With so many suspension seatposts on the market today, each offering a different take on comfort and ride quality, it takes something special to stand out.
So when Redshift announced its own version, I was keen to see how it would perform. Their ShockStop suspension stem has long been a go-to upgrade on my main test bike, consistently delivering noticeable comfort gains.
The new ShockStop seatpost looks promising on paper and comes with bold performance claims.
But I don’t take marketing at face value, so it’s time to put it through a proper (and bumpy) test.
Suspension Seatpost Designs
When choosing a suspension seatpost, you’ll typically be deciding between a few distinct types:
– Carbon leaf spring seatposts like the Ergon Allroad Pro
– Coil spring seatposts like the Kinekt XR
– Elastomer spring seatposts like Cane Creek eeSilk
– Air spring suspension seatposts like the PNW Coast
The Redshift ShockStop Endurance uses metal coil springs, and as you might expect, springs tend to be, well… springy. The key challenge with this design is reducing that bounce while still delivering effective suspension.
I recently tested the Kinekt XR, and while it was undoubtedly comfortable, I couldn’t shake the overly springy feel, regardless of how I set it up.
That got me wondering: can Redshift do it better? The short answer is… yes!
Redshift ShockStop Endurance: First Rides
I began testing with the recommended spring setup for an 80kg rider (I weigh 84kg). Right off the bat, it felt too soft. I was bottoming it out and bouncing far too much. So I returned home and increased the firmness.
I added an extra spring, adjusted the preload to level 2 (for 90kg riders), and headed back out. Big improvement! No more bottoming out, and the overall ride feel was much more controlled.
Still, on bigger bumps, I noticed a bit too much saddle movement. So I cranked it up to level 3 (for 100kg riders). That ride felt even better – much smoother, with the suspension working silently under me. No perceptible bounce, even during hard pedalling.
Curious about going even firmer, I pushed the preload to level 4. That test ride was… revealing.
On big hits, the spring action became too aggressive, almost launching me from the saddle like a mini catapult!
So for me, level 3 is the sweet spot. But each rider will need to fine-tune their setup to match their weight and riding style.
One upside: adjusting preload doesn’t reduce the post’s 35mm of available travel. Redshift aimed for a one-size-fits-most solution, and it mostly works. Though I wonder if slightly less travel would tame the springiness further.
Vibration Testing The Redshift ShockStop Endurance
For testing, I used my Argon 18 Dark Matter gravel bike, fitted with Challenge GravelGrinder 700C x 42 mm tires.
To isolate the seatpost’s performance, I used a firm Prologo Scratch RS saddle, skipped padded shorts, and ran 40 psi tire pressure – firm enough to highlight suspension differences.
You can see my vibration measurement procedure & outdoor test courses HERE.
Vibration Test Results
Bumpy Forest Road
| Average Acceleration (g) | Vibrations When Compared to the FSA Seatpost | |
| FSA K-Force Carbon | 2.9 | – |
| Ergon CF3 Pro Carbon | 2.6 | 10.3% Fewer Vibrations |
| Redshift ShockStop | 2.2 | 24.1% Fewer Vibrations |
Fast Gravel Road
| Average Acceleration (g) | Vibrations When Compared to the FSA Seatpost | |
| FSA K-Force Carbon | 3.8 | – |
| Ergon CF3 Pro Carbon | 3.3 | 13.2% Fewer Vibrations |
| Redshift ShockStop | 3.0 | 21.1% Fewer Vibrations |
The results were crystal clear. At firmness level 3, the Redshift seatpost significantly outperformed both the Ergon Allroad Pro and the FSA K-Force carbon seatposts.
On the bumpy forest trails, it reduced vibrations by 24% compared to the FSA and by 15% compared to the Ergon. Even on fast gravel roads, where the differences tend to be less dramatic, the Redshift still offered a 21% comfort boost over the FSA and 9% over the Ergon.
These are substantial improvements, and while the Redshift clearly excelled on rough terrain, I found it particularly well-suited to fast gravel roads where high-frequency vibrations dominate.
It works so quietly and smoothly that you barely notice the suspension in action; there’s no bounce, just a consistent sense of calm under you.
What surprised me most was the gap between the Redshift and the Ergon Allroad Pro. I had expected the difference to be minor. However, there is one important factor to consider: the Argon 18 frame I used for testing has less exposed seatpost than my usual benchmark bike, the Jamis Renegade. That reduced seatpost extension likely limited the Ergon’s ability to flex.
Still, even with an extra 30mm of post exposed, I don’t believe the Ergon could match the Redshift in overall comfort.
A Few Practical Notes
Saddle installation can be fiddly, and the access to the bolts is tight. Even with two different wrenches, I struggled and ended up scratching the post near the clamp. Choose your tools carefully here.
Preload adjustment, however, is easy. Just pull out the post, turn the adjustment cup, and reinsert. Thanks to the numbered markings, it’s quick to restore your saddle height.
Long-Term Reliability?
The Redshift ShockStop seatpost has more moving parts than most, which raises the question of durability.
But after 18 months of real-world touring through a dozen countries, Alee reported zero reliability issues.
In my two weeks of hard use, the post has also been rock-solid – no noises, no problems. I’ll have more to report after more winter testing.
Summary
The ShockStop Endurance will save your back and butt on long rides! It’s comfortable, adjustable, reliable, and looks great too.
US $229 (MSRP)
If you’re chasing one of the best suspension seatposts out there, the Redshift ShockStop Endurance is one of them.
It’s not perfect: you’ll need to spend time fine-tuning preload, and installation could be more user-friendly. Plus, being a coil spring design, it still moves a bit on bigger hits.
But what matters most is everyday ride comfort, and here, the Redshift delivers in spades.
Note: We may earn a commission when you purchase a Redshift seatpost through our links. This directly supports CYCLINGABOUT.com and allows us to continue to provide high-quality cycling information to you.
