There comes a point on almost every gravel bike ride when your bottom starts pleading for mercy from the relentless bumps. For some, this plea comes after 20 miles; for others, it might take a few days. While there are a few ways to tackle this common problem, I believe I've found the ultimate solution: a suspension seatpost. Let me introduce you to the Redshift ShockStop PRO Endurance Suspension Seatpost – it's been a game-changer for me.
Size Matters (Seriously!)
When you head to the Redshift website to order your new seatpost, you might be surprised by the sheer number of diameter variations available. Don't buy blind! Before you click "add to cart," take a moment to dismount your existing seatpost and measure its diameter and length. Luckily for me, my old post had the diameter conveniently printed on it: 31.6mm. So, for the ShockStop PRO Endurance Suspension Seatpost, I needed a 27.2mm to 31.6mm shim. It arrived promptly in a sleek, well-packaged box.
Installation: Easier Than You Think
You won't need a professional bike mechanic for this one. All you really need is a tape measure, some allen keys, and about 20 minutes of your time. The key is to measure a few critical points of your old saddle's position to accurately replicate them with your new setup. It's also a smart idea to jot down these measurements in case you ever want to revert to your old configuration (though I highly doubt you will!).
I was a bit anxious about how this might affect my recent bike fitting, wondering if I'd have to go through that process all over again. The good news? Not at all! I simply added about 1.5cm to the saddle height and made a slight adjustment to the fore/aft position. It wasn't perfect on the first try, but I brought my tools with me on the maiden voyage, and two more quick adjustments during the ride made it absolutely perfect. I also highly recommend playing with the preload setting – it really helps you understand the magic behind this suspension.
Enough Talking, Let's Ride!
And here's where I exclaimed, "Oh my goodness, why isn't this thing standard on every gravel bike?!" My very first impression, just from a warm-up spin on tarmac (bumpy in places, as all English roads tend to be), immediately showed me that the spring beneath me was doing a phenomenal job. It was a funny sensation; my legs were ready to absorb the usual road vibrations, but they had nothing to do. It truly demonstrated the definition of muscle memory!
Is This Seatpost Good for Bikepacking?
This was a major concern of mine. When I bikepack, I use a classic, heavy seatpost bag with no extra support, just straps around the post and under the saddle. I was genuinely unsure about the moving parts in that area and was almost certain I'd hear constant squeaking.
And I couldn't have been more wrong! My bag fit perfectly, and the saddle's movement isn't aggressive enough to impact the bag at all. As for noise? Even less than before, as every pothole, bump, or rock was muted by the system, saving me from uttering a few choice words each time!
For the bikepacking trip, I swapped the green elastomer with the red one, making the suspension stiffer to offset the extra weight produced by the bag.
I recently put the Redshift seatpost to the test during a two-day bikepacking trip in East Devon. Anyone who's ridden those trails knows how sore your backside can get afterward. Mine definitely would have been if I hadn't been using this suspension post. It's genuinely worth it.
Does It Affect Pedaling Performance?
This was another concern of mine. If the saddle is bouncing you up and down, surely there must be some change in energy flow. Personally, I've only noticed positive effects. Once you get used to the fact that you can rely on your saddle more, you'll naturally sit on it more often, allowing your legs to relax. I find myself standing up far less and sitting far more. Then there are those micro-moments of transitioning from just sitting to pedaling versus standing to pedaling. I might be venturing into physio/pro cycling territory, and I could be wrong, but my feeling is that this suspension seatpost actually provides a performance boost on a gravel bike, especially when cycling off-road.
Is the Redshift Suspension Seatpost an Upgrade Worth the Money?
From the perspective of a weekend warrior, riding a mid-range, three-year-old bike, a guy who appreciates simple and quality gear – absolutely, yes. Of course, essential upgrades like suitable tires come first, but I'd honestly say this seatpost should be next on your list!
Summary
I was contemplating getting a new bike this year, but the Redshift suspension seatpost has introduced a whole new level of comfort to my riding experience. It undoubtedly lets me ride longer and recover faster.
If you're on the fence about buying this thing – I can honestly say, go for it. Your bum will definitely thank you! 👌👌👌
You can find the ShockStop PRO Endurance Suspension Seatpost here