly surprised to find that while there is some movement in the stem of course, particularly when standing up and riding on the hoods, it is not at all annoying, unpleasant or notably inefficient, though it did take me a ride or two to adapt to the feel.
With just a single pivot point, when pushing down on the bars and activating the flex of the stem, it also changes the angle of the bars/hoods forward and down. I also wondered about this initially, whether it would be bothersome, but my concerns here were unfounded, as that motion is quite minimal on the ride.
Using the ShockStop Pro stem vs. a rigid stem is a night and day difference, as it smoothly and efficiently dampens vibration when riding on the paved roads and smooth dirt, but really shines when on more bumpy gravel, notably on rough, washboard descents and bumpy singletrack, where the 20mm of travel eats up shock. On one of my test rides, I took a ride in the foothills above Boulder, the same ride that I took last fall where the descent down Sunshine from Gold Hill just about rattled me senseless and I swore I would use my Specialized Epic Carbon hardtail MTB next time I did that loop. Of course, this is perfect testing grounds for the Redshift Stem and Seatpost and I was so impressed with how the stem and post ate up the shock, such that I could ride faster, with more control of the bike (being better able to keep my wits, focus and of course the tires are more planted when they are bouncing less). As the miles pile up, my body is less fatigued and I want to ride further and further.
Shockstop Pro Race Suspension Seatpost ($299.99)
449g in 27.2 x 350mm as tested
20mm travel
Like the stem, the seatpost is made from 6061 T6 Aluminum and this Pro version as tested features ‘race tuned’ suspension performance and up to 130 grams in weight savings over the ShockStop Endurance seatpost. Combining coil spring and elastomer suspension technology, the Pro version provides the best of both worlds, highly responsive to bumps and vibrations, yet not flexy, bobby or inefficient when pedaling.
Conveniently, I fall within the weight range of how Redshift products are set up out of the box, so I was able to install the post (same as you would for any post) and just start riding, as it comes with Outer + Inner Coil Springs and Green elastomer for riders 135-175lbs. While I did not need to configure the springs/elastomer, that looks to be relatively easy as I examine the instructions.
With 20mm of travel, the post does a remarkable job (and especially in conjunction with the ShockStop stem) at smoothing out the bumps in the road, dirt washboard and bumpy singletrack. I was initially concerned that there would be an inefficiency factor when pedaling, where the suspension may activate as I pedal resulting in a loss, but I find that there is very little movement as I pedal, only when riding over bumps, exactly when you want it to flex to absorb the hit. Quality, engineering and craftsmanship is superb.
Final thoughts:
If you have not figured it out by now, I am smitten with Redshift products and have become not only a convert, but a huge advocate for their products, to the point where I am chatting it up with random strangers on my rides and raving about the benefits. Despite being intrigued with the possibilities early on, I still was a little skeptical deep down initially, primarily because of the added weight and the non conventional look, but after just one single ride and ESPECIALLY after weeks of riding, I see any of those reservations as pure nonsense.
As for weight, the Redshift bar, stem and seatpost added a total of 1.1lbs/516g over my conventional drop bar/stem and carbon seatpost. To some, that is significant, especially if you are a gram counter (as I have a history of being) but to others, that is not all that much.
I cannot emphasize enough how significant of a difference this combination of components have been for my riding. The bars put me in a much more comfortable position, easing tension on my neck/shoulders with the stem/seatpost combination eating up the bumps and vibrations, leaving me much less fatigued and with more strength and energy over longer rides.
I can confidently say that because of the drastically improved comfort, I can ride faster over longer distances and most importantly, with much more enjoyment. Also, as I am recovering from a broken back, having the shock absorption that is the gravel bike version of a full suspension mountain bike, it has really eased and aided my recovery process.
If you are a rider who is struggling with back/neck/shoulder soreness on your rides, or a rider who is looking for a higher level of comfort and especially speed/efficiency on bumpier rides, I urge you to consider trying out any of Redshifts products. They really know cycling and make incredibly innovative, well thought out and high quality componentry. I am confident you will be amazed at the difference they can make.
Redshift Sports
AMAZON
Jeff Valliere has been around bikes his entire life, as a toddler following his dad to bike races and bike shops, BMX racing as a kid, working in bike shops as a mechanic for 14+ years (10 at U-Bikes in Boulder where he met John) and racing as a professional road cyclist for several years. Jeff no longer races, but still loves to ride as he introduces his daughters to the joys of cycling. In addition to being obsessed with cycling, he runs mountains daily and has been reviewing running shoes/gear/tech for RoadTrailRun since 2015 and for other publications/companies since 2005.
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