Shoulder surgery / Suspension stem

[Squadrone Rosso]

I’m currently unable to ride for a few months following shoulder surgery so grumpy AF but also looking ahead to the Spring.

For my gravel bike & given my issue, I’m considering a suspension stem along the lines of Redshift or similar.

Anyone got experience of these?

Thanks,

Simon

[Benson11]

A friend runs a redshift one, he works in the bike industry and was given it as a tester, its good for gravel riding and taking the sting out of bumps as well as reducing fatigue on longer rides. But from your point of view with recovering from surgery i'm not sure it will be a perfect solution, it will definitely have some benefit but the travel is very short its almost equivalent to having a flexi set of carbon bars. He says it doesn't detract from handling or feel when climbing and out of the saddle etc.

[Daveyraveygravey]

I had a new left shoulder about 18 months ago, hope your recovery goes well. Mine was due to arthritis, although I had broken both my clavicle and scapula in separate bike crashes in the years before; my consultant claimed the arthritis wouldn't be as a result of the crashes but it seems too much of a coincedence to me (and my wife ). I'm probably about as recovered as I am going to get, still a little pain, but bearable, and much more range of movement than before the replacement.
I have read that those suspension systems can take a bit of getting used to, I think it causes the bars to move up and down about a pivot that is in front of the stem?
Another option you might think about is a different bike; I bought a Specialised Diverge a year ago, which was new in 2021. This is their gravel bike and has a suspension system in the stem, it allows 20mm of movement up and down vertically in the stem. My bike is carbon and has a double chain ring, and as it is primarily my winter road bike with mudguards is spot on for me. It's a very comfy ride, it works well on the crappy Sussex lanes I ride on. I take it on some gravel trails too, although I think a proper mountain bike is a better option on real South Downs trails.

[Squadrone Rosso]

Thanks for the responses. My Gravel bike is used mainly on the road or cycle paths. Probably 90% of the usage.

Mine is arthritis related. Had rotator cuff & bicep tendon surgery on 17/12. Had the post op assessment on Tuesday. Consultant said I’m 3 - 4 months off riding again.

Shoulder & muscles tendons etc were FUBAR so got 6 titanium anchors drilled in to the bones.

It’s been bad for a couple of years but cycling never caused any discomfort but I’m looking for something to numb the road vibrations & shocks a bit.

Looking at the specs, the Titanium “pro” version is sub £200 so probably put it on my Christmas list

Worst thing about not cycling is mental health. People inc surgeon suggested a Wahoo type trainer but I don’t think that would help the head aspect. I couldn’t do gears either.

Heh ho!

[Meridianmet]

From your posts, i've seen you have been really enjoying your revolt, what you need is a Revolt X with the 40mm suspension fork. I love mine, seen hear with my mates 2026 Revolt.

Edited by Meridianmet on Sunday 7th December 22:14

[Squadrone Rosso]

Meridianmet said:

From your posts, i've seen you have been really enjoying your revolt, what you need is a Revolt X with the 40mm suspension fork. I love mine, seen hear with my mates 2026 Revolt.

Edited by Meridianmet on Sunday 7th December 22:14

That’s more of an upgrade than I’m looking for at present given I did the wheels this year. Interesting concept though.

[Meridianmet]

Nothing like a bit of PH budget creep!

[Squadrone Rosso]

Meridianmet said:

Nothing like a bit of PH budget creep!

Indeed

I’ve got a nice Hardtail MTB but wide bars would be a real struggle for me. I’ll discuss with physio when that’s allowed (5 weeks time hopefully).

It’s doing my head in. Can’t walk my dogs alone either

[peew]

I had one on my CX bike that I converted to gravel - i fitted it after a shoulder issue.

Made a huge difference and was able to use the bike for much rougher terrain than I expected.

My new gravel bike has larger tyres, and I haven't fitted one yet as I would need to get one of the shorter ones

[Squadrone Rosso]

peew said:

I had one on my CX bike that I converted to gravel - i fitted it after a shoulder issue.

Made a huge difference and was able to use the bike for much rougher terrain than I expected.

My new gravel bike has larger tyres, and I haven't fitted one yet as I would need to get one of the shorter ones

Thanks for the feedback. I’m leaning towards ordering one but just need to be sure of length and angle suitable for my 2021 Giant Revolt. I’ll contact them.