Redshift ShockStop Pro Endurance seatpost review: 2,000km long-term test & discount
Is the Redshift ShockStop suspension seatpost worth buying? After 2,000km and over a year of gravel riding, read our honest long-term review and grab a 15% discount code.
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 complete game-changer for my setup.
(This article is now updated after 1+ years and 2,000km of gravel riding)
Redshift suspension seatpost options
Redshift makes a few different suspension seatposts, each one dialed in for specific types of riding:
- ShockStop City: Built for e-bikes and commuters looking for a comfier ride around town.
- ShockStop Endurance: A versatile option that works great for most general riders.
- ShockStop PRO Endurance: Kicks performance up a notch with lightweight construction and high-end dampening for gravel and mixed terrain.
- ShockStop PRO Race: Designed for roadies or gravel racers who want subtle dampening with minimum weight.
Naturally, I went with the PRO Endurance since it's a perfect fit for my bike and how I like to ride.
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. My original post had the diameter conveniently printed on it: 31.6mm. For the ShockStop PRO Endurance, I ordered the 27.2mm post along with 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.
I was a bit anxious about how this might affect my bike fitting, but the process was straightforward. I simply added about 1.5cm to the saddle height and made a slight adjustment to the fore/aft position. After two quick adjustments during my maiden voyage, it was perfect. I also highly recommend playing with the preload setting on your first ride to find your ideal suspension firmness.
First impressions on the trail
My very first impression, just from a warm-up spin on bumpy tarmac, immediately showed me that the spring was doing a phenomenal job. It was an interesting 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 saddle rails. I was unsure about the moving parts in that area and was worried about potential squeaking or bag rub.
It turned out to be a complete non-issue. My bag fit perfectly, and the saddle's movement isn't aggressive enough to impact the pack at all. Muting the chatter from potholes and rough tracks actually kept the load more stable.
I've taken this seatpost on several loaded adventures - including a two-day trip on the East Devon Trail and multi-day loops on the Salisbury Plain. Anyone who rides those rough tracks knows how sore your backside gets, but this post completely removes that fatigue.
One minor detail worth noting: early on, the cord connecting the plastic cover to the seatpost snapped while I was fiddling with my bags on a bikepacking trip. I replaced it with a piece of black elastic thread so I wouldn't lose the cover - not a big deal at all, but worth mentioning.
Does it affect pedaling performance?
If the saddle is moving up and down, surely there must be some energy loss?
In practice, I've only noticed positive effects. Because you can rely on the saddle over rough ground, you stay seated longer instead of constantly hovering or standing up. Your legs save valuable energy by not acting as human shock absorbers, making off-road pedaling significantly more efficient overall.
2,000km long-term durability update
I have now ridden over 2,000km on the Redshift ShockStop PRO Endurance seatpost across 12+ months of weekend gravel rides, wet British trails, and loaded bikepacking trips.
For reference, I weigh 64kg and ride mostly mixed terrain. Here is how the seatpost has held up long-term:
- Does it creak over time? No. Despite exposure to rain, grit, and mud, the pivot points remain completely silent.
- Is there any rubber degradation on the gaiter? No. The protective rubber boot is still in perfect condition.
- What maintenance is required? None. I haven't needed to regrease or strip down the unit. It gets the exact same treatment as the rest of my frame: a light rinse with clean water and a soft brush after a dirty ride.
- Are you still on the original elastomer? Yes, the internal setup has remained untouched since installation.
- Has the suspension softened? No, it holds its original preload setting without sagging.
- Any corrosion or scratches? The anodized finish looks as clean as the day I unboxed it. A few tiny marks of surface rust have appeared on the pivot pins, but it's very minor, purely cosmetic, and really only visible on close inspection.
It genuinely is a set-and-forget upgrade.
Is the Redshift ShockStop seatpost worth buying?
Yes - absolutely.
After 2,000km and over a year of riding on gravel, tarmac, and loaded bikepacking routes, I would buy it again without hesitation. It noticeably reduces body fatigue without making your bike feel bouncy or sluggish, and it requires zero maintenance.
Good tires are always the first upgrade (like the Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M), but if you want to extend your range and ride in comfort, this seatpost should be next on your list.
Where to get the Redshift discount code?
You can grab 15% off by using code BIKESANDBACON at checkout on redshiftsports.com. Note that the discount applies to regular-priced items and won't stack during storewide sales.
