Specialized Future Shock // HOW TO Adjust Stem & Handlebar Height

If you own a Specialized bike equipped with a Future Shock 1.5 or 2.0 suspension headset like the Roubaix, the Ruby, the Sirrus or the Diverge, you need Future Shock specific spacers to adjust your stem / handlebar height; standard 1-1/8” headset spacers WILL NOT WORK!
In this video, I’ll walk you through the process of adding or removing spacers to adjust the stem / handlebar height on your Future Shock equipped Specialized bike and where to get Future Shock specific spacers if you’ve lost yours, or never received any.
Future Shock specific spacers available here:
www.thebikesauce.com/
I really hope this video helps some people sort out their stem / handlebar height on their Future Shock equipped bike as it's not very clear in the owner's manual and there's not a ton of info currently out there.
Thanks for watching and subscribing!
Previous videos on Future Shock:
• Specialized Future Sho...
• Specialized Future Sho...

[@keithussery8863]

Thanks for this video, and your excellent content in general. Your clear, bike specific instructions (without excess technicality) and approachable but not-too-nerdy vibe makes this site one of the first places I go for Diverge information. Keep it up!

[@kbtommy]

Great video. I’d ordered the aluminum spacers from you a while ago and finally got around to installing them today. Amazingly simple thanks to excellent instructions! Thanks!

[@brookedavey397]

Just followed this step by step with all the success 🙌 Thanks Sauce couldn't/wouldn't of done it without you.

[@TheBikeSauce]

🤘🤘

[@rhheath1]

Thanks for all of the Future Shock 1.5 videos

[@johnc3605]

Well presented. I've added the three spacers and bought the shortest stem (S-Works). I mounted it the same way as you did for my personal Diverge fit.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Nice!

[@hjaltezacharewiczolsen8998]

I just added a few spacers to my new E5 Comp with the help of this video, was really straightforward (when you have a great tutorial at hand, thank you for this) I already have a very good feeling about these extra spacers, test drive later today!

[@TheBikeSauce]

Nice!!

[@hjaltezacharewiczolsen8998]

@@TheBikeSauce Im sticking with the 1x11 as delivered, its hits a good spot, but I would like to upgrade the wheelset at some point down the road. I do have question: Do you have any experience riding say 32mm on the diverge (or other bikes) and does it effect comfort and control much? I do mostly long rides on a mix of tarmac, shabby country roads and decent, relatively smooth off roads:)

[@TheBikeSauce]

On my 2015 Roubaix, I switched from 23mm to 28 and it made a huge difference in comfort.highly recommended wider for mostly every scenario

[@joelgreenbaum975]

Fantastic video, thanks so much for walking us through the process!

[@markmartel1738]

Super helpful. Clear, specific. Nice guy too.

[@dakrisht]

Really great videos, channel and of course, the most in-depth and professional Diverge content on the web. Loving your alloy anodized spacers as well. Impatiently waiting for my Sport Carbon 58 in Yellow...

[@TheBikeSauce]

Thx! Hopefully you’ll receive it soon!

[@dakrisht]

@@TheBikeSauce the impossible to find bike that’s for sure. Have been searching high and low for 1+ month now.

[@pault477]

Hey - got your spacers installed on a diverge Expert E5 flat bar and they really make a difference in rider comfort. Just installed 2 at this time. The bike shop used a method to install where they didn’t remove 2.0 adjustment knob and kept stem and flat bar intact. They loosened one of the screws you mentioned and pulled the future shock out with the stem and flat bar - then put on spacers and reinstalled stem, flat bar and future shock. And this was after sending them all the KZbin’s on this including yours. Oh well.

[@TheBikeSauce]

No issue there. Some (me) just find it easier to remove the bars first. Thanks for your order. Glad they're working out!

[@rdonayre]

I Just received the spacers today from your website. They are awesome and thanks for the stickers!

[@TheBikeSauce]

Great to hear!

[@loco504]

Once I get my maintenance stand I will try this on my 2021 Diverge Comp E5. New to gravel bike riding here thanks for your videos!

[@TheBikeSauce]

Thx for watching. Great bike!

[@jdodge349]

Very grateful for this video and i've ordered the spacers for my 2020 Roubaix Expert. I called Specialized and the tech made sound like reinventing the wheel. Very complicated using a spacer for which the rep did not have a part number.

[@etsija5484]

highly recommend his engineered rings - their a perfect fit - my shipping was right away super easy change out

[@davidpeterson9930]

Very informative video thanks man!

[@mattspencer3449]

Cheers buddy, job done 👍

[@robertgaudsmith]

Thanks. I checked my bike and I am missing the helper springs too. Question- do they make it firmer or more plush? I have a bad shoulder and want a softer ride.

[@thijsgruwez3753]

Hi thanks for the great video. I have a roubaix comp 2019 and use 3 spacers. Still, even with these 3, the marked line that shows the minimum insert is still about 9 to 10mm away. Meaning 24 to 25mm seems to be possible as well? I have the low dust cover, can I also try order the high version to solve it?

[@rjrichar100]

great video Ive been wanting to do this but have the future shock 2.0. I didn't get the spacers with my manuals so I am glad I can get them from your site.

[@TheBikeSauce]

I’d be happy to send you one gratis to verify it works on the 2.0 since mine is 1.5. Get in touch via website contact page if you’d like

[@TBiggieboo]

Have you come across any instructions on the futureshock 2.0? This video doesn't seem to apply to the 2.0

[@TheBikeSauce]

Hi Terry. I believe everything is the same between the 1.5 and 2.0 other than needing to remove the adjustment knob on the 2.0, which requires the loosening of a set screw

[@rjrichar100]

@@TBiggieboo I got the spacers from bike sauce and did the install on my own and I do have then 2.0. worked just like the 1.5 The Bike Sauce showed.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Thx, Randy. At this point, Nolan (actual name) is fine 😆.

[@SierraCreative]

Does the future stem come set to 6 degrees rise on stock bikes ?

[@ScottFreeVideos]

Curious about the different sized duckbills. Mine comes with the two piece. Can I replace it with the smaller duckbill, and if so, would it lower my handlebars?

[@elachichai]

Valid reasons sometimes, to avoid these proprietary features on bikes... it leaves a dent to accommodate the duck bill. Likewise architectures which are closed and exclusive - such as integrated stem-handlebars or the nightmare of Canyon double bar (erstwhile). On gravel bikes, the tires give enough compliance and future shock is an added cost and complexity, isn't it? Can one not use generic stem riser? We can get almost an inch of rise. Can you replace the rubber hose, if its torn?

[@vbnxt]

Is it possible to add a future shock to non future shock diverge bikes like the base or elite? Thanks

[@TheJasonwootten]

How did you pull out the cartridge so easily???? I loosened the clamp bolt completely but I can’t even get the cartridge to budge.

[@joshmarcus263]

will these spacers work with the futureshock 3.3

[@markmartel1738]

I suggest you update this video to point out that for the Future Shock 2.0 system, the top adjustment cap has a 1.5 hex setscrew that you have to loosen in order to remove the adjustment cap. Also, you should point out that for the large duckbill dust cover, you have to push the edges of the large piece inward to clear some plastic tabs in order to pull out that piece.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Funny you mention it - the next few videos are all about Future Shock 1.5 vs 2.0 (I got my hands on a 2.0, so I've been doing some comparisons)

[@aaronbehindbars]

"As one viewer clarified" Hey! I resemble that remark! Nice job on the alloy spacers. I like how they contrast with the flat finish of the duckbill and rubber boot. Nice to know there is a source for these outside of Specialized. I bet there are far too many dealers that might not know there is a difference in these and a standard 1-1/8" spacer and it is probably much simpler for to get some from you than through a dealer. Fortunately, my shop is savvy and had a stash of spacers so I could get the ones I didn't receive with the bike at the time of purchase.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Yup, it's you! Thx. I figure people might appreciate an option to get spacers quickly / direct. Hopefully this finally clears up the confusion on stem / handlebar height for Future Shock owners.

[@michaelmikulski6774]

What would cause a rattling sound coming form the Future Shock on a Sport Diverge? The rattle only occurs when I go over rough pavement or terrain and I can muffle the rattle when grabbing the duckbill while riding. On smooth pavement there is no rattle.

[@gerard7829]

I have the same annoying rattle 🤷‍♂️

[@b1rd251]

Nice video. I have ordered spacers from your shop? Do you also carry shim for standard stem?

[@TheBikeSauce]

Thanks for your support! I don’t manufacture the stem spacer, but I’ve been thinking about it. Perhaps soon

[@EggNogg421]

I like the T-shirt!!!

[@TheBikeSauce]

Ha! Represent.

[@albertoreinhardt]

Hi, I am looking forward to take out for good the FSH, id like a more rigid and lower steam for a more aero position. do you have any tips

[@TheBikeSauce]

At the moment, it’s not possible to remove the future shock system

[@ichawksfan]

Where did you get the shorter duckbill spacer? I'm not seeing that part available, and it didn't come with my Roubaix. I have a 2020 Roubaix.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Bummer. Your manual is supposed to come with both sizes. You may try a local specialized dealer and see if they have extras

[@RobbosLawns]

Hi, my name is Robert and I was wondering if you could help me out with some information for front suspension on my Aventon pace 500.3 I recently purchased the red shift seat post and it works great. However, they said the stem would not work with the sweat back handlebars do you have recommendations for me on how to get front end suspension on this style of bike please let me know. Thank you.

[@TheBikeSauce]

You’ll want to try a parallelogram, linkage style suspension stem like the vecnum freeQence. Coincidentally, that’s the next video coming out!

[@peterramaj1597]

Is there any way i can lower my future shock stem ? My local bike shop claims, it is possible, and if there are some extra parts needed for that where to get them ?

[@TheBikeSauce]

The lowest you can go is with the short duck bill and no spacers. You can also use a different stem with negative rise if you need it that low

[@DaigoroToyama]

Thank you for the super helpful video. This will help me tremendously as I want to lower the stem height on my 2021 Roubaix Sport. Now, can I remove the Future Shock cartridge and replace the headset cap without removing the stem from the cartridge?

[@TheBikeSauce]

You can, but if your cables aren’t long enough, it can get a bit tight

[@DaigoroToyama]

@@TheBikeSauce Thank you again. It's good to know it is possible. I will give it a shot this weekend.

[@DaigoroToyama]

@@TheBikeSauce Thank you again! I have been able to swap the headset cap and and add spacers on my own. The cartridge was a bit stiffer than I'd expected to remove, but it was a quick and smooth process. Yes, it was a bit tight, but I managed to do it without removing the stem from the cartridge.

[@carlosrivera-sanchez7959]

what size frame is that?? and the frame bag?? i have a 54cm diverge and ive been looking for a decent frame bag!

[@TheBikeSauce]

52cm. Outershell half frame bag. Check out the video I posted on the bag

[@eduardoortizdeartinano4817]

Buenos días..tengo una Roubaix con futuro shock 1,5. Puedo poner el futuro shock 2.0..?

[@TheBikeSauce]

I believe the 2.0 will fit, but I don’t think you can purchase one retail.

[@grantlcole8016]

Mine is a 1.5 and it makes a clicking noise when I push down on it. Is it normal. I’ve only rode it a couple hundred miles

[@TheBikeSauce]

Not normal, but mine does the same thing too

[@nafizz1701]

Hi, I'm about to buy a diverge online but I'm stuck in between sizes 54 and 56. Can you share with me whats your height and bicycle size? Im 176 cm, inseam 82 cm, Greater trochanter 94. Saddle top to crank center calculated 740mm

[@TheBikeSauce]

I ride a 52cm. 5’8”, 30” inseam

[@superpedro4691]

Awsome video, How do I LOWER the stem (stack) I don't have any spacer under de FS .... I'm using 90mm stem but it looks like the only way to do it is by lowering to a -17 degree stem but again they don't make a -17 90mm stem ... Any help it would be greatly appreciated

[@TheBikeSauce]

There are 2 duck bill spacers available. If you're using the taller one, you can swap to the shorter one

[@superpedro4691]

@@TheBikeSauce Thank you for you fast reply.. I'm using the shorter one.

[@toddgrundy4506]

I know this might be a stupid question but do you think it would be overkill to install a Redshift suspension stem on a Sirrus 6.0 since it has the Future Shock system?

[@TheBikeSauce]

Interesting question. From an engineering standpoint this is a springs-in-series configuration. I imagine the lighter spring would compress first to some critical distance before the secondary spring even moves. Not sure you’d get the result you were looking for.

[@toddgrundy4506]

@@TheBikeSauce Thanks for the quick reply. Yeah I figured that getting that Redshift suspension stem would be overkill but since I know that you are an engineer that you would have better insight on that. So now I just have to figure out how to adjust my Future Shock system to get the best performance for absorbing the bumps on the roads here in Oklahoma.

[@Mtl_gr_solid3]

Is it ok to remove ALL the spacers in order to lower my handlebars? Or should at least one spacer stay?

[@TheBikeSauce]

You can remove all

[@Mtl_gr_solid3]

@@TheBikeSauce Thanks for your knowledge 🙏🙂

[@dakrisht]

What’s the stock stem angle + stem length on the Diverge Sport Carbon? Guessing 6° and 100mm for the size 58s. Although your stem looks chubby (unless you replaced it from stock but I think you’re also riding a smaller sized frame...)

[@TheBikeSauce]

On a 52cm it’s +/- 6deg and 70mm

[@dakrisht]

@@TheBikeSauce nice. Good to know. Would you ever use an adjustable stem or just go the spacers route? I ask because I’m slammed on my road bike and want a relaxed position on the Diverge. Although a 12° stem might do the trick or simply going 10mm of additional spacers.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Probably wouldn’t use an adjustable only bc once it’s set, I’d never adjust it again. Definitely can go a bit shorter and steeper and add a spacer or two.

[@bowsama07]

Can i fit a new stem on a future shock equipped bike?

[@TheBikeSauce]

Yea, you just need the proper shim (supposed to come with the bike)

[@droste64]

Any idea where to get the smaller “duckbill” cap for the the Future Shock? I don’t see it on the Specialized website.

[@TheBikeSauce]

If it didn't come in your owners manual, you'll have to order one through an authorized specialized dealer.

[@xyzxyz6406]

@@TheBikeSauce or ebay. That's where I got mine.

[@robertgaudsmith]

My bike shop ordered on from Specialized. It took a couple of weeks. About $18.

[@pault477]

So wondering if the process is different for installing spacers on future shock 2.0 with adjustable knob on top.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Same process. Just have to remove the top knob first if you want to remove stem (not required, but makes it easier)

[@pault477]

@@TheBikeSauce sounds easy

[@TheBikeSauce]

Should be pretty straightforward

[@mynock250]

Will this work for the future shock 2.0.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Yes it will. 😀

[@nicoy3k]

I’m thinking of doing this to install a Mac ride front child seat that is attached with a special 10mm height spacer. Problem is it only comes in 1 1/8 or 1 1/4 diameter. Would you use the 1 1/4 spacer? My other thought was to use the 1 1/8 spacer above the black rubber right under the stem and replace the stock stem with a 30mm stack height one. What do you think? Thanks man!

[@TheBikeSauce]

I wouldn’t use a crossbar type kid seat with future shock. Try a kids ride shotgun seat. It only contacts the top tube and down tube. No steer tube or seatpost.

[@nicoy3k]

Thing is it’s a carbon frame, sirrus x 5.0 , you think it would still be ok?

[@TheBikeSauce]

Yea, safe for carbon frames - that’s one of their selling points. I use one on my carbon Hightower all the time

[@nicoy3k]

Thanks, though it seems to be mountain bike only? You think I can fit this on a large sirrus x 5.0?

[@TheBikeSauce]

Main issue is reach. If your kid is tall, they ought hit your chin on a drop bar bike, but Ted King does it on his gravel bike so people do it

[@js962]

Is this the same for future shock 2?

[@TheBikeSauce]

Yes these fit the future shock 2.0 as well as the 1.5

[@xvdragonx]

Do you know if the removal of the future shock 2.0 is the same? Looking to make some adjustments on my roubaix.

[@TheBikeSauce]

It’s the same except you have to remove the adjustment dial on top first. There’s a small set screw holding it on (torque spec for reinstallation is 2 Nm). Other viewers have successfully added these spacers on their FS2.0 systems with no issues. Thx!

[@xvdragonx]

@@TheBikeSauce that’s awesome. I’ll order some today. Thanks man.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Great!

[@lynnmattingly2582]

@@TheBikeSauce - The set screw on the adjustment dial for my 2.0 is a Torx T6 - it took me a while to figure that out after trying all my allen wrenches, more than once. Also, I have yet to see any videos using the short duck bill cap but I'm assuming that I can use up to the same 15mm of spacers, seat the shock down into the fork, snug the retention bolt, stem, fork and ride off? Per your suggestion I'm planning on having the front wheel on the floor so I pray I don't have to fiddle around with the collar / pre-set / tiny allen screws. Do you see a fatal flaw? Very good videos, thank you - you have a nice presentation style.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Your process sounds good. Seems like if you plan to use the short duck bill and a bunch of spacers, you might just go with the tall duck bill and fewer spacers, unless you prefer the look of a stack of spacers. Wheel on ground will help, but if you need to reset the preload, it’s not too big a deal. The user manual, while dense, is actually pretty clear.

[@briantedlos9441]

Can you customized the top cap or knob for the future shock 2.0 or 3.3?

[@TheBikeSauce]

What would you want to see in a different topcap?

[@briantedlos9441]

It’s more like a modified version so that it’ll fit on top of an alpinist cockpit or other one piece bar stem combo. Currently the 2.0 cap fits on top of the since the screw is at the bottom of the cap but on the 3.3 cap the screw is on the top part of the cap so it won’t catch the tip of the shock.

[@briantedlos9441]

….but assorted colors or even wordings would be cool

[@averagegravelgrinder471]

Just ordered a set.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Nice! They’re on their way

[@averagegravelgrinder471]

@@TheBikeSauce If you need testing for the futureshock delete, I'm about to ride my diverge from maine to florida.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Reach out over email if you can

[@bunnyadrian]

As a new viewer catching up on your channel, I have to ask: is that a city of Alameda shirt?

[@TheBikeSauce]

Born and raised!

[@bunnyadrian]

@@TheBikeSauce Very cool! I spent 11 years in the bay area; the last three living near Park and San Jose in Alameda. Moved away in 2011.

[@TheBikeSauce]

No way! Cool. I worked at Alameda Bicycle through high school and college. ..almost 20 years ago 😆

[@bunnyadrian]

@@TheBikeSauce Cool! Both that shop and Stone's were super cool. TO be fair, I could never afford what Stones was selling. Alameda was a regular stop for tubes and commuter accessories from about 2005-2011. Cheers!

[@mrnosy1]

My duckbill and spacers are able to slide around (duckbill only a little bit). Is that normal?

[@TheBikeSauce]

FS needs to be pushed down while the pinch bolt is tightened

[@mrnosy1]

@@TheBikeSauce thanks! That made it better. There's also quite a large gap between the duck bill and the frame (3.5mm) is this normal?

[@TheBikeSauce]

Depends on where you measure, but yes there’s a small gap so it doesn’t contact the frame

[@eduardomedrano520]

Is it true I’ll have to replace the future shock cartridge every 500 hours of riding?????

[@TheBikeSauce]

That's what Spesh says, but I fail to see the average rider adhering to this.

[@eduardomedrano520]

In any case, do you know where I can order this piece online???

[@TheBikeSauce]

As far as I know, you can’t purchase the FS cartridge retail. You ha e to go to a spesh dealer 🙁

[@hubertneuwirth3479]

What handlebar are you riding in this video? thx

[@TheBikeSauce]

Ritchey Comp Venturemax

[@hubertneuwirth3479]

@@TheBikeSauce 🙏🙏

[@buzzboykin9982]

Can you add these to the Future Shock 2.0, or is that not possible?

[@TheBikeSauce]

I’m fairly certain they’ll work, but I’d be happy to send to one to test out if you have a 2.0. Reach out via contact page on my website and I’ll send you one if you’d like. Link in description.

[@buzzboykin9982]

The part that I'm uncertain about is that the top knob on the 2.0 adjusts the shock, not just a trim piece as on the 1.5. I don't remember a spacer, but will check my box in a couple of hours when I get back from woods walk.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Sounds good. You ought to be enjoying the nature! 😆

[@buzzboykin9982]

Just got home and checked parts box that came with Diverge Carbon comp. There are 3 plastic spacers, so it appears you can raise the height on the 2.0 also.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Great to know! Thx

[@xyzxyz6406]

I checked your site but the spacers were out of stock. You restocking anytime soon? Thanks.

[@TheBikeSauce]

More on the way. May 18, 2022.

[@xyzxyz6406]

@@TheBikeSauce Awesome. So i noticed the 2 duck bill covers are different heights. Is that to accommodate more spacers? The lower bill says up 6 spacers so I'm assuming if I wanted to add 6 spacers instead of 3 I should go with the shorter bill right? Thanks.

[@TheBikeSauce]

You can, sure. But no more than 3 spacers with the tall one.

[@xyzxyz6406]

@@TheBikeSauce But if I wanted to add 6 spacers I would use the short duck bill right?

[@pault477]

Will this differ with a 2.0 future shock?

[@TheBikeSauce]

The 1.5 isn’t adjustable on the fly nor it is oil damped

[@pault477]

@@TheBikeSauce so can I use your spacers on the 2.0 adjustable. Not sure what you’re trying to say here.

[@TheBikeSauce]

@@pault477 I thought you were asking about the 2.0 with respect to the 1.5. The spacers fit fine on both though

[@pault477]

@@TheBikeSauce thanks !

[@thecarnivorept]

I don't understand what's holding the fork in.

[@TheBikeSauce]

The collar is clamped to the fork steerer and the external preload screws push the collar upward to preload the HS bearings

[@JakeLeeKor]

He is so talk active. Just show it.

[@TheBikeSauce]

I love being talk active