I've mentioned this in a few threads so I'll just write this one brief review. A little background: I rented a bike in San Francisco about a month ago and after checking their inventory they gave me a free upgrade to a Specialized Roubaix since nothing else would fit. Perfect. It felt great to ride it. The shop guy had mentioned the shock headset (or wherever it fits) and I didn't give it much thought until the end of the ride as I was coming from the Golden Gate bridge. I didn't want the riding to end because I still felt fairly fresh after 45 miles but it was getting late, but it occurred to me why, I didn't feel all shaken up.

A little research (google) led me to the Redshift Shockstop, which sounded a lot like what I would want in shock absorption, not a total flex, just enough to ride over a bumpy road. I read all the reviews, watched the videos, looked here on BF, and almost all reviews were pretty positive. They checked all the right boxes, doesn't look too bad, adjustable shock, easy to install. So I bought one, installed it today and took it for a ride on the road. First thing I notice is that I can push down on it and it felt a little soft, but when I started riding I didn't notice that at all. I ride my regular route where I know every bump in the road and how to avoid them, but this time I'm looking to ride through them and it really felt better, less vibration on the hands, but not so spongy you didn't feel the road. On smooth pavement you don't notice it. It was that same feeling I noticed on the Roubaix, like the entire bike was absorbing the shock. Really nice actually and it saved me about $2500 that a new Roubaix was going to cost.

I should add that not only was the Shockstop new on my bike, but this stem was 5mm shorter, plus I flipped it from the -6 to +6 position so I'm not as stretched out, and I also didn't pump up to 110psi but used 100psi instead on my 23 tires. In any case I think I've added a few more years of life to my bike as I've gotten older. It felt entirely more comfortable to ride, and more comfortable will equal more miles.

I won't recommend that everyone run out and buy one, but don't hesitate if you are thinking about it or are looking to soften the ride a bit.