Redshift ShockStop PRO Suspension Stem review & 15% discount
Is the Redshift ShockStop PRO suspension stem worth buying? Read our honest review, elastomer setup guide, and grab a 15% discount code.
I recently got my hands on the Redshift ShockStop PRO Suspension Stem, and let me tell you: it's a genuine game-changer for cockpit comfort.
If you've read my review of the Redshift ShockStop PRO seatpost, you'll know how transformative rear suspension is for gravel rides. Adding suspension to the front cockpit completes the equation - absorbing trail chatter, preserving your hands and wrists, and letting you ride faster and longer with far less fatigue.
Redshift ShockStop stem options: Standard vs PRO
Redshift offers two primary models of their flagship suspension stem:
- ShockStop Suspension Stem (Standard): Built with 6061-T6 aluminum and steel hardware. Extremely durable, available in +/-6° (80mm-120mm) and +30° high-rise (80mm-100mm) options.
- ShockStop PRO Suspension Stem: The high-performance, lightweight iteration. It boasts a 15% weight reduction thanks to titanium hardware, a hollow pivot shaft, precision machining, and a sleek black-on-black anodized finish.
If you are counting grams or want a subtle, ultra-clean aesthetic on a high-end gravel or endurance road build, the PRO version is easily worth the step up.
Key specs & dimensions
- Travel: Up to 20mm of tunable vertical suspension travel.
- Weight: ~225g to 245g (depending on length).
- Steerer Tube Diameter: Standard 1-1/8 in (28.6 mm).
- Handlebar Clamp Diameter: 31.8 mm (shims available for 25.4 mm and 26.0 mm).
- Angles Available: +/- 6 degrees (flip-flop design for positive or negative rise).
- Hardware: Grade 5 Titanium bolts and hollow pivot pin.
Unboxing quality & build finish
From the moment you unbox the Redshift ShockStop PRO, you know you are holding a solid piece of engineering. The machining quality is immaculate - no rough edges, no sloppy tolerances, just high-grade craftsmanship.
I particularly love the subtle black-on-black branding; it looks stealthy and integrated rather than flashily advertised. Redshift includes all required mounting hardware, the specialized installation wedge, interchangeable elastomers, and exceptionally clear instructions so you can jump straight into fitting it.
Installation & elastomer tuning guide
Installation is surprisingly smooth and took me about 40 minutes from start to finish, including fine-tuning handlebar rotation and stack position.
The secret to the ShockStop system is its dual internal elastomer setup. Redshift provides a mix of interchangeable elastomers with different durometers ("sponginess"). Because there is no universal weight setting for suspension, this lets you customize firmness precisely to your riding weight and terrain preferences.
How to tune your elastomers:
- Consult the Redshift Weight Chart: The manual provides a clear starting durometer matrix based on rider body weight and drop-bar vs flat-bar setups.
- Use the Included Wedge: Insert the special metal wedge tool to compress the internal spring mechanism while swapping elastomers in or out.
- Bring Tools on Your First Ride: Don't consider your setup final in the garage! Bring your Allen key and installation wedge on your first 2-3 rides to test different firmness combinations on real roads and trails.
First ride impressions: trail performance
Just like my first experience testing a suspension seatpost, my initial impression on the gravel tracks was a resounding "wow, this thing really works!"
The ShockStop PRO dampens high-frequency washboard rumble and gravel chatter almost like a short-travel suspension fork.
Suspension Stem vs Suspension Fork: What's the difference?
It is important to understand how a suspension stem behaves compared to a traditional MTB suspension fork:
- Point of Rotation: A suspension fork moves near the front wheel axle, while the ShockStop stem rotates closer to your hands at the handlebar clamp.
- Impact Range: The stem excels at eliminating micro-vibrations, corrugations, and square-edged bumps up to ~5-8cm high.
- Big Hits: For major trail drops, rocks, or curbs over 10cm, it won't replace a dedicated 100mm MTB fork - but for gravel roads and rough tarmac, it provides 90% of the comfort benefit at a fraction of the weight and maintenance.
Does it affect climbing efficiency or steering control?
During my initial test ride, I noticed a tiny bit of unwanted vertical movement while standing up to sprint up steep tarmac climbs. I felt like I was losing a tiny fraction of arm leverage compared to a standard rigid aluminum stem.
However, because Redshift's design lets you easily tune the internal firmness, I stopped mid-ride and swapped to slightly stiffer elastomers. That single adjustment solved the issue completely. On tarmac climbs, steering felt sharp and solid, yet the stem still actively filtered out harsh vibrations when riding over broken pavement and gravel.
Is the ShockStop PRO stem good for bikepacking?
It is outstanding for bikepacking.
When your handlebars are weighed down with a handlebar roll, harness, or heavy dry bag, lifting your front wheel over unexpected potholes or rocks becomes much harder. The stem absorbs those sudden impacts seamlessly, preventing harsh shocks from traveling up your arms and shoulders.
I tested the ShockStop PRO on a recent bikepacking trip with full front luggage, and the added stability and reduction in hand fatigue were immediately obvious.
Who is the Redshift ShockStop PRO stem for?
The ShockStop PRO suspension stem is a high-value upgrade for:
- Gravel Cyclists: Anyone riding washboard gravel, fire roads, or singletrack who experiences numbness, arm pump, or wrist pain on long rides.
- Bikepackers: Riders carrying heavy front handlebar bags who need extra vibration dampening over multi-day trips.
- Endurance & Urban Roadies: Cyclists tackling poor-quality asphalt, chip-seal roads, or rough urban commutes (especially across UK roads!).
Is the Redshift ShockStop PRO stem worth buying?
Yes - without question.
The Redshift ShockStop PRO Stem delivers real, measurable comfort without adding the weight, complexity, or bobbing motion of a full suspension fork. Combined with titanium hardware, stealthy looks, and easy elastomer customization, it is one of the most effective comfort upgrades you can make to your gravel or endurance bike.
Where to get the Redshift discount code?
Want to save money on Redshift Sports gear? Use code BIKESANDBACON at checkout on redshiftsports.com to receive 15% off all regular-priced items.
(Note: The discount applies to regular-priced products and cannot be combined during storewide sales.)
