Specialized Future Shock

Jjll · May 3, 2021

Hi, I have a Specialized Roubaix 2017and have 2 questions please.
1) is there a noticeable difference in speed performance in the bike with the different springs, I.e is there a loss of power conversion when using softer springs?
2) my stem boot is torn and replacements are hard to come by, any suggestions for an alternative please?
Thanks

Fredrico · May 5, 2021

Well, I've always gone by the materials in the frame to be the main shock absorption, but I'd guess a springier elastomer might steal some energy on the heaviest downstrokes, but what do I know?

If you can't find a replacement stem boot, maybe replace the whole stem? Easy to install and relatively cheap.

Lombard · May 5, 2021

Fredrico said:
Well, I've always gone by the materials in the frame to be the main shock absorption.............

Really? I've always used my tires as the main shock absorption.

duriel · May 5, 2021

1.) No, unless you are Tom Booten.
2.)Black duct tape?

Fredrico · May 8, 2021

Well, excuse me. We're parsing future shocks, correct? I"m saying these elastomers so far haven't turned out to be as strong or reliable as the choice of frame tubing. Riders are apparently having problems with them. Finx can state his case arguing against my opinion, but he can't outright dismiss it, as "completely wrong." Those are fighting words, comrade!

;0

xxl · May 8, 2021

Excuse noted, along with thread drift. Please stick to the topic.

You are completely wrong. "Stuck in the box," in your parlance.

Here are the questions asked by the OP:

1) is there a noticeable difference in speed performance in the bike with the different springs, I.e is there a loss of power conversion when using softer springs?

2) my stem boot is torn and replacements are hard to come by, any suggestions for an alternative please?

Post answers if you have any that aren't self-indulgent nostalgia trips of irrelevancy.🤔

aclinjury · May 13, 2021

carbon fiber makes frames too stiff, aging riders complain ride too rought, then manufacturers make bigger tires, ride still too rought, but old riders not willing to go 2.3" mtb tires, so manufactuers put in elastomer gummy bear in frame to soften ride, and not gummy bear shock absober is breaking.... it's like we're going in circle.. good selling strategy for manufacturers, time to sell the bike this bike has flaws..and get a steel or ti bike.

Fredrico · May 15, 2021

So true. Plastic does not last, period. It goes brittle and cracks. Steel alloys last forever. Just put some kind of rust repellant in the main tubes when servicing the threaded BB, and it will last forever. Rear tire pumps up water into the seat tube riding in the rain. I've seen guys turn the bikes upside down and watch the road grime pour out of the bottom brackets. Old cheap, low grade "high tensile" steel bikes rusted at the joints from bad brazing and poor painting. CRMO is so dense, it doesn't quickly rust.

Well, beefing up the tires just makes the bike heavier, less responsive, harder to climb, and that can ruin the experience. So yeah, old guys prefer to skate along on 25s or the nice lightweight 28s tires, absorb shocks without giving up road feel, perfectly tuned to that old high modulus steel road bike that won't start to let you down at mile 70 of a century. I think steel uniquely establishes an intimate feedback loop with the rider. Flex the frame and it springs back quickly and faithfully to the next round. Bike disappears beneath the rider, becomes an extension of his body, responds faithfully to his wishes. On a good day, that's what it's all about.

duriel · May 13, 2021

No way a steel or ti bike is going to have shock absorption as a specialized. Steel rusts, ti is expensive, they all have baggage.

as a side note: why does a 't' sound like an 's', is that english taught in school?

tlg · May 13, 2021

duriel said:
No way a steel or ti bike is going to have shock absorption as a specialized.

In all my experience, I've never seen a steel alloy that flexes and dampens like an elastometer. Maybe there's a magic steel I'm unaware of.

There's a reason you don't see shocks, dampers, motor mounts, etc made from steel.

duriel · May 13, 2021

Do drive a car? It has 'steel' springs. Even without dampening, a spring is better than a solid to the frame axle.

tlg · May 13, 2021

duriel said:
Do drive a car? It has 'steel' springs.

A spring isn't a damper. Did you ever drive a car with no shocks?

duriel · May 13, 2021

Shocks are made of steel. Ever drive a car without any springs?
... anyway, what about an 's' sounding 't', how about that?

tlg · May 13, 2021

duriel said:
Shocks are made of steel.

So? The steel isn't the damping mechanism. Oil is.

duriel · May 13, 2021

After re-reading your post, it appears you are agreeing with me.
But, the suspension does not have to dampen to suppress shock. Dampening was only added after the wheels started oscillating off the ground, for ever!

tlg · May 13, 2021

duriel said:
After re-reading your post, it appears you are agreeing with me.

I was.

duriel · May 15, 2021

Your getting very close to joining an exclusive group here at RBR.

ticmxman · May 15, 2021

I have a 2020 Roubaix Expert with the Gen 2 hydraulic future shock. I do not notice a tremendous difference in power when I have it adjusted from softest to hardest setting. It’s never fully locked out. I tend to keep it set pretty firm unless the roads are extremely rough. I will say on a test ride of lower level Roubaix with the spring based future shock I did not care for the softness when standing but it may have had the softest spring from the factory.

The rubber boots are the weak link in the system for me. I split two in 5000 miles last year and probably will have another at about 2000 miles pretty soon. I picked up a couple of spare smooth boots in anticipation of this. I did see a post on FB Roubaix group of a owner using a piece of inner tube 1-3/4 or 1-7/8 I think and a zip tie at the top as a substitute, it looked good. Of note I’m not certain this will work on your Gen 1 shock as it doesn’t have the smooth boot.

Specialized Future Shock

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