Redshift Sports is a company of three mechanical engineer athletes with diverse professional backgrounds. RedShift is where they apply their expertise to solve cycling-related problems.
Last year we reviewed the Redshift Sports ShockStop suspension stem, which provides flex at the handlebar for gravel or mountain biking.
The Redshift Sports ShockStop stem was the company’s first release. Redshift Sports StopShock suspension stem. © Cyclocross Magazine
The company has continued to innovate, and at Sea Otter, it displayed other products it is working on.
ShockStop Suspension Seatpost
After the success of the ShockStop suspension stem, the team developed the ShockStop suspension seatpost we first saw last year with 35mm of active spring suspension. The seatpost has gone through final testing and is in production with arrival due this summer.
The ShockStop suspension seatpost is coming soon. Redshift Sports, 2019 Sea Otter Classic. © C. Lee / Cyclocross Magazine
The design is of 6061-machined aluminum with a parallelogram swing arm and custom-designed dry-lube bushings. As the suspension moves, a link compresses the coil spring suspension within the post. The spring tension and pre-load are user adjustable.
Our input led to a two-bolt saddle clamp to hold the saddle angle secure. The parallelogram keeps the saddle level as it moves down and about 1cm back in its travel.
The ShockStop suspension seatpost includes a magnetic snap-on cover that keeps the suspension mechanism free of grit when in use.
A magnetic cover protects the suspension mechanism. Redshift Sports, 2019 Sea Otter Classic. © C. Lee / Cyclocross Magazine
The ShockStop suspension seatpost is available only in a 350mm length and 27.2mm diameter with shims available. Claimed production weight is 497 grams and costs $239 USD. It is available for pre-order now.
ShockStop Suspension Dropper
RedShift added a dropper suspension post to its list of innovations. We can see many applications for this, especially as the usefulness of a dropper on a drop bar bike became evident in our recent review of the Thesis OB1.
Two working prototypes of the suspension dropper were on display.
One was a 27.2mm-diameter model with 60mm of dropper travel with a ShockStop suspension stanchion. The dropper control line uses internal routing, the only option available.
A 30.9 and 31.9mm diameter version will have 100mm of dropper travel with the ShockStop stanchion with mountain bikes in mind.
Redshift showed off a prototype dropper with 100mm travel on 30.9 and 31.9mm diameters. Redshift Sports, 2019 Sea Otter Classic. © C. Lee / Cyclocross Magazine
One could see offering some bump compliance on a hardtail, but RedShift founder Stephen Ahnert has put one prototype on a full suspension bike and found it offers a combination of qualities. The ShockStop suspension is active for small bumps and vibration so the rear bike suspension can be tuned for the big hits. His point was that the dropper suspension post’s maximum benefit is for the user to discover.
As they work with the prototypes, the likely production for the dropper suspension post is next year.
Handlebars
Handlebar ergonomics has been visited many times, but none have really gained mass appeal. RedShift Sports’ approach is different by adding surface area to key parts of the drop bar.
On the hoods or at the top bend, a wider area for the palm to rest will help avoid hot spots and numb hands. When in the drops, the bar end grip offers more surface to rest your palm as well. The pad system will be available to fit any drop bar late summer 2019.
Ergonomic bar end grip is part of RedShift Sports drop bar grip system to fit on any bar. Redshift Sports, 2019 Sea Otter Classic. © C. Lee / Cyclocross Magazine
Coming out at about the same time is the Redshift Sports Kitchen Sink handlebar.
The saying goes, “Everything but the kitchen sink,” but this handlebar includes a little of everything—rise, sweep, drop and flare. It even has a mini aero bar loop that in production will have a straight section on the front to mount computer and lights.
RedShift Sports Kitchen Sink bar. A little of everything. ShockStop drop bar grip system in place. Redshift Sports, 2019 Sea Otter Classic. © C. Lee / Cyclocross Magazine
Available in aluminum, there will be a model with the front loop and one without. The Drop bar grip system will be included. Width options and price are still being worked out. Late summer 2019 is the target release.
For more information, including a dream bike giveaway, visit redshiftsports.com.
All of our coverage of new bikes and products is available in our 2019 Sea Otter Classic archive.
