REDSHIFT ShockStop Stem 20mm of tunable front-end suspension

After reading some of the negative reviews and comments I wasn't sure what to expect. This is definitely working for me on my new Cannondale Topstone gravel bike. My commute to work is 8 miles (one way) and the bike path and roads are not even. Especially roots pushing up the pavement is common on the bike path. It is rather painful when going 20mph and hitting them unexpectedly (e.g., in the dark). I am also going on an unpaved trail through the woods. The before and after are astonishing to the point that I am still impressed even after riding this for a couple days now. The movement of the handlebar is substantial. I didn't expect that. The quality and craftsmanship of the stem are excellent. The installation was easy (unless you are as stupid as I am and remove the original stem with the magnetic brackets falling down to the bottom of the fork inside the carbon fiber tube - duh). Overall, a much smoother experience now and a lot less impact on my hands and arms. So much more fun!One little side effect that is somewhat annoying is that my rearview mirror is shaking quite a bit due to the dampening effect :). I followed the weight table, and it seems to be just right. I wouldn't want it any softer or harder at the moment. Once the weather gets better, I'll try out a mountain bike trail with it.I am very impressed

Why did you pick this product vs others?:A must have stem for gravel, and commuter cycling. I bought this stem because I wanted my gravel cycling experience to be fun. I built up gravel bike to see what all the craze was all about. I can say that it’s rough when not having suspension or something to soften the fire road, and single track terrain. You feel everything, I have a full rigid aluminum bike with a steel fork. Well I can say that you can feel EVERYTHING. I went out for a shakedown ride at my local bike trail and it was a rough ride. Carbon would dampen some of the blows from the terrain but it would still be rough. No amount of carbon, titanium, air pressure in the tires, gel inserts with the most comfortable bar tape will compete with the experience of a bike that has suspension. I bought the redshift shock stop stem and satori harmony suspension seatpost to give me some type of help with rough dirt roads and trails. It helped a lot. The shockstop comes with directions and a graph to select which combo of elastomers you use. I’m 190lb but I went with the 180lb elastomers because the 190lb elastomers were too stiff and provide very little suspension. The elastomer combo one step down provide really good suspension feel and movement. The shockstop is a single pivot suspension stem so it will take a couple of rides to get used to the motion and the feel of the bars dipping. You get the most suspension when you ride the brake hoods and the least when you’re on the drops. After getting used to the single pivot movement. It becomes natural and now the fire roads and single track trail turbulence are much less. The impacts are greatly reduced and you can ride faster with confidence. I got through a 15 mile trail still feeling fresh. This stem would be a huge compliment to your multi thousand dollar gravel bike, cyclo cross, flat bar gravel, full rigid mountain bike, etc., etc. There are different suspension stems out there, I chose this one for the weight difference compared to the competing suspension stems, ease of installation, technical support, and yes looks. It looks like a standard bike stems. The other suspensions stems that I tried were very heavy, were easy to install, but the visual look was not my cup of tea. I wanted to ride not get looks or anything that would be an attention magnet. The redshift stem design is very minimal and would accomplish what it was built to do.

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.

I’ve had rheumatoid arthritis in my wrists for over 35 years and have been an avid cyclist since my 5th grade paper route in 1973. I wish these handlebar stems had been available 50 years ago. They dampen all sorts of bumpy terrain whether on rough pavement or gravel and dirt roads. Easy to install and elastomers provide variety of stiffness options. Suggest that for flat bars to purchase the longer stem because you are more upright and there is less weight distribution from your upper body to the handlebars versus drop bars. I purchased a second Rock shock stem and use both of them on my “all purpose” bikes. One is a hard tail MTB, and the other a gravel bike. It’s worth the investment, especially if you have wrist problems.