Redshift Sports ShockStop Pro Seat Post: At The Finish – by Guitar Ted
With the review period coming to an end here for the Redshift Sports ShockStop Pro Seatpost, it is finally time to render my final verdict on this suspension device. My “Checkpoint” post, a mid-term update, can be seen here for this seat post, and there is a link there back to the technical specifications as well.
Ride Performance: This seat post is aimed at those who want the edge taken off road irregularities and who want a bit of vibration damping without adding all the weight of Redshift Sports coil sprung version of the ShockStop post. The ShockStop Pro Seat Post is designed to be “Race Tuned” and still have seated pedaling support when climbing, etc. So, does the seat post actually deliver on these promises?
First, let’s look at the weight. At 422 grams (for this tested specimen) Redshift is not going to win any weight-weenie awards. The Redshift post is about 130 grams heavier than Cane Creek’s carbon version of the eSilk post, a similar product, and one we get a lot of comments about. Plus, the eSilk has exchangeable elastomer springs for fine tuning, the ShockStop Pro is ‘one-size-fits-all’ in their approach to spring rate. (Note: The aluminum version of the eSilk is only about 30 grams lighter than the Redshift ShockStop Pro)
Okay, but what about the claims of pedaling support? Well, here I can report that the ShockStop Pro is very good. I felt that I could climb in the saddle, accelerate while seated, and ride ‘normally’ without that feeling of bouncing and losing leverage while climbing in particular. This is a major improvement over the standard Redshift coil sprung post, which leaves one feeling as thought they are fighting a bit against the spring when powering down during a seated climb.
“Race Tuned” is an apt description of the seated feel with this seat post. I felt as though the washboard sections of road, or anything like a pot hole or depression, were really the only times I noticed this seat post working. Vibration damping was on par with some of the better carbon posts I’ve used, so that was there, but not ‘amazing’ in the sense that I noted this effect.
At The Finish: At the end of the day, I have mixed feelings about this seat post. On the one hand, it does a much better job than the original ShockStop post at supporting the rider’s weight while pedaling hard. I liked that a lot. However; I have to still question the lack of any way to adjust this post for rider weight and preferred feel. While I liked how it felt, a much lighter rider probably will not get the same effect as I did, and the post could be seen as being too harsh. An adjustment for rider weight, or having options to purchase “Light”, “Medium”, and”Stiff” for example, might lead to a wider range of acceptable outcomes. But maybe this is truly a “one-size-fits-most” solution? Hmm…. I have a hard time thinking that is true. And furthermore, the competition has options in spring rates, so this is a bit of a concern I have with the Redshift offering.
UPDATE: According to the Redshift Sports contact I have, they are shipping posts now with either a “soft”, “medium” or a “firm” elastomer. The “medium” was what was in the post I tested.
Otherwise in a more apples-to-apples look at the post and the competitor’s offerings, this post seems to be a solid choice. Weight is within reason there, and durability is not in question with the Redshift post. The magnetically held shield for the workings of the Redshift post may seem like a cute afterthought, I found it to be quite practical. It really keeps the workings cleaner and free from wear-inducing grit and moisture, so in that respect I like the attention to detail that is not present in other offerings like this. This adds up to a longer lasting, more reliable product in the end.
So, if Redshift could perhaps look at a carbon shaft version for some weight relief, and add in some options for rider weight discrepancies, (see UPDATE above) I think this post would be the best in class option. As it stands, it is pretty good. I feel that if your preference is for a ‘mostly rigid, sometimes forgiving‘ experience, and your weight is in the mid-range for rider weight limit (max 240lbs here), then you’ll have a great product experience. If, however; you are pretty light, or if you and your kit outweigh the weight limitations, this maybe is not what you will find as a good solution. (In light of the update with regard to spring rate choices, I’d place this in the “really good choice’ category. Weight ‘could be better’, but this spring option choice is very good news)
The Pro version of the ShockStop seat post is, therefore, a bit more narrowly focused in its appeal. I would definitely take a look at the tunable, slightly heavier, and more plush standard version of this post if you are looking for the ultimate bump/vibration eating seat post solution. For ‘racing’? I’d probably stick to the lighter carbon post options. But for those who want ‘just a little bit more‘ than a carbon post can offer, the ShockStop in the Pro flavor may be ‘just right‘.
For more on the Redshift Sports Seat Post see the webpage for the post here: https://redshiftsports.com/products/shockstop-pro-suspension-seatpost-rt
Note: Redshift Sports sent over the ShockStop Pro Seat Post for test and review at no charge to Riding Gravel. We were not paid, nor bribed, for this review and we will always strive to give our honest thoughts and views throughout.
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