You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
Looking at a bouncy stem for the gravel bike.
I was assuming the redshift until I came across the Use Vybe.
Any reasons not to go for the Vybe ?
The USE stem looks good. Only 70 and 90mm though I think?
Have got a redshift 80mm and it is fab, nothing like suspension just takes the buzz out and dampens small hits. Used to get ulnar neuropathy after a 5d bikepack, not anymore after fitting the redshift. my 2c
90 is perfect so that limited choice is fine for me.
We know what comes next, it’s obvious…. Suspension forks!
I would 100% go with the Vybe, I went back to a normal stem after a while using my Redshift as there seemed to be no combination of elastomers that wasn't either flappy or sort of jack-hammerish in rebound. Didn't like how disconnected I felt from the front wheel.
Any damping is a good thing in my book 👍
Two of my mates have got gravel bikes with Redshift stems.
I've borrowed one of their bikes (a Camino prior to buying one, so I could try it out) and was pretty impressed with the damping through the bars with it.
Once I'd ridden it for a few minutes, I didn't really notice it.
Rocketdog has done various reviews including the canecreek
https://ukgravelco.com/2023/08/03/cane-creek-ee-silk-stem-review/
https://ukgravelco.com/redshift-shock-stem/
Ive just bought the Vybe stem and it really helps but it does take a bit of fine tuning so I think the redshift must be either too bouncy or too stiff. I have had to learn to keep my upper body calm on steep climbs otherwise it can get a bit bouncy. The Vybe is cheaper ( and can be found with 10% off ), lighter, and looks better than the redshift and you're supporting a British company
I ran a redshift shockstop for a year or so, then swapped to a Vybe when it was reduced at Balfes (currently £155 with code SAVE10, link below) as fancied giving it a go to save some grams, support USE, and liked the additional tuning adjusters. Sold the shockstop for almost what I paid for it. I liked both setups, the Vybe is I think better, but definitely has a bit more 'sag' for me. This is actually good for bump absorption as you have a bit of rebound travel when the front wheel drops into a dip, the redshift didn't seem to do this. However, you do notice the rebound a bit if you try to pull up on the front end to lift over a lip / pull a wheelie. You do have a degree of tune over the character with the 2 adjusters, but that 'sag' never completely disappears for me. I have now adapted to it and wouldn't be without it!
https://www.balfesbikes.co.uk/components/handlebars-stems/use-vybe-suspension-stem-in-black__81415?
Another Redshift user here. It was the limited size options that put me off the Vybe. I've been very happy with its capacity to take the edge off shaper knocks, though it's no suspension fork. Sorting changes are a fiddle but once you find your preferred set up you can just get on with forgetting that it's there.
Just ordered a Vybe. I'll report back
Bouncy stems? And people say that gravel biking isn’t 90s XC.