How does it handle trails, gravel, and cobblestones - I want to use it on a CX/adventure bike?
With its adjustable-stiffness pivot, the ShockStop can be tuned to match your style of bike and the terrain you ride on. We’ve put the prototypes through some pretty tough terrain, including gravel trails, cobblestone, and torn-up asphalt. In each case, you can feel that the ShockStop is muting the effects of the surface imperfections. The combination of short-travel, torsional rigidity and adjustable stiffness makes the ShockStop a great upgrade for a cross/adventure bike. Last updated: Sat, Sep 5 2015 6:10 pm EDT
Does the ShockStop change how my bike feels when climbing out of the saddle or sprinting?
With the ShockStop there is no need to change your approach to riding. The suspension is “pre-loaded”, meaning that it will not start to move until a certain amount of weight has been applied, so there isn’t a “squishy” feel as you start to apply weight to the stem. Because of this and the inherent torsional rigidity of the pivot design, the feel when climbing or sprinting is going to be nearly the same as with a rigid stem. Last updated: Thu, Aug 27 2015 4:51 pm EDT
How is the ShockStop different from other suspension stems?
There are lots of things that set ShockStop apart from other suspension stems - take a look at update #1 to learn more: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/redshiftsports/shockstop-the-shock-absorbing-bike-stem/posts/1334717 Last updated: Sat, Sep 5 2015 3:14 pm EDT
Is this specifically for road bikes or will it make sense on mountain bikes as well?
The suspension travel on the ShockStop (1-2cm) is optimized for the types of bumps you typically encounter on roads and light trails. So the ShockStop is not going to provide the same suspension feel as a typical mountain bike front fork suspension, which will have closer to 10-15cm of travel. However, if you use your bike primarily on the lighter trails (i.e. not aggressive downhill) and you’re looking to take the edge off of an otherwise stiff frame (e.g. a bike with a rigid front fork), then the ShockStop could be exactly what you’re looking for. Last updated: Thu, Aug 27 2015 4:51 pm EDT
Is ShockStop compatible with Helix?
Yes, ShockStop with fit on the Helix - we have spoken with them and they have confirmed. Last updated: Tue, Sep 22 2015 2:09 am EDT
What will the MSRP be?
We expect the MSRP to be between around $140 USD. Last updated: Thu, Aug 27 2015 4:51 pm EDT
Are you going to make a carbon version?
We would love to make a carbon version, and if we can hit $75,000 we will! Last updated: Sat, Sep 5 2015 6:10 pm EDT
Is ShockStop compatible with the Redshift Switch Aero System / a time-trial position?
Yes, the ShockStop is compatible with a time-trial position and can be used on a tri-bike or a road bike with aerobars or the Switch Aero System. In fact, team Redshift rode one of the ShockStop prototypes in the Poconos 70.3 just a couple weeks ago and it worked great. Last updated: Sat, Sep 5 2015 6:10 pm EDT
How do I pick the right stem length/Angle?
You will select your stem length and angle at the end of the Kickstarter campaign when we send out the official backer survey. So, for the time-being, you don’t need to choose anything. In the backer survey, we’ll walk you through the steps to choose the right stem. Last updated: Sat, Sep 5 2015 6:10 pm EDT
Will cold temperatures affect the elastomers?
Typically, temperature does affect elastomer stiffness (as temperature drops stiffness increases). In ShockStop, we use a special formulation of urethane for our elastomers such that slight stiffening would only begin to occur well below 0 deg F and it stays very flexible well past -80 deg F. So, while you would see some stiffening at very cold temperatures we expect it to be minor and only slightly reduce the magnitude of shock absorption. In general, we would not recommend riding when the temperature is below -80 deg F. Last updated: Sat, Sep 5 2015 6:10 pm EDT
How long will the elastomers last?
We use a special formulation of urethane for our elastomers that holds up really well in harsh environments (moisture, oils, temperature change, compression cycling, etc.). So, we expect the elastomers to last a very long time (many years at a minimum). Last updated: Sat, Sep 5 2015 6:10 pm EDT
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