In today's review, we're looking at another suspension seatpost. This time, it's the Redshift Shockstop seatpost in the Pro variant. How does the aluminum version compare to the previously tested suspension seatpost? I tested it on my gravel bike. As always, please note that English is not my native language. There may be some grammatical errors here and there. Please excuse this, as I am working to improve my skills.

Specifications:

- Price: €329 for the Pro RT version (June 20, 2022, Amazon), €255 for the regular version (Amazon) (Received for testing free of charge, then purchased again)

- Weight: 415g (350 mm length) for the Pro RT version, 562g (350 mm length) for the regular version, both made of aluminum

-Travel:20mm for the Pro RT, 35mm for the regular version

- Geometry: 350mm length, with 260mm of actual usable height, available in 27.2mm diameter (Redshift provides shims up to 31.8mm), available in 280mm or 350mm lengths

As I mentioned in my review of the Cane Creek eeSilk+, I came across the Redshift brand and their products relatively early in my cycling journey. Initially, it was through the Redshift Shockstop stem, and later, the suspension seatpost. At the time, I was struggling with saddle discomfort and positioning issues, barely able to ride more than 50km without experiencing numbness or significant pain. Naively, I hoped the Shockstop Seatpost would be a quick fix. However, it turned out my discomfort was due to poorly adjusted saddle position/height/size. A professional bike fitting resolved this, and now I ride comfortably for hours. Unfortunately, the Shockstop Seatpost didn't alleviate my issues; instead, it felt like riding on a pogo stick. While it absorbed sudden impacts like roots or rocks, it also felt unstable, especially uphill. Despite its adjustability, it couldn't solve the problem, even at its firmest or softest setting. So, I wrote off suspension seatposts until I found myself tackling rougher terrain with my gravel bike, and the eeSilk+ impressed me enough to give Redshift's seatpost another chance.

While the Pro version of the suspension seatpost looks almost identical to the regular version, there are notable technical differences. The goal, I believe, was to create a competitive product against the 20mm variant of the eeSilk. The travel has decreased from 35 to 20mm, but so has the weight, by a significant 25%, or approximately 130g compared to the regular version. This is substantial, considering one of the drawbacks of suspension seatposts is their increased weight compared to regular carbon seatposts (about 150-250g). The Redshift ShockStop PRO RT is also no longer adjustable in its suspension behavior. It now comes pre-set from the factory and is deemed suitable for all weight classes. This initially concerned me because I believe products that dampen or spring should always be adjustable. Everyone rides on different terrain and has different expectations for how good suspension should feel, but oh well.

The installation is truly straightforward. The seatpost is installed as usual, albeit about 8-10mm higher than normal due to some sag (functionality). Tightening the saddle mounting screws is cleverly designed. Both screws emerge directly next to each other at the same spot and are protected by a magnetic flap. When mounting the saddle, simply clip it upwards. This is especially easy if your saddle has steel rails, as shown in the picture above. Here, too, attention must be paid to the extension. Unfortunately, the seatpost scratches very quickly, as can be seen in the picture above. It's better to start a bit higher and work your way down than the other way around. After my debacle with the regular version, I didn't have high hopes, but I must say, I was truly speechless on the first ride. I expected to be bounced around in the saddle or struggle uphill again, but no, the suspension is not noticeable on the road, nor are vibrations and impacts from, for example, potholes. Unlike the eeSilk, you're more suspended. Although the Pro RT version of the seatpost has only 20mm of travel, it feels like much more, in my opinion. I had no issues even on multi-hour rides over really rough gravel. The comfort was truly excellent. I didn't expect that, especially because I thought that with my extension length, a carbon spring seatpost should have a clear advantage. But that was not the case at all; the Redshift Shockstop Pro RT smoothed out everything the Bernese Oberland could throw at it.

POSITIVES:

- The comfort of the suspension seatpost is truly incredible.

- Installation is straightforward, and adjusting the saddle is easy.

- Aluminum construction offers greater durability, ideal for gravel bikes.

NEUTRAL:

- Unlike the regular version or other competitors' products, the seatpost's progressiveness is not adjustable; it either fits or it doesn't.

NEGATIVES:

- The material is prone to scratching; caution is needed during installation to prevent damage.

- The price, at €329, is quite high.

CONCLUSION:

The Redshift Shockstop Pro RT suspension seatpost proves its worth. After a poor experience with the regular version, this one won me over. Installation is easy, and the elastomer is perfectly tuned for me (1.85m, 90kg), reacting pleasantly and predictably. It's a significant improvement for a gravel bike. While the price may seem steep, it's justified, at least for a gravel bike. For road bikes, lighter options may be more suitable, making the Shockstop Pro RT suspension seatpost somewhat overkill in my opinion. Overall, I highly recommend this suspension seatpost.