Specialized Future Shock 1.5 vs 2.0 // Comparison & Compatibility!

Specialized Future Shock 1.5 and 2.0: weights, dimensions, compatibility, and ride experiences - A full comparison!
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DISCLAIMER: I am not responsible for nor will I be held liable for any damages or injuries resulting from tinkering with or swapping Future Shock cartridges. I do not represent Specialized nor am I an authorized dealer. Please use good judgement and consult an authorized Specialized dealer prior to working on your Future Shock cartridge.

[@michaelparsons1494]

Super useful, thorough and considered review! Thanks so much for putting this together.

[@tdr5944]

Couldn’t help myself and subscribed. Awesome content and information.

[@steve927art]

This was a great video bc it really gets to what's meaningful in evaluating these two systems. Thanks!

[@luis3950]

Very good video, exactly what I wanted to know, which is hard to find these days, straight to the point you have earned my subscription.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Thanks, Luis!

[@bugeyesprite119]

Great video as always. Thanks! I've got a Sport Carbon and really like the 1.5.

[@jimmyc3594]

Great video, very helpful. No unnecessary upgrade for me👍🏼

[@jimholmes4729]

Terrific breakdown. Thank you!

[@jralicea6299]

Perfect, very well done! I have the ‘19 Diverge Expert model, great bike and wondered exactly about the interchangeability of the future shock. All questions covered here, whether or not I make the change who knows. Keep up the great work!

[@azamwaugh]

Great video! I don't even have a bike with future shock, but it was super interesting to learn about the different designs.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Haha nice!

[@TheHesse1]

Great description. Thanks for your analysis. I have a Redshift stem that I really like. I miss the suspension when I ride a rigid stem on the road.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Looking forward to trying one out eventually

[@daveg7878]

Thank you for this. Really good to know.

[@ericnault9835]

Wow, that was an amazing video. Clear and concise with all the information that I needed. Now, I just need to decide if I wante the more expensive model with future shock 1.5 or just the cheaper one without the shock.

[@TheBikeSauce]

You can always add a shockstop stem or similar to a non FS model

[@davet003.5]

Thanks for the video. You answered my question on adjustability as I had heard it was tricky to dial in the mid range flex on the fly.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Glad it was helpful! Thx

[@moosicman101]

great video. i decided to subscribe after you said "ah, its fine". very refreshing!

[@TheBikeSauce]

😆 whatever it takes

[@sparkyspark503]

I have a 2020 Sirus X 4.0 with the future shock 1.5 and was thinking of upgrading to the 2.0, but not anymore. Thank you for clarifying that the 2.0 is not a significant upgrade and also adds additional weight.

[@Jacob99174]

Exactly the same here, Bud

[@olmancd]

Amazing. TY for this info.

[@bobtilton3024]

Very cohisive comparison! Makes me appreciate my 2018 w 1.0 and medium spring. FS 2.5 w lockout? Had base 2018 Diverge w Redshift stem. Made me want FS.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Interesting to hear you prefer FS over redshift

[@Zinngeschrei]

What a great lot of information at the right time for me. Thanks!.. You answered all my questions to the point. I was also interested in your last comment regarding the consideration of a more simple fork and headset. This was also interesting because i'm debating this to between a Specialized Diverge and Canyon Grizl with the large tires to soak some up. Any feedback would be wonderful!

[@TheBikeSauce]

Thx for your feedback. I don’t have direct experience with canyon, but I do have some experience with direct to consumer bike brands. The value is super and you’re really only missing out on the brand name. I certainly wouldn’t buy the diverge solely for the future shock system.

[@Zinngeschrei]

@@TheBikeSauce Thanks so much for the information. Now you have vast experience with the Future shock not only riding but also the maintenance and function of it, If you were to buy another Gravel bike would you consider a diverge or prefer a rigid frame with larger tires now knowing what you know?

[@TheBikeSauce]

Interesting. Tough, because I like the squish and I know the redshift isn’t the same as the FS. I think I’d still prefer a rigid traditional fork

[@blueyhills]

While the Future Shock 2.0 has 9 clicks of adjustment on the knob, the first 2 clicks from the firm setting (moving counterclockwise) have a very small adjustment. The remaining 3-9 clicks are fully open.

[@DilbertMuc]

Excellent video to make up one's mind whether to purchase one or the other. It seems to me that Specialized over-engineered it with little distinguishing outcome. Comparing the 1.5 (actually a pogo-stick without damper) and the heavier 2.0 (little effect and difficult adjustability) it may come down to the 3.0 version with a simple spring and a friction damper and turnkey lockout. That's how all Suntour trekking forks work such as my NCX fork. They have a preload adjustable spring (exchangeable) with an internel elastomer that serves a friction damper and bumper. Straight forward with a lockout, very efficient and hassle-free. In addition I am pretty sure that the rubber seal cover that Specialized uses has a limited lifetime and will rip open after some years and then what? I had a similar system on my Trek/Diamant bike (where the rubber seal was on the lower part) and it was impossible to get a replacement after 5 years, had to sew a neoprene seal by myself. Instead of a future shock I'd rather go for a redshift or eeSilk stem, I guess.

[@ibe966]

Great comparison between the two versions. Thanks! I've got a 2018 Specialized Roubaix with Future Shock 1.0. Do you know if FS 1.5 is compatible with FS 1.0 (dimensions etc)?

[@erichhall5078]

Great video very informative; due to covid even with a lot of money the Diverge is not avalaible here in western Canada. I have an old Spezialized Dolce; I put 32mm tires and a redshift stem on it: voiala a decent gravel bike(though not a mountainbike).

[@TheBikeSauce]

Haha, there you go!

[@OffGridAdventure]

Hi, do you know if the 1.0 is also compatible with the 1.5/2.0?

[@polbins]

Thanks for the video! I thought it’s just me that don’t feel the granularity. You’re right about just using a lockout, way simpler and hopefully lighter :)

[@TheBikeSauce]

I wanted to feel the incremental damping, but it was hard to convince myself. There's certainly some, but not like I had imagined.

[@clew4349]

Excellent job at comparing these! With the fully open setting of the 2.0, I wonder which spring (rate) of the 1.5 it is closest to.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Feels closest to no helper spring installed

[@patrickl9930]

Great objective analysis, free from typica faff. Probably saved me $5000 (assuming bikes come in stock). I’m just going to put a Redshift stem on my 2016 roubaix and focus on riding :)

[@DilbertMuc]

Yes, stay away from proprietary Specialized stuff. After 5 years you are on your own in case of defects and required repair.

[@Check-it-out]

Will you be making a video about the FS 3.3 ?

[@wheelzandgillz]

I bought a Sirrus X3 because I thought I wanted a flatbar bike, couldn't get used the flatbar life so I threw some drops on it and made it a Diverge with a Redshift shockstop stem and a Surly truckstop bar with a 30mm rise to it ☺ I call it the Diverge X3 or the Sirrus "G3" the G stands for gravel 😁😁

[@TheBikeSauce]

Haha, I like it.

[@TheRecycle3]

So I have a problem with my FS 2.0 on my 2020 Roubaix. The adjuster knob and retainer plate keep flying off. I replaced the future stem with a shorter non future stem using the the spacer. So does the C-ring and flat washer holding the retainer in place need to be replaced or something else need to be addressed?

[@michele1616]

Excuse me. If I want to change only the stem of my future shock system, do I need specialized stem or can I use every kind of stem? The spacers are different, but perhaps I could use another stem because the difference is little. Thank you.

[@oscaru4141]

I just pu a 2022 sirrus x4.0 w a 1.5 fshock...no extra helper springs were given to me is that correct? or only previous gens needed/came with additional helper springs?🤔

[@JLee_rnd]

Hello. I have a question: Is it possible to fit a future schock into a specialized tarmak sl 6-7 road bike?

[@blueyhills]

Do you experience any water ingress into the FS2.0 from wet weather or cleaning?

[@ACEOFTHEBLITZ]

Which spring color are you guys running?! Im going with the heaviest bc im a thiccccboiiii

[@SnappyWasHere]

I am a big guy and run aero bars. The 1.5 was great but not stiff enough. The max stock spring rate is 50lbs/in. I bought an 80lbs/in spring and now it’s perfect. Takes out all the hit from expansion joints without being half collapsed all the time.

[@aurelien4386]

Hi, do you have a link for 80lbs ? Thank you !

[@wooglins]

You know, all of this seemed really spot on, until I replaced my 1.0 for a 2.0. The 2.0 is not just a little bit superior, but alot better in my opinion. 1. When the damping is set to the most restrictive setting, it really is difficult to tell that this is a gravel bike. Particularly if you have high end carbon wheels and a smooth set of tires mounted. Simply put without the lockout this does not work well. 2. For offroad use the dampening is progressive, this means there is alot more to it than just the travel. 3. Your videos are appreciated and seem to have a lot of the latest information about how to work on these and without it I would be dead in the water. 4. I am just a smidge above a recreational level. For most riders the difference between 1.0/1.5 and 2.0 will not be a big deal. For folks that are pushing their rig, its a huge difference.

[@robertoaltieri4242]

@alan is 2.0 compatible with 1.0 as well? I have a 2019 Diverge and was wondering about that

[@thomascherpion4327]

Do you know if you can mount a fully integrated handlebar with this system?

[@waynekohlman9265]

For a 3mm open end wrench, a "Park Tool DW-2" will work!

[@CoreyMcCarren]

Would you say the futureshock makes road descents feel any safer on rough roads?

[@chunny33]

Does anyone know the main cartridge diameter , which is mentioned in the video? I would like to install an adapter for the Thule Nexxt Mini children front seat, the maximum possible diameter is around 28 mm. Thanks in advance

[@froggionyc]

Will the 2.0 fit on a Roubaix with first gen Future Shock 1.0?

[@rsrnsrwds]

I have the Redshift suspension stem on my 2018 Diverge. I like the simplicity of it. Have always wondered how it would compare to the Future Shock.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Very cool. Path less pedaled has a video comparing the two side by side. Pretty interesting

[@rsrnsrwds]

@@TheBikeSauce Thanks! I must have missed that one!

[@chwbiker]

Hi! What is the difference between Future Shock 1.0 to 1.5?

[@christianescobar5318]

Hi, big fan of your videos! Not sure if this has been asked before but I cannot find anything on the net about it. Can you somehow integrate cables with this system? 2020 Specialized Roubaix ultegra

[@TheBikeSauce]

Hey Christian, thanks. If you mean running cables fully internally (through the stem and steer tube), then no, unfortunately you can’t

[@christianescobar5318]

@@TheBikeSauceYes that is what I meant. I kinda already figured just wanted to hear it from a credible source. Thank you again! Looking forward to your next video.

[@mrright3439]

Can this shock absorber be used on a regular bike - other than Specialized?

[@orlyaccount]

great video, I own the sirrus 2.0 I think only the 5.0 and up comes with the future shock. do you know if its possible to purchase and add on the the lower sirrus models? Thanks

[@antonv5488]

Most likely not as they come with a special fork, while yours should have a regular one. Unless you upgrade the fork.

[@prof_writer]

Professor Sauce this is your opportunity to create an aftermarket assembly that would mimic the future shock up and down 20 mm motion but bolt on any bike like the red shift sport stem.

[@TheBikeSauce]

ha! Coincidentally, I'm working on something like it; a 'delete' unit

[@prof_writer]

#1 review on the market comparing the 1.5 to the 2.0. I'm almost afraid to ask how much does the 2.0 shock cost if you buy it as a part from your specialized dealer?

[@bendardania]

$700.

[@TheBikeSauce]

😩

[@sepg5084]

@@bendardania hmm... $700 is too expensive for an ordinary cyclist's budget. I'd wait for other companies to makes something like it which could make the price go down, it's two tubes and a spring and with modern computerized tech it does not seem to be a very expensive product to design if it comes from an already-established manufacturer.

[@bendardania]

@@sepg5084 I wish things where that simple. Even though you can technically buy the FS 2.0 (if they are willing to sell it) and it does fit on bikes bellow expert level… I have been told there might be warranty issues. As an owner of all the important S- Roubaix made with future shock, and even before future shock (since Cancellara), 1.0-1.5 and 2.0 future shock makes riding easier… nobody and I mean nobody should be playing with future shock…. This looks very simple… but can he extremely costly, if you don’t fit it correctly and possible deadly if you don’t tightened to the specs required…. Today if you have any Roubaix that has future shock 1.0 and you take it to any specialized authorized dealership they are required to upgrade your future shock for free. There was a world wide recall on the first generation of future shock. In my experience specialized future shock is fantastic feature for someone who rides on terrible roads aka cobble roads (fast) but also used by someone who wants even more comfort riding endurance bikes…. Which are already comfortable. (Roubaix with fsh locked is less comfortable than sl6 tarmac) Roubaix is technically an athletes bike, in my own humble opinion nobody and I mean nobody should try to play with it. If you want to have it spend few more dollars buy a higher model, usually you get better wheels with higher models, ( sell the wheels and you recuperate most of the cost :)) or just keep the future shock 1.5 which is good enough.

[@bo-jonesmiraflor1418]

Yeah, I have avoided replacing the whole cartridge after 500 hrs of use. Mine has been totally corroded and the bearings need to be replaced which I did for 50 Euros (sourced the part from Germany), but there is still a play after replacement. Then Im unsure if this will remain functional for another 500 hrs of ride.

[@TheQarnage]

3:50 "I have confirmed that you can indeed switch between 1.5 and 2.0 with no adapter. That is just some good solid information right there… perhaps worth hitting Subscribe" LOL, I never actually subscribed to a channel from a callout, but I did for this

[@TheBikeSauce]

😆😆 hard-earned

[@ivorpeachey4366]

How long is the 2 .0 expected to last , i have had both a 1 .0 and then a 1 .5 get knackered, they are not sealed enough to stop shit getting in the system.

[@lyncyr9441]

How do you change the saddle angle?

[@ericstieg2721]

Can you take out the future shock and just install a redshift?

[@roncoleman8351]

I have a Sirrus x4.0 with future shock 1.5. My LBS didn’t mention anything about the default spring on the bike when I bought it. Is it one of the 3 you showed?

[@TheBikeSauce]

By default there’s no spring installed. Supposed to come with 3 springs in the manual

[@ifitrollsrideit530]

The big question for me is, is it worth adding a Redshift Shockstop steam *as well* as the a Future Shock? In theory this then gives you 40mm of front travel but I guess you'd have to carefully tune the elastomer bumpers in the Shockstop to get a decent ride feel. Is it worth it?

[@TheBikeSauce]

Sounds like a good video topic 😆

[@keithkiedrow5439]

Great video. For the 1.5 are you able to raise the stem to raise handlebar height if need be??

[@TheBikeSauce]

Sure can! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnbFmayZga5pmtU

[@keithkiedrow5439]

@@TheBikeSauce Thanks!

[@antonv5488]

I think I read somewhere that Specialized claims that 1.5 and 2.0 are not interchangeable due to different requirements for the fork, i.e. higher-end bikes have different forks. It doesn't make much sense to me, even despite weight difference, as stems may be heavier too, but still worth checking? Offtopic: the videos on Future Shock on this channel are truly amazing.

[@pki68z5y]

Yeah I had always heard they weren’t comparable. But with no info to back up that they were not..

[@WordupG]

The best info I could find on this question is that the 2.0 is slightly taller than the 1.0 and could potentially not fit in the smallest sized frames. They use this rare edge case to scare people into buying the more expensive models. Pretty pathetic.

[@trent3443]

Hello. Thank you for the informative video. I'm no longer scared of the Future Shock on my bike. One question,, how does one remove the rubber boot on the Future Shock? Does it just twist and slide off, and you twist and slide a new one on? Cheers. Trent

[@TheBikeSauce]

Hey Trent, the rubber boot does come off, but there’s a lip at the top and bottom that makes it pretty tight. There’s really no need to ever remove the boot

[@trent3443]

@@TheBikeSauce thank you for your reply. My local bike shop appears to have added few cuts to my boot. So I'll have to replace it. New subscriber here.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Got it. Nice! If you can source a new boot, it will be a challenge to fit, but certainly possible

[@pedroromero9040]

Hi! I wrote to Specialized asking them about upgrade my FS 1.5 to the 2.0 and they told me that: “There is no guarantee this will work for you. The 2.0 is larger than 1.5 and physically won't fit in some bikes. If it damages your bike you will not be covered under warranty”. I am not sure if do it or not after seeing your vid.

[@TheBikeSauce]

2.0 is a bit longer, but they’re interchangeable 100%. If you’re worried about warranty, best not to touch anything though

[@smwolfson]

Personally I wish spesh would offer a diverge without the future shock. I have a fully ridged gravel bike and I never feel like I need my front end suspended. And I don't want the extra complexity of the system. But there is a lot else to like on the diverge, so it's still a bike that interests me. Oh well... Thanks for the info. It was very interesting.

[@vongdong10]

You say you never feel like you need it but have you tried a bike with a future shock? I think you'll change your mind.

[@smwolfson]

@@vongdong10 I have. It was fine. I don't really feel discomfort in my hands ever so it's very meh to me.

[@memilome3431]

Any information on the future shock 2 disassembly.My unit is seized.

[@TheBikeSauce]

As far as I know, it’s not meant to be serviced.

[@juanfersan]

i have a 1.0!!! can i change?

[@henzsy1404]

Nice informative video . I got a bike using future shock 1.5 Could you advise where to buy 2.0 and how much is one unit Planning to try 2.0 Thanks in advance 😜

[@TheBikeSauce]

Any Specialized dealer. However, expect to pay several hundred dollars for a replacement

[@wooglins]

@@TheBikeSauce Specifically 390 for 2.0 or 160 for 1.5 if ordered from dealer in USA. I was informed today that these purchases give us 2 years of moving forward warranty on the part. Not bad in my experience as far as consumable shocks go.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Not too bad actually. I’ve heard a bunch of different prices and lead times to get a replacement

[@bendardania]

If you have the FS 2.0 on Roubaix since the geometry is identical to tarmac on lock mode( if you remove all spacers) technically you have a Roubaix and Tarmac ;)…:) joking aside you are correct 1.5 is good enough, but if you want to feel the tarmac experience not too expensive feature to have two bikes in one… also with one bike less reason to be yelled by the family for taking too much space in the garage…. Lol

[@JLee_rnd]

Hello. Is it possible to implement future schock in specialized tarmac sl6-7?. Or is there a hole that won't fit there?

[@TheBikeSauce]

Is a different diameter and a completely different design. Unfortunately, you can’t retrofit a FS into a standard bike

[@JLee_rnd]

@@TheBikeSauce thank you, bro! Have a nice day! Where is new movies with specialized diverge? It's interesting.

[@hb.8188]

So they have added a feature to the bike that will only make problems down the road and that you’ll never be able to remove entirely - in 10 years no spare parts available anymore, it’s a closed unserviceable system and you need to tweak the 1.5 to actually make sense. Rider suspension instead of bike suspension is giving all the wrong inputs from the trail anyway. Tried both, not convinced of the 1.5 as it is more expensive than 20 office chair damping units and is pretty much spring only. Specialized is nuts. They could have sold so many bikes with the nice geometry of that bike but 3.5k für the frame. Mental!

[@outbackwack368]

How do these compare to the Redshift products for us non-Specialized peeps?

[@TheBikeSauce]

I’ll refer you to the path less pedaled video on this subject. I don’t have experience with the redshift yet

[@tandemracer]

i have two gravel bikes - a 2019 Diverge with FutureShock 1.0 and an Otso Warakin with a Redshift stem. The FutureShock is great both on and off-road - smooths out the bumps and chatter without otherwise being noticeable. The Redshift helps smooth out the chatter and is an easy retrofit, but I get some unwanted movement while climbing and the change in angle of the bars through its range of movement is a bit unnerving sometimes. Overall I prefer the feel of the FutureShock. Just not a fan of the proprietary headset with the tiny grub screws for adjustment.

[@lfp531]

Can you upgrade 1.0 to 1.5 or 2.0 too? Looks like the same standard to me?

[@TheBikeSauce]

I believe so, but I’ve only confirmed with 1.5 and 2.0

[@401SNelson]

I have a totally different model of future shock with a normal stem cap with a screw in the middle..

[@ImmanuelBloch]

How often does the FutureShock 2.0 need to be replaced? Is there a recommendation from Specialized? Will that also cost 700$ like buying a new one?

[@TheBikeSauce]

The official recommendation from specialized is 500 hours (which can equate to less than a year for some). As far as I know, you’d need to purchase a new one at retail price

[@ImmanuelBloch]

@@TheBikeSauce Thanks for the info! That’s a hefty annual servicing cost if the price of 700$ for the FuturShock 2.0 is correct. Not sure people are aware of this when buying the Diverge. It wasn’t clear to me and I don’t think Specialized is very open and honest about this point.

[@ImmanuelBloch]

BTW Thanks for the great and useful servicing videos. Really enjoy them.

[@tombola4046]

@@ImmanuelBloch I’ve ran a 2.0 for over 2 years on my Roubaix and clocked up around 3000kms without issue, Specialized are also very good regarding future shocks and replace under warranty for up to 2 years with any issues you have.

[@bmwpowere36m3]

Somewhere I saw the 1.5 version was quoted ~$50... I would expect the 2.0 to be more but less than $200.

[@tombola4046]

Which have you left on you’re bike, 1.5 or 2.0 ?

[@TheBikeSauce]

I left the 2.0 on, but will likely switch back

[@tombola4046]

@@TheBikeSauce I changed mine from a 1.5 to a 2.0 a month after I bought my Base Diverge. I wouldn’t ever change back as notice a massive difference on long duration rides, when climbing or hitting bike packing where I can stiffen up the front end slightly. I own two 2.0 equipped bikes and owned 1.0 and 1.5 in the past and the action of the 2.0 I feel is far superior. Also the 2.0 is less subject to failure after water ingress that the 1.0/1.5 suffered with in the past. This is just my experiences after living with FS for a few years! Although it seems SRAM and Rockshock may have come up with a new alternative if I have any failures in the future 😄

[@timetrialist]

Are the FS 1.0 springs the same as FS 1.5?

[@TheBikeSauce]

Likely, but I can’t verify that since I don’t have a 1.0

[@timetrialist]

@@TheBikeSauce I wish I could send u my FS

[@TheBikeSauce]

Feel free to reach out through my website!

[@p0sitiv467]

Can you remove FS from the bike, and have no shock absorber?

[@TheBikeSauce]

Not at the moment.

[@ivorpeachey4366]

No because there’s another spring in the bottom section

[@bikepackingadventure7913]

A redshift ShockStop stem looks aesthetically better.

[@TheBikeSauce]

That's like.. your opinion, myan

[@vadusa]

You have millions video about Future Shock but not have any video about complete disassembly cartridge

[@TheBikeSauce]

They’re not officially serviceable, so I don’t want to encourage people to open them up

[@felixlefez3152]

En français ça ne serait pas mal

[@beri232]

The Future Shock seems painfully gimmicky

[@ivorpeachey4366]

You are certainly right , if I think up grading to the 2 .0 ( because the 1.5 is knackered ) isn’t the answer . I have the dimensions and I’ll make a solid one out of aluminium . Then there won’t be any more issues

[@mrright3439]

Can this shock absorber be used on a regular bike - other than Specialized?

[@TheBikeSauce]

It cannot