Specialized Future Shock 1.5 | How to Swap Stems and Adjust Handlebar Height

While the Specialized Future Shock suspension system is fairly complex, you can still customize the fit of your bike by using most standard threadless stems to suit your riding style.
How to adjust stem height using spacers (standard headset spacers DO NOT work):
• Specialized Future Sho...
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It's a bit different than with a standard 1-1/8" threadless headset (Ahead) system, but swapping stems is very straightforward on any Future Shock equipped bike like the Specialized Diverge, Roubaix, Ruby, and Sirrus. Adjusting the stem and handlebar height is a bit different however, and the Future Shock system poses some limitations regarding setting the stem height, but the details are summarized in this video.
For a FULL breakdown of the inner workings of the Specialized Future Shock 1.5, check out this video for more information than you ever wanted:
• Specialized Future Sho...
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** Standard headset spacers WILL NOT work to adjust stem height, as the diameters are different. Pick up some Future Shock specific spacers in my online shop!
www.thebikesauce.com/
Happy wrenching!
#Specialized #FutureShock

[@perandersdahlstrom2846]

Thank you very much for this instruction. The sales people at two bike shops said they thought you could not exchange the stem with a non-specialized stem. I just bought a Diverge Base Carbon and may want to fit a stem with more ”upward tilt” . Now I know it’s possible as I got the extra spacer and I can do it myself.

[@MrJoshbryce1]

Thanks. I flipped my stem to give it a bit more height. Super easy.

[@DaigoroToyama]

Thank you again for the super helpful video. Following the instructions here, I've been able to replace the stock stem with an FSA one on my own. I don't know what to do without you!

[@TheBikeSauce]

Great! Your spacers are in transit, by the way.

[@DaigoroToyama]

@@TheBikeSauce Thank you, got them yesterday. I plan to keep them as backup.

[@tombradley9302]

Awesome content and very well explained, thanks

[@steveanderson5754]

First a big THANK YOU ---- than a QUESTION THANK YOU! No such thing as too much nerdiness and engineering curiosity!! Love your videos and the fun you have figuring things out. You are pretty much the only understandable and in-depth info on Future Shocks that is based on practical use and your own discovery/mistakes that I have found. So, THANKS! QUESTION ---> ..... so, for those of us getting older, higher and worsening lumbar backs on offroad gravel, higher angled stems are the way to go and they *often* have a 45mm clamp (more than the 40mm on the Future Shock). I am guessing there is no way to swap out to a 45mm clamp stem, but decided to check with you to make sure. ALTERNATIVE ----> One thing may make it possible for me to NOT use the higher angled stem ..... I can probably handle a larger size of the Creo SL (more Stack than my current Niner), and with the 15mm hover bar ..... I would get the 30mm of rise that would then allow me to use a lower angle stem with a 40mm clamp stem.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Hey Steve. Thanks! And you can run a riser stem if you’d like. You can run any standard stem on the bike, but you just need to use the right shim (supposed to come with your bike). It’ll allow you to mate a standard stem to the narrower diameter FS clamping area. Cheers!

[@AS-by6cp]

Doing great content dude.. just subscribed

[@andrewfrasier2060]

I like this guy

[@donbarnard82]

Fwiw, on my future shock 2.0 we added a stem with more rise and it creates a problem with the adjustment knob where it doesn't sit down all the way because it will rub the stem.

[@Kunioak]

Super helpful. Is the process the same for 2.0? I need to lower the stem to increase the reach a bit. Thanks for all of your work for the Diverge community!

[@TheBikeSauce]

Thx! Yea it should be the same process for 2.0. One difference is that there’s a set screw to remover the knob on the top first

[@TheBikeSauce]

EDIT: Thanks to @aaronbehindbars for pointing out the following: At 3:12 - The two main duck bill set the nominal stem height, then further tweaking using standard spacers is still possible counter by inserting proprietary Specialized headset spacers above the duck bill and below the rubber boot (Standard headset spacers will not fit!). Thanks for the input!

[@AREMPEE]

I just bought a 70mm S Work SL stem to replace the 80mm that came with my Diverge. Good thing I came across your video, otherwise, I wouldn’t know how to DIY this project. But still did not work, looks like I need a different shin for the new stem. I tried using the shin that was on the old stem but it didn’t work out.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Right, it should come with 2 shims- one for the stock future stem and another for other standard stems

[@AREMPEE]

@@TheBikeSauce I bought my bike at my local Specialized dealer, they didn’t give me anything besides the bike.

[@TheBikeSauce]

I think that’s pretty typical. You could try going back and mentioning you didn’t receive the owners kit with extra springs and shims and they might just give them to you.

[@AREMPEE]

@@TheBikeSauce That’s the plan. Thanks!

[@markbarrette2604]

Appreciate your videos. Question - I have a 2019 Roubaix with FS. The stem was a 7degree and I want to get closer to 12-14 so purchased the Specialized Comp stem (17 D with shims that can reduce to 12/14. My only concern is the the original stem had a nice flush fit - the cap sat on top of the stem stack. The new Comp stem seems to be a few mm taller. Also the cap sinks into the stem- which is weird (hello Specialized?). Is this normal. It just seems as if the stem itself should drop onto the stem post further - but it doesn't - its snug with the stem top surface, but seems to stick up a bit. Not sure if you've had a chance to look at the Specialized "comp" stems. Thoughts? Keep up the great videos....

[@TheBikeSauce]

Thanks for the feedback. Yea most stems have a standard "stack height," but not all. It doesn't surprise me that even within the specialized brand, there are stems with different heights. The future shock owners manual says for use with future stem only, but I can't agree since it ships with the shim for standard stems. I think it's just a case of needing to use a standard stem with the same stack height as the stock stem.

[@cesarmencia4823]

Hi, which one after market stem and shin you recomend for a roubaix 2018, the actual stem available at specialized is not a 70mm. I’m think in zipp stem but I’m not shure about the shin I neeed and if my actual cap will work. Thanks

[@karenmetcalfe3675]

the shim that came with my 2022 Creo SL will not fit on my future shock (I assume its 2.0 as it has the cap with the set screw)... You mention the future shock diameter is 22.68mm... the shim is advertised as 22.025mm ID....

[@TheNetts]

Helpful. thanx!. I'm planning to change the stem of my 2021 diverge base carbon.. what is the size/measurement of the handlebar clamp? thanx

[@TheBikeSauce]

Handlebar clamp should be the standard 31.8 on the stock stem

[@elachichai]

Suspension stems is always a big win. Never a good idea to restrict options!!

[@michaelesparza1921]

Hey thanks for the video! Do you know if you can you flip the stock stem to lower the bars? Thanks!

[@TheBikeSauce]

Yup, same as pretty much any other stem

[@jonandbear1]

Hi, I just got a 2024 Roubaix and I want to switch out the stem. It appears the Specialized Future Stem has a 40mm stack height, now I have a Ritchey WCS that I love but it has a 42mm stack height. Does that mean it won’t work with the Future Shock? Thx in advance Jon

[@rogerandmargaretashton435]

Can you fit a stem extender onto the future shock?

[@vitvit3572]

Hey man, awesome content! Do you think I’ll be able to fit a Future Stem on the regular fork? I have a specialized roubaix 2015, that doesn’t have a future system. Thanks

[@TheBikeSauce]

Future stem, or future shock? The future stem is actually a specialized product and is meant to mate with the future shock system. The future stem won't fit on a standard fork steerer as far as I know

[@elachichai]

Do you have the link for the thicker shim?

[@Trucho001]

Hey, Sauce, nice video as usual! As a beginner cyclist though, I tend to get kind of lost in your very knowledgeable expositions. Perhaps you could dumb it down a little for viewers like me, but without leaving out all the good stuff. Keep it up!

[@TheBikeSauce]

Haha thanks. Will try not to over explain, as I tend to do.

[@unclecyncle6416]

Thx for this video and it really helped me. I got a sirrus x 4 and I need to stem extension. Although specialized doesn't recommend it but I need to height increase to make the bike fit for me. The bike fits well now but I original cap doesn't work anymore. Any suggestions what I can do to fill the hole?

[@TheBikeSauce]

Thanks for watching! You might do a search on ‘boltless headset cap.’ Looks like there are a couple of options you could try.

[@unclecyncle6416]

@@TheBikeSauce awesome it looks likes one on amazon for 15 dollars. Thx

[@nafizz1701]

Hi, thanks for the informative video. Will this stem go with a future shock 2.0? What's the model of this Easton stem? Alison which other aftermarket stems would go with a diverge expert carbon 2022?

[@TheBikeSauce]

You can use any stem on the future Shock if you use the right shim (supposed to come with your bike)

[@aaronbehindbars]

Dangit! I didn't get that stem shim. I ended up buying the expensive Specialized Future Stem when I swapped the stem out. I did, however get some additional headset spacers... You actually can add up to 15mm of spacers that should have been supplied with the bike (three 5mm spacers) and those mount under the rubber boot. The future shock cartridge slides down into the fork steerer and you loosen the clamp that secures it. Pull the cartridge all the way out, insert your desired number of spacers directly under the rubber boot, and then slide the cartridge back into the fork steerer. It helps back off your headset preload adjusters just a bit, so when you tighten the clamp around the steerer that secures the cartridge, you are pushing down on the top of your stem just to make sure there is a little bit of pressure preloading the headset, but not enough to compress the spring in the shock cartridge. That way, when you make your final preload adjustment to the headset, you aren't creating a big gap between the frame and the little plastic cap. I hope that description makes sense. It is a really weird fork steerer/headset/stem setup that took some head-scratching even after looking at the assembly instructions.

[@TheBikeSauce]

So the two duck bills allow you set the two nominal height positions, but you’re saying there’s still a bit of wiggle room using the spacers above the duck bill but below the rubber boot. Yea that actually makes sense! Great catch. Thanks! Will pin this comment for viewers to see.

[@keithknipling]

@@TheBikeSauce there is 30 mm of total adjustment, in 5 mm increments. You can achieve 15 mm of stack either with the small cover and three 5 mm spacers, or the large cover with no spacers. With the two covers and various spacers you can adjust accordingly.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Yup, @aaronbehindbars pointed out the following: The two main duck bill set the nominal stem height, then further tweaking using standard spacers is possible counter to what I mentioned in the video. Thanks for the input!

[@jeffulrich1]

Same - just purchased a 2021 and then went to a bike fitter who wanted to change the stem for a better fit - found out the standard stems don't fit - didn't know I was supposed to get a shim until I found this video. Sort of hacks me off, considering the price of these bikes to then not get all the "bits" that should come with it is somewhat annoying :)

[@TheBikeSauce]

@jeffulrich Yea it’s kind of a bummer. When I worked at shop, it was policy to give the customer all the manuals/ extra bids that came in the box. Doesn’t seem to be the case now

[@wramsey6241]

Do you know what size the thinner is?

[@greglummis]

Trying to understand why even with the duck-bill attachment on you bike the height differential between your saddle and the handle bars is so much more than mine. On mine I am using the smaller duck bill (I think), have removed all extra spacers and have flipped my stock stem to negative and that still means my bars are only slightly lower than my saddle (~3cm). I don't have riser bars. Am I missing something? I'm trying to drop my front end lower. I noted you suggested this could be done with a stem with a larger negative angle, but I'm just not sure how much more of a difference that will make?? I guess a shorter stem would bring the bars a bit lower and mine might be a bit long. Is it maybe because you have a smaller frame and then need to pull the seat post higher, providing more drop?? I'm on a 58" Diverge and am 6ft even. Normally I would be 56", but I am fitting in the Specialized chart for a 58 (5'11+). I'm guessing road v gravel geometry changes the sizing a little. I might be ok with exposed cartridge out of the top and using some spacers to fill that in on top and also having no duck-bill. Just trying to figure out the best way I can get my front end lower. I'd like to drop at least 2-3cm's more as I am trying to dial in a race fit.

[@z33d6]

the bike is too large, I'm 6" myself and 58 was way too big for me

[@ichawksfan]

My Roubaix didn't come with the shorter "duckbill" spacer thing. Do you know the part number by chance for that part?

[@TheBikeSauce]

I don’t. I’d try your local dealer and see if they can get you one

[@ranjseblos]

would a redshift stem improve the suspension or just be redundant with futureshock 1.5?

[@TheBikeSauce]

Tough to say. On paper, 2 springs in series will offer an overall softer spring rate than either spring separately (calculated as sum of reciprocals), as well as offer larger displacement (travel). However, I haven’t tested this myself.

[@singler3360]

I'm curious what effect this would have also. Can anyone report on what it actually feels like?

[@markusschweiger4689]

Hallo nice Video. Can you answer me where i can buy this stem shim from 22,68mm to 28mm (1 1/8 Zoll). Thank you.

[@TheBikeSauce]

I did not have any of the stem adapter shims manufactured. Perhaps you could try your local Specialized dealer for those?

[@markusschweiger4689]

@@TheBikeSauce This is the second day i am searching for the right shim and now I found the correct part number from Specialized. Of anyone need it here is it S199900023. Thanks 👍🏻

[@TheBikeSauce]

Fantastic! Thanks for sharing

[@mattyalpert]

Did you swap out your stem for a shorter one? I replaced my bars with the Venturemax but unsure of what size stem I should go with because I feel my reach is too far.

[@TheBikeSauce]

still using the stock 90mm stem. If it feels too far, I'd start with 5 or 10mm increments and slowly bring the bars closer until it feels right. Too short though, and you're steering feel will start to change.

[@mattyalpert]

@@TheBikeSauce Thanks for the response! I actually swapped my wife's stem out for a 60mm with 7+/- so I put her 80mm 60+/- and it fits like a charm. I actually feel like it closer to the original feel of the hover bars and 100mm stock stem.

[@mattstuart3749]

hey just picked up a diverge sport like yours. do you think the front suspension could be locked out if there was a rigid insert!?

[@TheBikeSauce]

Well I’ve never fully disassembled the base FS unit (it’s not meant to be serviced), but based on the fact that adding boost spring increases the effective spring constant, I’d argue that it’s a parallel spring configuration. That being the case, then it’s theoretically possible to lock out the whole unit with a rigid spacer in lieu of the boost spring. I suppose the question though is why?

[@mattstuart3749]

@@TheBikeSauce it would be great to lock it out because then this bike could double as a road bike. Right now in Minnesota it’s all ice and snow so I’ve got 38C all terrain tires with carbide spikes. come summer I’d like to go with 32C racing slicks and lock out the FS. Thoughts!?

[@TheBikeSauce]

The future shock will be fine on a road bike. Many other specialized bikes come with it including the Ruby and Roubaix. No need to lock it out while riding on roads. It helps to damp out the high frequency road chatter too.

[@mattstuart3749]

@@TheBikeSauce gosh you’re right didn’t think of the roubaix. needless to say i’m excited to ride this beast in the summer time with some racing slicks. have spiked ice snow tires at the moment

[@TheBikeSauce]

Ha nice! Winter mode!

[@jasonmachado7425]

Can I add a Future shock to the Sirrus 4.0?

[@TheBikeSauce]

Unfortunately, no

[@TheBikeSauce]

You ought to look into a redshift stem perhaps

[@nafizz1701]

What's the length of that Easton stem with 17 degrees rise?

[@TheBikeSauce]

I think thats a 90mm

[@bonka_mann]

🧐

[@tomquinlan4827]

Finally someone who is clear and explains what is needed!

[@TheBikeSauce]

Thx, Tom!

[@DukeFame88]

anyone recommend a stem adapter for a 90s Specialized Hardrock?