The Lab: Redshift ShockStop PRO RT on test

In “THE LAB” we present the latest products and put them through their paces for you. Some undergo long-term tests, while we check others out only briefly. This time, we’ll tell you how the Redshift ShockStop PRO RT suspension seatpost fared in a two-month long-term test.

**Redshift** ShockStop PRO RT | 422 g (version with 350 mm length) | € 329,99
Manufacturer’s website

Gravel bikes have been constantly evolving since they came on the market, so it is not surprising that the subject of suspension is becoming more and more important. The influence from the mountain bike sector on the development of the best possible groupset on the gravel bike was already great, and history repeats itself in the search for possible sources of comfort.

The ShockStop PRO RT on a diet

After the release of the first generation parallelogram seatposts, which we have also tested for you, Redshift push a revised seatpost and respond to another important issue of many gravel disciples coming from the road bike area who are by nature gram hunters: reduce weight till you bleed. This is where the ShockStop PRO RT with a weight of 422 g in size 27.2 x 350 mm comes in and can save more than 140 g compared to the first version. But if you want it even lighter and do not need a very long extension of the seatpost, you can save more grams because the new version is also available with a length of 280 mm.

The ShockStop PRO RT is available in two lengths of 280 or 350 mm, both with the standard diameter of 27.2 mm.

Elastomer instead of steel spring

The Redshift ShockStop PRO RT, which you can call yours for € 329.99, comes with a 7 mm offset and can support riders up to 110 kg. It is contemporary, of course, and also compatible with the Shimano Di2 electronic groupset, and it can accommodate its battery inside if required. Regardless of whether your saddle rails are round 7 mm or oval 7 x 9 mm, both can be mounted with the ShockStop PRO RT clamps. Compared to the standard version, which provides 35 mm spring travel with a steel spring, the new seatpost is somewhat more conservative and on paper provides 20 mm. Here, however, the spring travel is not generated via a spring, but by elastomer, which in turn explains the significantly lower system weight. In addition to the standard elastomer, which is installed in the standard post and also our test model, a softer or harder elastomer can also be ordered and installed.

The cover cap, which hides the screws for clamping the saddle, is held by a magnet and does not move from place even on the trail.

The Redshift ShockStop PRO RT seatpost on test

The new Redshift post gives a great impression already when unpacking and mounting. The build quality is at the usual high level and the design is kept very low-key in black without flashy lettering. If you have already ridden the first generation of the suspension seatpost, you’ll feel a big difference after a few meters to the new version. When sitting still in the suspension travel in the standard version – mountain bike feeling included – the new PRO RT is much firmer. No wonder that the manufacturer recommends the post for high-performance graveling and road cycling. If you were to turn blindly and hands-free from the road onto the first gravel path, you couldn’t even tell. The Redshift seatpost filters out micro-vibrations, for example, caused by small stones and moderate cobblestone passages completely and doesn’t allow anything to be transferred to your body.

The design of the post convinces with its simple form language and is kept in discreet black.

But even large peaks are significantly absorbed, so that not every hit of a root or a stone is driven directly into your back. The parallelogram seatpost convinces with good damping and does not catapult the rider out of the saddle every time as is the case with poor posts of this type. However, if you are looking for a counterpart of a shock from your mountain bike that smooths out all the bumps on the ground, you will not find the perfect partner in the ShockStop PRO RT. We definitely must highlight how unnoticeable the seatpost is in its work. If you pedal hard or pedal sitting up a hill, no annoying yielding or bobbing can be felt – the saddle remains in its position. But even when fully compressed, the path to the handlebars hardly changes compared to the standard version. Awesome!

The ShockStop seatpost has a weight limit of 110 kg for the rider including clothing and backpack.

Whether your saddle has round 7 mm or oval 7 x 9 mm saddle rails, the clam of the ShockStop PRO RT accommodates both.

Our conclusion on the Redshift ShockStop PRO RT

With the ShockStop PRO RT, Redshift present a parallelogram seatpost that has been thought out down to the last detail. The suspension seatpost shines with great workmanship, simple design and excellent function. Whether on bad asphalt, gravel roads or cobblestone passages: the ShockStop PRO RT effectively filtersout micro-vibrations and takes the terror out of the peaks. However, if you are looking for the comfort of a mountain bike damper, you should look at the version with a steel spring and more travel.

Tops

outstanding comfort
simple and appealing design
excellent workmanship
three different elastomers available

Flops

not cheap

Tester Phil
Test duration 2 months
Price € 329,99
Weight 422 g (version with 350 mm length)
Manufacturer’s website redshiftsports.com
Intended use Road bike, gravel bike

You can find more information about the Redshift Shockstop Pro RT at redshiftsports.com

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Words & Photos: Phillipp Schwab