Why Suspension Stems Are The ULTIMATE Comfort Upgrade For Bicycles!
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- Опубліковано 30 чер 2024
- Suspension stems are a quick & easy comfort upgrade for your bike! 📘 The Bikepacking Bike Buyer's Guide: www.cyclingabout.com/bikepack...
📕 The Touring Bicycle Buyer's Guide: www.cyclingabout.com/touring-...
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0:00 - Intro
1:04 - Advantages (Compared to Rigid Stems)
2:40 - Advantages (Compared to Suspension Forks)
4:23 - Disadvantages (Compared to Rigid Stems)
5:05 - Disadvantages (Compared to Suspension Forks)
6:16 - Single Pivot Suspension Stem Design
7:37 - Multi Pivot Suspension Stem Design
8:06 - Metal Coil Springs For Suspension Stems
8:42 - Elastomer Springs For Suspension Stems
9:35 - Best Suspension Stem #1: Kinekt Suspension Stem
10:30 - Best Suspension Stem #2: Vecnum Freeqence
11:54 - Best Suspension Stem #3: Redshift ShockStop
13:04 - Best Suspension Stem #4: Cane Creek eeSilk
14:06 - Specialized Future Shock
15:47 - Can you combine suspension forks with suspension stems?
16:08 - Can you use front luggage with suspension stems?
16:19 - Do suspension stems work on a quill stem bike?
16:25 - Are there any suspension stems under $100?
17:03 - What seatpost should you pair with a suspension stem?
17:15 - Summary - Наука та технологія
Hello! 👋 If you want to support my content, buying a suspension stem from these links is an excellent way to do so. 🎉
➡ KINEKT stem in 90-105-120mm with 7° angle:
$189 at Amazon - amzn.to/3UjJgqs
$189 at Aventuron (90mm) - alnk.to/dAlPhlE
$189 at Aventuron (105mm) - alnk.to/hsuuRjp
$189 at Aventuron (120mm) - alnk.to/dLgAgbt
➡ KINEKT stem in 100mm with 30° angle:
$189 at Amazon - amzn.to/3UjJgqs
$189 at Aventuron - alnk.to/8EIBOxq
$189 at REI - alnk.to/faAE6Jz
➡ KINEKT Stem in 100mm with 50° angle:
$189 at Amazon - bit.ly/3vQZe15
$189 at Aventuron - alnk.to/esVCbsk
➡ REDSHIFT ShockStop in 80-90-100-110-120mm with 6° angle:
$189 at Amazon - bit.ly/47Vn2y1
$189 at Angry Catfish - alnk.to/4BFbfXO
$189 at Competitive Cyclist - alnk.to/5ueYa1x
$189 at REI - alnk.to/7foxYbS
➡ REDSHIFT ShockStop in 80-100mm with 30° angle:
$189 at Amazon - bit.ly/47Vn2y1
$189 at Angry Catfish - alnk.to/4BFbfXO
$189 at Competitive Cyclist - alnk.to/5ueYa1x
$189 at REI - alnk.to/7foxYbS
➡ REDSHIFT ShockStop Pro Lightweight in 80-90-100-110-120mm:
$249 at Amazon - bit.ly/4bgYMsU
$249 at Angry Catfish - alnk.to/fSfGjtN
$249 at Competitive Cyclist - alnk.to/5jkdswz
➡ Cane Creek eeSilk in 70-80-90-100mm lengths with switch:
$229 at Angry Catfish - alnk.to/hDpg5hi
$229 at Backcountry - alnk.to/b7xdN4j
$229 at Competitive Cyclist - alnk.to/hsuv6pS
$229 at REI - alnk.to/4MzWtDy
➡ Cane Creek eeSilk in 70-80-90-100mm lengths:
$199 at Backcountry - alnk.to/b7xdN4j
$199 at Competitive Cyclist - alnk.to/hsuv6pS
➡ Cheap Multi Pivot Coil Spring Stem in 90mm length:
$85 at Amazon - bit.ly/3Ucw5rb
еще одно такоеже сравнени зделать но сравнивать по Бюджету
те
именно что ,по: соотношениею цена /эфективность амортизации (гашение вибраций ) !
то есть - елси за 70$ подресореный вынос русля ,то и амортизационую вилку за 70 $ сравнивать !
Any link(s) for Europe?
I was considering buying a Vecnum Stem for my Cannondale Slate Gravel Bike, with a Lefty Fork (no suspension, 1.5" Head tube diameter) but found out that Vecnum is for steering tubes of 1 1/8" diameter. Could you suggest products for my bike?
So bro is riding around Africa on his bike with different high end components and he managed to make it a business. That is smart af.
Thanks! I'm also just really passionate about the topics I cover on this channel. 😎
@@Cyclingabout Have you already shared which countries/what route are you taking for your tour in Africa? Also, 5 years over there sounds like the adventure of a lifetime
The ebook content is no joke, super thorough.
You sound like 12 year old. . . Do you actually talk like that?
@@miller2675 Yes
17:44 I used a Redshift stem and seatpost ShockStop combination on a Salsa Cutthroat (which has no suspension) on GDMBR (two months). Well worth the price and extra weight. No maintenance needed. Set it and forget it. Saved my ass, wrists, elbows and shoulders.
Thank you for mentioning prices for products you mention. It provides a lot of important context that is otherwise tedious to pause and check manually.
This video popped up literally the second I was about to sit down with a coffee and your buyer's guide in order to continue researching for my new bikepacking bike. Now I'll have one more detail to obsess about and decide, so thanks for that ;)
Great to hear. I'm uploading the 2024 updates today!
I lived in a rural area with atrocious chip and seal roads. Sus-stem, best road bike add-on ever. Where they also shine is old school seemed concrete roads, separated asphalt or packed dirt roads with potholes.
Thankyou for this video. I have been using the Redshift on my gravel bike for some time, it works great. Absorbs a lot of vibrations - reducing fatigue and I feel noticeably less shaken out after rides than before. I can confirm that it really works, but never saw any numbers and science behind it. Now it is clear, not just how, but why it works.
I've had both on different gravel bikes, a Vecnum suspension stem and a Rockshox Rudy suspension fork. For me, the suspension stem feels way better than no suspension, but I always wanted more out of it. While the fork feels like it's enough suspension. But I don't do these epic multi day rides where maintainability is a factor, and ride a lot of singletrail on my gravel bike, so depending on the use case and priorities the optimal suspension choice will be different for different people.
Super helpful video Alee! Thanks for this valuable research and the excellent presentation!
Thank you for another useful and very informative video. I had a Redshift stem on my gravel bike with a mustache style flat bar and it was useless because of the very problem you describe with single pivot designs. I think I'll give the multi-pivot Freeqence stem a go.
In the early 90s I had a Girvin Flex stem on my Brahma bar equipped mtb (which I didn't realise at the time was a future gravel bike) but I longed for a 'proper' suspension fork that were emerging at the time. I ended up springing for a Marzocchi DH3 air oil fork and truth be told I preferred the Flex stem. Feels a bit like history is repeating itself 30 years later....
On road bikes, maybe. On true MTB? No. Never. You're comparing 100mm+ of travel to a suspension stem ffs.
Great video. Very comprehensive and informative, as always. I'm beginning to wonder whether my computer is bugged because I've spent the last week investigating suspension stems for a possible purchase and WHAM! This comes along and gives me all the answers. Thank you!
I would very much like to see the testing protocole - first, sensor placement (are they tied to the body parts, or rigidly fixed where the body parts are), but most importantly postprocessing of frequency response graph into a scoring system.
There is a video on yourube for vecnum stem.
Тоже интересны результаты испытаний!!!
Thank you for your reviews, they are always very interesting and well made.
Keep going!
A big thank you from southern Chile
Superb video. The best explanation and analysis I have seen on this subject. Critically, the differences in single and multi-pivot suitability by style of handlebar was new to me, and is so important. I now know I should look for a multi-pivot stem given I have sweep-back bar and a more upright tour bike sitting position. Thanks!
Many thanks! Hopefully, other media outlets will keep an eye on this research and be more aware of the nuances between suspension stem designs in the future. 👍
This video was the very reason I bought a Meroca 4-point suspension stem. While I don't go off-road on my touring bike, I do travel on roads with lots of potholes and uneven pavements. I'd say that this is cheaper to have this replaced than maintaining a suspension fork in the long run.
How it feels ?
@@RikasCorner If properly set up, it absorbs those nasty sudden bumps well. While it can't be a replacement for a dedicated suspension, it definitely does the job of dampening rough rides.
Great video as ever. Like how you explain everything very precise and laid back.
Regarding that supsension stems. I have a Specialized Diverge EVO and although I know that the Future Shock is no comparison to a suspension fork this bike makes me ride really gnarly trails. I love it. The Diverge EVO is a great flat bar gravel bike.
One thing to remember is the Kinekt has optional elastomers you put inside the spring. The kinekt doesn't bottom out using this set-up.
I bought the FreeQUENCE stem for my trip to Kenya and the Migration Gravel Race. It saved my arms and hands during four days of 8+ hrs on the harshest roads I've ever encountered. Other riders had deep blisters on their hands after two stages. Meanwhile, I felt pretty fresh each day since I wasn't getting jack hammered. I also use a Cane Creek eSilk seatpost to keep my lower back from locking up after 5+ hours of riding dirt. My front tire has significantly better grip on rough surfaces and my eyes no longer bounce around in their sockets. Before purchasing, my biggest concern was how it felt while standing since I am out of the saddle a lot. Yet, I never notice the stem moving while standing. Now I'll never build up a gravel bike without one.
I used to have a Haro bike in the 90s with elastomer stem suspension. I liked it.
Thank You for making this video! It’s was very insightful. And you answered all of the questions I had from your previous video! I truly appreciate the time, energy, and effort you put into making these videos.
PS. I bought a Kinekt stem thru you, thanks
Redshift user here. Not a gimmick. Bleddy marvellous, tunes out high frequency vibes and takes the thud out of rough tracks.
I have one too, best upgrade I’ve made! Now I want to try their seat post suspension.
💥Fantastic video💥
Complimenti, spiegato e illustrato magistralmente 👍🏻
Chapeau!!!!! 💪🏻
Thanks Alee. I learned a lot from this.
I bought a redshift stem a couple months ago for a couple week trip and ended up with some strain and such, but not in my wrists like I have in the past so it was quite a game changer. Will be interesting giving this video a watch, as I wasn't even aware there were other brands out there doing this kind of thing. The redshift was fairly expensive since it was also a US based brand so I had to pay pretty pricey shipping.
Grande inovação... Parabéns pelo vídeo.
Thanks for such an informative video.
Great video as always...well balanced many Thx
Super informative thank you. Been thinking about a stem for my touring bike to replace the fixed 80mm. Looks like the Redshift is the one I'll go for.
Got Redshift Pro stem fitted too colnago c60 and specialised sl6, absolutely love it great on all levels, couldn't go back to normal stems , specially with UK roads.
Redshift 6 degree 80mm owner here. Used on Ti touring bike, drop handlebar. Stiff, not mushy, but it subtly absorbs those vibrations. Highly recommended. Also use the Redshift suspension seatpost. Both have been functional and reliable over last two years. Heavy load rolling down the gravel in comfort :)
I use the 130mm Redshift stem on my Ti CX bike, and I find I can ride at a faster speed and more safely over rougher terrain. I will purchase the Redshift seatpost later this year.
Yes, redshift stem plus seatpost is a game changer on my touring bike. Soooo smoth ride!
Great vid! I see 3 types of bikes where you CAN'T use a suspension stem:
1. Some folding bikes that don't have a stem, but rather a vertical handlepost that the bars attach to. There is no place to put a regular stem.
2. Bikes with very short stems, as you pointed out. Though apparently no-one has done it yet, it is possible to make a suspension stem, at least a single pivot one, where the pivot is BEHIND the steerer tube, and the stem is split and fits around the steerer. That will enable very short stems, if not quite as short as rigid ones can be. (The Specialized Future Shock could also be made with a very short stem.)
3. Recumbent bikes. Technically, some use standard stems and could fit a suspended one, but it would be pointless as the bars only carry the weight of your arms, not your body. Here the suspension must be in the fork and/or frame.
I've had that Redshift one on my my bike for almost a decade now and it has stood the test of time wonderfully.
Mine had spots of rust after less than an year... performance is great, though.
@@endianAphones Do you leave your bike outdoors when not in use?
Been using the original Redshift stem since it came out. I have it set up pretty stiff, as I don't like the movement/bob when I'm riding out of the saddle, but it REALLY takes the sting out of the rough stuff!
That is on a drop bar bike though where there's a lot of leverage as my hands (and weight) are cantilevered out a fair distance, but I never tried it on on my bike with swept back bars for the reasons that you've mentioned. My hands are pretty much in-line with the steerer, so because there's no leverage. Perhaps leverage isn't the right word, but ya get me!
I will say that the ESI Extra Chunky grips do a surprisingly good job of damping things!
Do you run it with a positive or negative rise? (12:32)
I have a repetitive strain injury from too much keyboarding. The dealer that sold me a TranzX suspension stem 30+ years ago saved me. I wouldn't be able to ride (literally) without it, other than on a recumbent. For a while I could not turn up alternatives and TranzX had stopped making them. I was seriously worried about the day when my existing gear gives out. That day is nearly upon me and I'm delighted to know there are so many alternatives. I've gotten two new bikes over the years and each time had to take the stem to a blacksmith shop to modify it to fit.
One qualitative benefit of suspension stems to me is that they make the ride at the front end of the bike feel… luxurious. Feeling the stem moving and absorbing small chatter is oddly satisfying in an ASMR type of way
I’ve been using the Redshift Shockstop suspension stem pro for a number of years now and find it the best bang for your buck as no servicing required, dampens most vibrations and doesn’t weigh that much more than a regular rigid stem, compared to a suspension fork, gaining all the benefits
I agree - it's such a great upgrade for the price!
After going to a titanium framed bike last year, I've really gotten into comfort over absolute performance. Been thinking of going with the Redshift stem, but my reservation is that I've been hit by a car twice, and I use a GoPro mounted on a K-Edge Garmi to record every ride. Even with image stablization I would imagine it would create a nausia inducing image. Can't think of a better place to mount it on the bike, fork crown would be an idea location, but can't figure out a mount.
Great video. I’d probably get one for my gravel/CX bike if it didn’t already have a curved steel fork, which also absorbs a lot of small bumps
The Vecnum freeQENCE Suspension Stem sounds like a winner. My bike has the Cirrus Cycles Kinekt Suspension. It appears the Vecnum has a similar execution, with slight improvements to design and materials. I'm happy with my stem and have no complaints.
For those interested in my pursuit of comfort and handling improvements...
I bought a ridged Class 3 e-bike, designed for urban use. The ride was extra harsh. I live in a big city with plenty of poorly maintained roads. After several longer rides, I knew that I had to make some changes. I detailed all of my improvements to illustrate that no single improvement does it all. It would be great if that was the case.
The first improvement was going from a 28mm to a 38mm tire. A suspension seat post was the next step. Followed by replacing my stock stem with the Kinekt Suspension. Finally, I replaced my stock flat handlebars with the Spike 800 Vibrocore bars with a 75mm rise. Everyone of these additions contributed to my bike eventually becoming far more comfortable as well as adding confidence in handling.
Freequence looks so cool
Nice review.
I would say it's mandatory on an endurance / all-road / gravel bike. Definitely worth the investment.
While I also use a suspension post, still the best comfort trick is high volume tires, 2.1"or more, preferably mtb tires, at low pressure. I can ride for hours over the cobblestones here in portugal as well as hit the trails, loaded or not. Soft tires are also less prone to cuts. For longer spells on pavement just pump them up a bit as long as they are good rolling ones.
Thanks for another great video.What stem will be the best choice for the combination of endurance bike ( Trek Domane ) with aerobars Sonic Ergo Profile design 50a a Redshift or suspension stem freeQENCE ??
Thanks in advance for the answer.
I have one of these.. and it feels a bit weird when when you push down and take off. I thought my bars were breaking, but now I enjoy it. Not sure it does much overall though.
This is great work. I was really impressed by the data from future shock but didnt understand the spare parts issue. Did they already discontinue it or does specialized simply not sell internal components? Ride it until it breaks then buy a new one is great for Speciialized but if so I may pass but I dig aound for more info.
Someone didn't read the instructions on the Redshift stem when using it in a negative orientation. You can switch the placement of the elastomers so that the direction of force wouldn't be different.
Swapping the elastomers doesn't change the direction of movement of the stem, it just places the springs in the right location...
@@Cyclingabout It comes out of the box oriented for positive angle orientation. Switching elastomers won't do anything. You have to put them at the bottom slots in order for the direction of flex to be correct. I don't see how you got it wrong when I have the stem myself and don't have this issue when in a negative orientation.
I put them in the bottom slots when running it negative. Of course, the stem works fine, but it now moves in a downward and rearward direction, which I think feels weird - especially compared to other products.
Thanks again for the video. I watched this and the video on suspension seatposts. If you had to choose just one, would you go with the suspension seatpost or the suspension stem?
i've tried one with springs, with very mixed results.. . It may give you some comfort on 100psi tires and rough road. Otherwise bigger tires are much better. especially for bike touring.
did you try stiffer springs and elastomers? The kinekt can be fitted with both springs and elastomers. So you don't get the squishy feel and it never bottoms out.
Brilliant.
I have the HiRide coil fork on my BMC URS LT 2. Was initially skeptical to be honest, but now I don't think I'd ever go back to a gravel bike without suspension. I also like it can be turned on/off while riding when transitioning between surfaces. I have a Scott Speedster Gravel 30 in Europe and wouldn't mind fitting it with a suspension fork of some type or at least a suspension stem. 🤔
This are good for rigid bikes specially on gravel
Been thinking of adding the Kinekt to pair with my now 6 year old seat post. On that, I've had 2 maintenance issues, both solvable ... add loktite to the adjustment allen bolts... otherwise, they will tend to come loose. The only major issue happened in Peru at the beginning (of course) of a 20 day tour. The weak-link passive, plastic component (hard to describe) failed, broke, and the seat 'fell' backwards to a 60 degree or so, with a rearward sloping angle (so nose up, and unridable). I figured it out eventually in a very sketchy neighborhood and solved the issue with zip ties, but the shock absorbing feature was gone. Luckily, they sell replacements and the post is as good as new now ... other than those 2 issues, I''d definitely recomend given the thousands of miles of very, very rough travel the bike has been over. So I think I'll but the stem... right now!
I wish the specialized future shock was on the other side of the head tube like in BMC Urs suspension.
I used one for several years. One drawback was diving when braking. Despite this I greatly preferred the bike with it than without.
I just built my 2020 Santa Cruz Chameleon into a rigid skinny-fat 29er, with 3.0 front and 2.5 rear. I would absolutely LOVE a suspension stem for it (I already have one on my flat bar gravel bike, which I converted to that spec thanks to this channel's videos, and it is fantastic), but the suspension stems available are at least 80mm long, and the bike uses a 50mm stem and has a 35mm diameter bar. The alternative is obviously the Flexx enduro bar, which operates on a very similar principle, but I feel like I won't like the rise in the use I'm putting it to (I have a 35mm riser on my e-bike), and I think the positioning of the elastomers will make doing jumps and things much more awkward.
On the other hand, the reach on the Chameleon is a pretty short, even shorter now that it no longer flexes in the front with the fork, and so I could easily add another 30mm for a stem, and I do actually have a spare 31.8mm bar (my old e-bike bar), so maybe I will try it after all.
Why use a 35mm clamp bar if you need compliance? You can go with a thinner clamp more flexible bar
It came stock that way. I never liked the bar anyway, and I did end up buying a new 31.8mm carbon bar and a 60mm stem. I tried the 80mm stem with a spare 31.8 bar and it was too long.@@oreocarlton3343
Good information, But I got a Ritchey adjustable, so I can adjust the handlebar angle in order to get it close to me, I did see one that is adjustable, only one that has angle, I would like one with adjustable angle and with optional soft/firm Compliance Switch like the eeSLIK.
The parallelogram systems formally have merits, however, are too heavy for a sports bike. I use both Redshift Pro Stem (great folks, btw., very responsive and nice to talk to) and the Cane Creek eeSilk, and aside the temperature-dependent changes in stiffness during the year, they do the job perfectly fine on a gravel bike and an endurance racer. For rougher terrain, I use a fully 🙂.
Really never heard of suspension stems before...I don't know how effective they are...but I sure will do research on them.
Don't worry, I've just spent seven years doing all this research for you.
@@Cyclingabout Always, right on top of the innovations!
Shockingly effective.......... I absorbed that one.
Smooth and nice!
I would love to use one of these, but my frame is rather large for me and i needed to put the smallest stem possible for it to fit. 😅
I like your video. I have butterfly bars on my Cannnondale Bad Boy, would a supsension stem work well enough on a set up like that? Thanks in advance.
Any idea how this compares to the old Cannondale Headshok System? There are a lot of them out there in the used market.
Cann Headshok is a fork suspension just with shorter travel
The pivot would be called bushings. A bearing uses rollers or balls.
Great presentation!
Sagan ripping on the future shock 😅❤
Totally sold on the Specialized Future Shock. I don't think I would own another gravel bike with a suspension stem of some sort.
Hi Alee. I have a question/comment. When describing the Redshift, you said you “didn’t like the negative rise setup because the direction of the force coming from the ground up is different from the stem’s movement” (which is downward). But isn’t it that the upward direction of force is transmitted through the head tube and therefore, because of the pivot joint, the counter action is downward at the handlebar mount? Isn’t the negative setup supposed to be the correct reaction to cancel out the upward force? In other words, if the head tube goes up, the handlebar must go down to have any dampening effect.
I personally consider Suspension Stems as great upgrade for rigid bikes. I still use a "Girvin Flexstem" (quill) from the early 90s in my everyday (Steel) Bike. It works perfectly, of course with new Elastomere Elements from Time to Time (means "long Time", about five years). It is the same Elastomere as Skateboards have, which are available in different grades of stiffness.
But yes, of course are new Types of Multi Pivot Suspensions Stems much better than my Girvin Flexstem. On the other Hand I did not feel the need for a new Stem ... I would need an Adapter (for Quill-Mounting) and it is quite expensive ...
I loved mine, but the version I had must have been a prototype, as it cracked exactly where one would expect. :(
I’m only partway through but I just wanted to let you know that at least one person who’s sensitive to bike aesthetics is still very interested in your recommendations :)
I don't like the idea of the handlebar moving around
My hypothesis: Suspension stems bobbing up and down is not issue (in terms of robbing power transfer to wheels) not because the travel is low in comparison to forks, but rather because it's disconnected from the legs to the ground: legs->feet->pedal->frame->fork->ground. I.e. if you use a fork suspension, the fork is between the legs and the ground: legs->feet->pedal->frame->fork->wheel/tire->ground. It may require more upper body energy to stabilize yourself when sprinting with a suspension stem that has a too low spring rate.
Disclaimer: I speak from personal experience with suspension forks/stems and applying some limited physics knowledge.
I agree that the suspension stem can move and shown to be shock absorbing. But is it really desirable? If the handlebar is moving relative to the saddle, that instability is transferred to hands, arms and spine, making your upper body bounce. A fatter tire offers compliance, but relative to the saddle, keeps the handlebar position unchanged. I've ridden with a 90's elastomeric insert suspension stem, but think a steel fork with more rake or a softer front tire is better. Even so, I appreciate that suspension stems do offer some high frequency vibration damping.
to flip the redshift into negative, you have to flip all the internals, not just the stem!
Great overview! I’d like to hear more about sus-seatpost & sus-stem combos…. Is it overkill?
Not at all. They both perform different roles on the bike.
@@Cyclingabout cool thanks 🙏
my bike has an 80mm stock stem and slightly swept back flat bars. (Its a commuter style ebike).the Redshift is the only stem that comes in 80mm but they don't work on swept back bars. You said the Kinect works well on bikes that are more upright with swept back bars. The shortest Kinect stem is 90mm. Would increasing to 90mm be that much of a difference on my bike? Or I could get different bars...
A senseless reinvention of the wheel... Grivin Flex already paved this way over 30 years ago.
Does a suspension stem relieve pressure on a carbon steerer tube ? Allowing a higher tube .
I found the geo changes of the red shift too spooky on handling. Ok if riding long straight roads but prefer a fork or larger tyres for technical terrain
Eesilk seatpost however is a worthy investment
Does the ground force direction and the stem movement matter being in a slightly different direction matter that much? An actual question!
I watch these videos even though never use anything like this on my emtbs mtb but yeah it's just because like everything bike it's good watch to see some interesting crazy ideas ugly as they are they all have a purpose for one job somewhere!
these might suit the commuter ebikes better that come with poor suspension forks or nothing atoll for the Infamous UK pot holes and cracked up roads! I'd feel unsafe standing up on the bike and really pushing it up hill with these things bouncing to much incase the went to low and made the rear of the bike to light and end up face planted into the front tyre or road haha
How about a suspension fork when you go off-road
Pff, too late. I already bought and installed the anti-shocks. They have some effect as I can see them move while cycling but can't really compare to others. I also got suspension seat posts (eesilk) at the same time which really were a nice comfort boost.
Edit: so I remember reading a study that had the Transx at half the dampening ability of a Redshift shockstop so I looked it up and realised it's the same paper you quote in this video. I know 20% reduction is much less than 45% reduction (rounding to the nearest 5%), but the shockstop is 168g heavier, has a minimum length of 90mm (compared to 80 with transX), and is over twice the price. I was also concerned about how much bob would be present on the redshift and eesilk if standing while peddling and so I'd end up going with a tough elastomer in which case the benefits in vibration reduction would be reduced.
Anyway, long story short, I ended up going with the transX for these reasons . . . though if I knew the eesilk could provide 2x the vibration dampening ability while also being just as comfortable standing or going up-hill I would probably have gone with that.
What’s good suspension to add to a hybrid bike?
For almost any bike. I need a riser bar (bmx) and super short stem to achive a comfortable reach and i ride mostly hands free to protect my upper body. My canyon leaf spring carbon seatpost has a good enough suspension and hope to find a riser bar that has a similar suspension. Do ordinary riser bars without cross-bars have suspension? What material might be best?
I've got three riser bar options for you on my website that all offer flex/suspension travel: www.cyclingabout.com/comfort-goods-latest-suspension-seatposts-stems-handlebars/
while bmx bars and altbars often provide comfort through better hand positions the addition of crossbars and also the use of steel tubing can often lead to a harsh ride in other ways. Composite bars engineered with flex in mind do very well here and also some thinner ti bars offer a nice amount of cush. Am alternative for you could be one of these multi pivot suspension stems paired with a steerer extender and very rearward bars.
Great vid, one question: I often ride with an areobar mounted on my drop bar (one from profile design). Can I combine the aerobar with the suspension stem, and which type would you advise? Tanks!
If I change up from 29x2.25 to 29 x 2.6 would it still be worth having a suspension stem ?
I've tried a few and they don't really work for me, of course it also depends on what you're going to use the bike for. If you do gravel, but you like to go wild on bumpy tracks, rocky roads or enduro-like descents as if it were an MTB, maybe it would make sense, but I only want to get into forest trails, nothing so beastly, and I have many road climbs where I live, I prefer a stiffer steering and above all less weight.
I assume the pivots develop a lot of play very fast as is the case with susspension seatposts, none of this would be a problem if bikes and forks were built with adequate compliance
Actually, I've never experienced any play in any stem I've tested, which is pretty impressive when you think about it.
@@Cyclingabout Im talking about longterm play in the pivots like the one that happens on suspension seatposts after a year usually
@@oreocarlton3343 I've been testing suspension stems for over seven years now! Most have seen at least one year use.
Is the Meroca stem any good? I noticed it in the video and its considerably cheaper than the Kinetic stem but looks to be of similar design.
it only sells for $30 in china
A downside when comparing to a suspension fork. The suspension stem does not protect the lower steering head bearing from destruction.
A WORD OF CAUTION:
Please give your brain some time (about two weeks of riding) to adjust to a moving stem/handlebar or it can easily result in a crash. Why..? When riding a bike your body and your brain grew up depending on three fixed points... Feet/pedals, butt/saddle, hands/H-bars. So if you install a flexing stem suddenly your brain is given a vast variety of new and confusing inputs, so it has to instantly send a response to all your muscles to keep the bike safely on course. So obviously the mind is now confronted and confused with a new learning curve.
Kind of learning how to drive a stick shift car. Eventually the brain will learn how to shift the car without even thinking.
SO TAKE YOUR TIME, about two weeks of careful riding will do it, to avoid crashing.
This is very interesting. What about the durability of these products?
I’ve never done any maintenance on any stem over the last 7-8 years of testing.
Wish I had this on my BMX my wrists would've love me now I'm prone to numb hands while riding 😢
Would suspension steams complement suspension seatpost for rigid bikes? Or it's only a one or another thing?
I have both on my commuter. They work together great.
I wonder if this technology cans disable death wobbles in motorcycles.
Is there a suspension stem that fits the brompton bike
i try this redshift thing. it feel weird when we want do off saddle.
Nothing new here - I toured decades ago on a Cannondale T1000 with a Softride stem. Loved it then, love my Redshift stem (and seatpost) on my e-bike now.
i've removed my suspension seatpost again and i think the same would happen to suspension stems.
when there is too much vibration you just loosen your grip or lift a bit out of the saddle.
that much more effectively reduces the load on your body.
when you have those gizmos, you don't loosen your grip, and even though the magnitude might be reduced, it's still more than when you let go a bit.
so in the end the thing that's supposed to help actually makes things worse.