Mountain Biking - Handle Bar suspension??

i was searching the net the other day looking for good prices for kona bikes when an advertisment came up with a list of components for bikes, i was just about to close it when i saw handle bar suspension, it looked as though they bent so you wouldnt hurt you wrists, but wouldnt the bars be very weak? i have been constantly searching for the site again so i can get that advertisment, i want to know what brand they are, any one else herd of these?

Suspension stems were kind of common when front suspension first started to come out. It was cheaper than a new front fork at the time. I personally can't stand it because on big hits it feels like the bars are giving out under you when in compresses and it shifts your weight forward, last thing you want.

They were somewhat popular in the early 90's. Some people use them today on their tour bikes. I believe Softride makes suspension stems.

total garbage.

total garbage.

I agree.

They don't add any control, like a suspension fork does. Carbon fiber bars can reduce vibration if that's what you're looking for.

Softride suspension stems have been used on off-road tandems. Way cheaper than a tandem-specific suspenson fork @ $1,000!

I've dealt with them first hand - they suck.

The problem with suspension stems is that they generally don't have much tunability and they react differently (read: unpredictably) to impact forces than a real suspension system. Also, they don't provide one of the biggest advantages that something which suspends the wheels do: helping to keep the wheel tracking the ground. They're mainly meant to provide a little extra shock absorption to the arms of the rider. It's the same sort of deal with suspension seatposts. Of the suspension stems made, the Softride stems were the better design as they had a more refined system that used a parallelogram link assembly coupled with a tunable coil-over damper. Other popular designs like the Girvin Flexstem were essentially mono-pivot designs with rubber elastomer bumpers and generally regarded as worthless. I personally don't think suspensions stems are worth it much like I don't think suspension seatposts are a real answer either.

I agree with others, WORTHLESS!

Except maybe for historical reference.

I had a Softride stem on a commuter bike in the mid-90s. Great for soaking up the potholes. No more than that, though.

You can get them for peanuts now.

total garbage.

ill third that

seems like one of those this like the Shoxter!

For vibration damping during casual riding the Girvin Flexstem seems to work well. I enjoy mine on my old Zebrano. I would love to find some place that still sells them or at least replacement parts so I could rebuild mine.

For vibration damping during casual riding the Girvin Flexstem seems to work well. I enjoy mine on my old Zebrano. I would love to find some place that still sells them or at least replacement parts so I could rebuild mine.
:eek:
Sorry - Should have checked the date after the search.. Talk about resurecting an antique thread!

Rcyc58

sweaty gym socks batman return of the living dead thread!!!!!!

Wow I miss some of these guys. Some great posters in this thread :)

Dont waste your money.

Now that this thread has been revived, does anyone have an instruction manual for a Softride Powerstem that they could scan?