Redshift Shockstop Stem - Buying Used - ID help please

[mfgrep]

So I've got a local guy who has advertised his shockstop stem and we have made a tentative deal for me to pick it up for $50. I can't beat that.
It is reported to be an 80mm version with the +/-6 degree angle.....theoretically perfect for my medium size Vado SL.

It looks good to me, however, I have never held one of these in my hand(s). This is the only photo that I have. Those with knowledge....can you take a look and let me know if you see anything that looks out of place and/or missing?

Appreciated.

 

[Taylor57]

I have a couple of them and they work fine. Experiment with the rubber shock absorbers until you find the combo that fits your style. A little bit of a PITA to switch them in and out, but worth it. Its probably overkill if you already have front suspension. I think I paid around 150 each for mine so 50 sounds fair...

 

[mfgrep]

I have a couple of them and they work fine. Experiment with the rubber shock absorbers until you find the combo that fits your style. A little bit of a PITA to switch them in and out, but worth it. Its probably overkill if you already have front suspension. I think I paid around 150 each for mine so 50 sounds fair...

I have a completely rigid frame/fork/seat-post on a stock Specialized Vado SL 4.0.....thus the RedShift may provide some dampening.
Does this stem look complete to you?....It does to me assuming that the "preload wedge" is inside (I can't see from the photo but will check in person).
I'll be pleased to give it a go for $50....but I'm hesitant to give this a try for $169 new.

 

[Taylor57]

I have a completely rigid frame/fork/seat-post on a stock Specialized Vado SL 4.0.....thus the RedShift may provide some dampening.
Does this stem look complete to you?....It does to me assuming that the "preload wedge" is inside (I can't see from the photo but will check in person).
I'll be pleased to give it a go for $50....but I'm hesitant to give this a try for $169 new.

Looks ok from here. I bought the 30 degree models for more upright riding. If it fits your bike you will be fine. Not too complicated of an accessory.

 

[mfgrep]

Looks ok from here. I bought the 30 degree models for more upright riding. If it fits your bike you will be fine. Not too complicated of an accessory.

Thanks much!

 

[Stefan Mikes]

It looks complete. The Preload wedge is surely inside as the stem is assembled. There should be five elastomer pieces total and I think two of them are inside the stem. There is the instruction manual on the Redshift website and a very good assembly video on YT. Perhaps the seller can provide the printed leaflet to you. I am sure you will have to replace the elastomer pieces (you will probably need a single one, the colour is specified in the user manual).

Please follow the YT video and the manual to the letter!

 

[mfgrep]

It looks complete. The Preload wedge is surely inside as the stem is assembled. There should be five elastomer pieces total and I think two of them are inside the stem. There is the instruction manual on the Redshift website and a very good assembly video on YT. Perhaps the seller can provide the printed leaflet to you. I am sure you will have to replace the elastomer pieces (you will probably need a single one, the colour is specified in the user manual).

Please follow the YT video and the manual to the letter!

Yup. I saw the leaflet and watched the video.

 

[etchlings]

Looks right enough to me. I bought a used +30 a while back and it had almost nothing except what was inside, so I ordered a new elastomer set from redshift. Everything else sort of comes on it, as long as it’s already assembled. Make sure the lock washers for all the bolts on front and head tube side are intact with the seller? Should be 6 total.

 

[mfgrep]

Looks right enough to me. I bought a used +30 a while back and it had almost nothing except what was inside, so I ordered a new elastomer set from redshift. Everything else sort of comes on it, as long as it’s already assembled. Make sure the lock washers for all the bolts on front and head tube side are intact with the seller? Should be 6 total.

Got it! To my surprise it looks like new (the seller's photo made it look dirty and used). The elastomers look new. The 6 locking nuts are there. All bolts are present. The plastic tool and bolt for wedge install/removal is included. I should be good to go. The gent that sold it to me re-purchased the same stem in a 120mm version. $50?....yup....all is 'right' with the world today.

Before I install I need to get some idea of how to handle the headlight placement.....and the bits that I need to accomplish it.

 

[etchlings]

YMMV but I didn’t even need the plastic tool for the wedge as long as I used a bit extender or a long Allen wrench. Also mainly because mine didn’t come with the tool.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Before I install I need to get some idea of how to handle the headlight placement.....and the bits that I need to accomplish it.

The first version of the Lezyne light placement after the purchase of the Redshift ShockStop stem. Wrong orientation. The Lezyne is directional.

The second iteration. Added Redshift ShockStop Computer Mount and a Wahoo, relocated the GoPro mount for the lamp as to have the Lezyne in the proper orientation.

The third iteration was adding the Redshift ShockStop Utility Mount with a piece of rubber as a shim, and having all the items eventually located centrally. It took me some time to find the best solution

 

[mfgrep]

.
he third iteration was adding the Redshift ShockStop Utility Mount with a piece of rubber as a shim, and having all the items eventually located centrally. It took me some time to find the best solution

So do you think that this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CWR1ZML?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1 connected to the front of the redshock stem would work for the light? Would it require anything additional to work?

I need a small torque wrench before I install that stem.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

So do you think that this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CWR1ZML?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1 connected to the front of the redshock stem would work for the light? Would it require anything additional to work?

While the mount is appropriate for the light itself, I simply do not know whether it would fit the stem faceplate well or how secure that would be.

 

[mfgrep]

While the mount is appropriate for the light itself, I simply do not know whether it would fit the stem faceplate well or how secure that would be.

Well I put it on this morning. I used a zip tie to secure the light for now. I'm going on a ride to see how she behaves.

 

[mfgrep]

While the mount is appropriate for the light itself, I simply do not know whether it would fit the stem faceplate well or how secure that would be.

RedShift Stem Immediate Thoughts After Installation / quick ride around the block:
(1) This feels the same as with the OEM stem. Nothing different whatsoever. I spent 1/2 day yesterday driving around to buy this thing?...and a portion of my morning installing?....to now suffer having my headlight zip tied to the stem?

RedShift Stem Thoughts After a 20 mile ride:
(1) Although the OEM stem is 75mm and 16 degree rise and the RedShift is 80mm and 6 degree rise....the geometry is very very similar. I actually appreciate the extra 5mm.
(2) I set up using a single elastomer....the orange one marked "60" (I am 5'6" and 148lbs with a flat bar bike). I expected to feel some slop/play and squash/squish in the handlebars and was readying myself for it. There was none.
Zero. Nada. Imperceptible even with just one of the light elastomers installed. The 'feel' of the bars while cycling is entirely rigid.
(3) The difference is quite subtle between the suspension stem and OEM. Surprisingly so imo. I do believe that the RedShift is doing its job and dampening the jagged blows that the rigid Vado SL 4.0 throws at my hands, neck, and shoulders. The previously quite sharp jolts are now more akin to rounded thuds. I notice this most, in fact, because my seat post is still quite rigid as my handlebars had been previously....but now only the seat post throws
arrows while the bars are slightly dampened.

If I were 6'2" and weighed 220lbs I wonder if I'd have a differing experience. The guy that I purchased the stem from had nearly the most stiff elastomers (2) installed and he was a big and strong young guy. He mentioned that the stem can be quite 'soft' if not calibrated with the correct elastomers.

I don't plan to remove the RedShift from the bicycle and I will continue to experiment with it. I see no negatives (aside from the headlight dilemma) from having installed the RedShift stem. I do believe that the RedShift is providing less rigidity at my hands and torso.....but it is quite subtle indeed. The suspension stem did NOT turn my stiff Ferrari into a puffy Cadillac.....and I believe that is a good thing. My ride was a good one. I felt that the bike was handling superbly today with the new stem. Interestingly I had a much easier time balancing while riding 'no handed' with this new stem. Ah to be a kid again.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I'm shocked. Just shocked.

Not sure if you did anything wrong. As I can understand, you chose the correct elastomer according to the table and did everything else right. One thing to be said: The Redshift should not behave like a pogo stick. It shoudn't have any play when normally used. The indication of the stem is working is a fast ride on cracked pavement and feeling your hands, arms and head are not shaking anymore. It is like you have taken a potent painkiller.

For me, installing the Redshif ShockStop stem was the best investment. I could not bear riding with the stock stem, and my life with Vado SL began together with installing the RS stem.

The selection of the right elastomer is critical. After the mods to my handlebars, I actually had to add the second piece of elastomer as I understood the first piece was being completely compressed and the stem stopped working.

You are a lightweight person. An EBR user as lightweight as you are once complained he could not set up a Suntour Mobie (steel coil) suspension fork...

 

[mfgrep]

I'm shocked. Just shocked.

Not sure if you did anything wrong. As I can understand, you chose the correct elastomer according to the table and did everything else right. One thing to be said: The Redshift should not behave like a pogo stick. It shoudn't have any play when normally used. The indication of the stem is working is a fast ride on cracked pavement and feeling your hands, arms and head are not shaking anymore. It is like you have taken a potent painkiller.

For me, installing the Redshif ShockStop stem was the best investment. I could not bear riding with the stock stem, and my life with Vado SL began together with installing the RS stem.

The selection of the right elastomer is critical. After the mods to my handlebars, I actually had to add the second piece of elastomer as I understood the first piece was being completely compressed and the stem stopped working.

You are a lightweight person. An EBR user as lightweight as you are once complained he could not set up a Suntour Mobie (steel coil) suspension fork...

Now you have me questioning whether there is something wrong with the stem or with my installation.
I was cycling today on City streets which are in better than average condition. Perhaps as my terrain gets rougher I will better notice the suspension.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Bear in mind I was riding my Vado SL with Redshift on gravel group rides that included pretty rough surfaces

The impression of riding the complete RS system is like the bike frame were "breaking". The sensation is as if the bike were floating under you

 

[mfgrep]

Bear in mind I was riding my Vado SL with Redshift on gravel group rides that included pretty rough surfaces

The impression of riding the complete RS system is like the bike frame were "breaking". The sensation is as if the bike were floating under you

So could you stand over your handlebars (not while riding) and push them downward to see the suspension stem moving up/down?

 

[Stefan Mikes]

So could you stand over your handlebars (not while riding) and push them downward to see the suspension stem moving up/down?

It requires a very strong push downwards. A very hard one.