ShockStop Stem
How is the ShockStop Suspension Stem different from other suspension stems?
Our ShockStop Suspension Stem stands out in a lot of ways - so many that we wrote a whole blog post about it. Check it out here.
How do I choose the right elastomers for my bike and riding style? (For 80mm-120mm Stems)
The ShockStop comes with 5 different elastomers to choose from so everyone can dial in the perfect feel. Below is our recommended chart from the instructions that provides a good starting point when first setting up the stem: The chart below shows...
Is there a rider weight limit for the ShockStop Suspension Stem?
Yes, the weight limit for our ShockStop Suspension Stem is 300lbs (136 kg).
How does the ShockStop Stem handle trails, gravel, and cobblestones - I want to use it on a gravel/CX/adventure bike?
With its adjustable-stiffness suspension, the ShockStop can be tuned to match your style of bike and the terrain you ride on. We’ve put the prototypes through some pretty tough terrain, including gravel trails, cobblestone, and torn-up asphalt. In...
Will cold temperatures affect the stiffness of the elastomers in the ShockStop Stem?
Typically, temperature does affect elastomer stiffness (as temperature drops, stiffness increases). In the ShockStop, we use a special material for our elastomers that slight stiffening would only begin to occur well below freezing and the...
Can I put the ShockStop Stem on my mountain bike?
Yes and No. The suspension travel on the ShockStop (1-2cm) is optimized for the types of bumps you typically encounter on roads and light trails. So, the ShockStop is not going to provide the same suspension feel as a typical mountain bike front...
Will the ShockStop Stem work with a quill stem?
Yes, but you will also need to get a separate quill stem adapter (commonly available for $10-15 USD). Here is a link to a common adapter: Profile Design Threadless Size Converter (1" - 1 1/8") on Amazon
How long will the elastomers in the ShockStop Stem last?
The elastomer life depends on a number of factors including rider weight, riding conditions, and how much you ride. In general we expect the elastomers to last 5+ years under "normal" recreational riding conditions. The material that we use for...
Is the ShockStop Stem available in lengths longer than 120mm?
At this time, we are not planning to release any length longer than 120mm. We do keep record of all feature requests for future product development, so if this is something you are interested in, please let us know!
Will the ShockStop Stem bounce or flex when I am climbing out of the saddle or sprinting?
With the ShockStop there is no need to change your approach to riding. The suspension is “pre-loaded”, meaning that it will not start to move until a certain amount of weight has been applied, so there isn’t a “squishy” feel as you start to apply...
Will the ShockStop Stem fit my handlebar?
The ShockStop fits 31.8mm diameter handlebars without the need for any additional parts. If you have a 25.4mm or 26.0mm diameter handlebar, you will need to add shims to your order (add one here). If you are unsure if you need shims, take a look...
What kind of bikes is the ShockStop Stem designed for?
The ShockStop is a drop bar-focused suspension stem which means it is compatible with many types of bikes, including: road, gravel, CX, commuter, hybrid, and even non-suspension moutain and fat bikes used for road/trail riding.
What kind of testing do you do to qualify the ShockStop Stem?
All Redshift Sports components are tested to the latest ISO 4210 standard for Racing Bicycles. These standards typically specify "Static Strength" tests (i.e. one-time application of force) as well as "Fatigue" tests (i.e. repeated application of...
Will the ShockStop Computer Mount work with a different (non-ShockStop) stem?
No. The computer mount is designed specifically to fit the ShockStop faceplate bolt pattern. We do not recommend using the mount with any other stem.
Will the ShockStop Computer Mount fit a Garmin FR watch quick-release mount?
Yes, it will work with all Garmin Forerunner QR kits.
Will the Shockstop Utility Mount work with a different (non-ShockStop) stem?
No. The utility mount is designed specifically to fit the ShockStop faceplate bolt pattern. We do not recommend using the mount with any other stem.
How do I switch from +6 degrees to -6 degrees?
All ShockStops come pre-loaded with an average setup of elastomers (60/70 combo) in the +6 degree direction. If you would like to switch the ShockStop to the -6 degree direction, you will need to uninstall the pre-load wedge, take out the...
If I have a flat bar, does it matter what side I put the elastomer on? (80mm - 120mm ShockStop Stems)
Nope! Just as long as the elastomer is on the top, it does not matter if it is on the left or the right. Also, make sure the elastomer handle is on the outside, not the inside. Please note, if you have a 55mm or 70mm stem, it will not work with...
Why not two elastomers of the same stiffness?
The main reason that we provide 5 different elastomers is that it allows us to have a lot of distinct stiffness settings (15 different possible combinations using a single elastomer or a combination of 2). The key to this is that when springs are...
What kind of handlebar bags can I use with the ShockStop Stem?
Running a handlebar bag with the stem is no issue at all and we have many sponsored ultra-endurance athletes and bikepackers who use a bag with the stem. The only thing you need to do is dial in the stiffness setup of the stem with the bag in mind...
Does the ShockStop Stem have a lock-out feature?
Often times we are asked if the the ShockStop Stem and ShockStop Seatpost have lock-outs that a user can initiate to prevent motion. Neither the stem nor the seatpost have a lock-out feature and because of how they are designed they don't need...
For the ShockStop Stem, which is Elastomer one and which is Elastomer two?
It doesn't matter what side the elastomers are on, just as long as the elastomers are on the top in whatever orientation you choose. Also, make sure the elastomer handles are on the outside, not the inside.
How to make sure your headset is tightened correctly on the ShockStop Stem
It is pretty easy to accidentally tighten the stem clamp bolts before tightening down the headcap, so it's a good idea to make sure this is installed correctly. This is important because the top cap bolt pulls the whole assembly tight. Then when...
Can you install the ShockStop Stem along side a Front Fork Suspension?
You can most definitely use the ShockStop Stem along side a front fork suspension and it will be a good compliment. Often times, riders who do this will setup the fork to take big hits and the stem to deal with vibrations and quick bumps in the...
Is the ShockStop Stem compatible with the Giant Conduct?
Yes and no. Unfortunately, it the Giant Conduct stem faceplate has a different bolt pattern than the ShockStop Stem. The conduct faceplate has bolts that are 40mm apart vertically and 22mm apart horizontally whereas the ShockStop has the bolts...
How long is the "break-in" period for the elastomers in the ShockStop Stem?
For the elastomers, there is a short break-in period that might last for maybe 2-3 rides (or 1 really long ride) but it is pretty subtle. You would not expect the "feel" to really change that much after break-in - most people don't even notice it...
Does the ShockStop Stem work with swept back flat bars?
Please note, 55mm and 70mm stems will not work with flat bars or swept back bars. The 55mm and 70mm stems are ONLY compatible with drop bars. For 80mm-120mm stems in general, swept back bars don't benefit from the stem nearly as much as non-swept...
Are 55mm and 70mm Stems Compatible with Flat Bar Bikes?
While the stem can technically be installed on some flat bar bikes, the 55mm and 70mm stems will provide little to no suspension if installed with flat bars due to the single pivot design. The ShockStop technology absorbs vibration by rotating...
Is ShockStop Stem compatible with the Redshift Quick-Release Aerobars?
Yes. The ShockStop is compatible with our Quick-Release Aerobars and with aerobars in general. It provides great shock absorption and vibration damping when riding in an aero position.
Do the 55mm and 70mm shorter stems have the same travel as the longer stems?
Yes, they do. All of our stems, including the shorter 55mm and 70mm options, are engineered with the same the same ShockStop technology to provide a maximum of 20 degrees of travel. The shorter length creates a significant difference in leverage comp
Is the ShockStop Stem angle adjustable?
No, the ShockStop Stem is not an angle-adjustable stem. The angle of the stem cannot be changed or "adjusted" once manufactured. We currently offer the ShockStop Stem in two different fixed-angle options to suit various rider positions:. If you are l
Is the ShockStop Stem compatible with 35mm handlebars?
No, the ShockStop Stem is not compatible with 35mm handlebars. All of our current ShockStop Stems are manufactured with a handlebar clamp diameter of 31.8mm, which is the current industry standard for road, gravel, and many mountain bikes. While we r
Can you use a steerer tube shim with the ShockStop Stem?
Yes, you can use a steerer tube shim with the ShockStop Stem. We believe that using a properly sized shim should have no effect on the safety or likelihood of slippage between the stem and the steerer tube. Here is why using a shim at the steerer tub
Do the 55mm or 70mm ShockStop Stems come in a -6 degree option?
No, the 55mm and 70mm ShockStop Stem lengths are available in the +6 degree orientation only. We made this decision for two primary reasons:. Compact Design: To keep these shorter stems as compact as possible while still maximizing the space needed f
How do I measure my bike stem?
The length of a bike stem is not its overall physical length (from the very front to the very back). Instead, it is measured as a center-to-center distance:. The correct way to measure stem length is the distance from the central point of the steerer
Which Size Stem is compatible with my bike, standard or oversized?
The main factor in determining compatibility of a stem with your bike is the stem clamp diameter, where the stem clamps to the steerer tube of your fork! Stems clamp directly onto the steerer, so the internal diameter of the stem must match the exter
Is the ShockStop Stem compatible with internal cable routing?
Yes, the Shockstop Stem is compatible with most internal cable routing, where the cables route through the top cover of the headset. The ShockStop stem is not compatible with bikes that feature fully integrated cable routing through the stem itself.