Specialized calls for the Future Shock assembly to be replaced every 500 hours
#176
Jet Jockey
Heh. That’s why it’s called “Future Shock”. Some good truth-in-advertising with that name.
#177
Senior Member
I am leery of contemplating a bike with built in problems. I have a tendency to treat my posessions well and make them last for a long time. My 26 YO Merckx Century has been an amazing bike. Is it realistic to expect Future Shock assemblies to be available in 20 years?
I would love to hear some feedback on how this bike climbs, both in and out of the saddle. Those are critical characteristics.
I would love to hear some feedback on how this bike climbs, both in and out of the saddle. Those are critical characteristics.
#178
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Santa Clarita, CA
Posts: 138
Bikes: 2017 Specialized Roubaix Expert, Surley Karate Monkey 29er hard tail
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 79 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
I am leery of contemplating a bike with built in problems. I have a tendency to treat my posessions well and make them last for a long time. My 26 YO Merckx Century has been an amazing bike. Is it realistic to expect Future Shock assemblies to be available in 20 years?
I would love to hear some feedback on how this bike climbs, both in and out of the saddle. Those are critical characteristics.
I would love to hear some feedback on how this bike climbs, both in and out of the saddle. Those are critical characteristics.
As far as the longevity of the FS, that is hard to say. I have not seen any wear or had any issues with mine, and I regularly service mine and it is not hard at all.
#179
Senior Member
Anyone know if Specialized has done any changes to the FS from 2018 to 2019 models?
#180
Newbie
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Purchase Location?
I purchased a 2018 Roubaix last fall. Not sure I'm really worried about getting the cartridge when it wears out(not sure how to keep track of the hours though). I am a little annoyed that I didn't know about the need to replace the cartridge before I purchased the bike; I was on the fence between the Roubaix and a Domane and it would have been one more thing to think about. After reading about the issue here I did contact my LBS who sold me the bike and they had no idea about the need to replace. Just to be safe I ordered a replacement cartridge.
#181
Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2019
Posts: 13
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
$330 for an FS Cartridge?!
I've ridden my '18 Roubaix for about 300hrs. and figured it might be a good idea to get a spare FS cartridge given that the 1.0 version is not what's used on the latest Roubaix (and who knows how long Specialized will have these available). However, unlike the $55 cost I originally read about and the $85 reported earlier in this thread, my LBS quoted me $330 (which they said came directly from Specialized). Has anyone else recently attempted to buy one of these and what was the cost?
Last edited by bikera; 11-13-19 at 04:38 PM. Reason: typo
#183
Advocatus Diaboli
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Wherever I am
Posts: 8,641
Bikes: Merlin Cyrene, Nashbar steel CX
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4739 Post(s)
Liked 1,533 Times
in
1,004 Posts
I've ridden my '18 Roubaix for about 300hrs. and figured it might be a good idea to get a spare FS cartridge given that the 1.0 version is not what's used on the latest Roubaix (and who knows how long Specialized will have these available). However, unlike the $55 cost I originally read about and the $85 reported earlier in this thread, my LBS quoted me $330 (which they said came directly from Specialized). Has anyone else recently attempted to buy one of these and what was the cost?
#184
Advanced Slacker
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 6,210
Bikes: Soma Fog Cutter, Surly Wednesday, Canfielld Tilt
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2762 Post(s)
Liked 2,537 Times
in
1,433 Posts
There is a term for a suspension fork with service interval of 500 hours requiring a $55-$85 part and $30 worth of shop labor:
“Low maintenance”
“Low maintenance”
Last edited by Kapusta; 11-14-19 at 08:23 AM.
#186
Senior Member
#188
Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2019
Posts: 13
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Don't disagree. I'm just trying to understand these wildly varying cost quotes for the same part (which were all sourced from Specialized).
Don't disagree other than I was quoted $330 for the part alone and I'm just trying to see if anybody else has bought a replacement FS cartridge and what they paid for it (my next step will be to call Specialized about this though in the past they would not quote part prices to me).
Don't disagree other than I was quoted $330 for the part alone and I'm just trying to see if anybody else has bought a replacement FS cartridge and what they paid for it (my next step will be to call Specialized about this though in the past they would not quote part prices to me).
#189
Junior Member
3 versions of the future shock already exist. They are not interchangeable according to Specialized, although one forum member said in a previous thread that his LBS swapped out a 1.5 for a 2 which was Indeed provided and authorized by Specialized. So there is no no official upgrade path. Others have stated that they have extended the life with maintenance alone (disassembly, lube, rebuild), although that may not be the official position at Specialized for worn parts.
There are brands that don’t use proprietary parts, but Specialized never had been one of them. Obviously, parts will not be available at some point in the future.
To that end, Future shock is a misstep by Specialized.
There are brands that don’t use proprietary parts, but Specialized never had been one of them. Obviously, parts will not be available at some point in the future.
To that end, Future shock is a misstep by Specialized.
#190
Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2019
Posts: 13
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
3 versions of the future shock already exist. They are not interchangeable according to Specialized, although one forum member said in a previous thread that his LBS swapped out a 1.5 for a 2 which was Indeed provided and authorized by Specialized. So there is no no official upgrade path. Others have stated that they have extended the life with maintenance alone (disassembly, lube, rebuild), although that may not be the official position at Specialized for worn parts.
There are brands that don’t use proprietary parts, but Specialized never had been one of them. Obviously, parts will not be available at some point in the future.
To that end, Future shock is a misstep by Specialized.
There are brands that don’t use proprietary parts, but Specialized never had been one of them. Obviously, parts will not be available at some point in the future.
To that end, Future shock is a misstep by Specialized.
#191
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Eugene, Oregon, USA
Posts: 27,547
Mentioned: 217 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18380 Post(s)
Liked 4,512 Times
in
3,354 Posts
Don't disagree. I'm just trying to understand these wildly varying cost quotes for the same part (which were all sourced from Specialized).
Don't disagree other than I was quoted $330 for the part alone and I'm just trying to see if anybody else has bought a replacement FS cartridge and what they paid for it (my next step will be to call Specialized about this though in the past they would not quote part prices to me).
Don't disagree other than I was quoted $330 for the part alone and I'm just trying to see if anybody else has bought a replacement FS cartridge and what they paid for it (my next step will be to call Specialized about this though in the past they would not quote part prices to me).
So, say 5000 miles and one replaces > $100 worth of tires. Maybe a few tubes. 1000 to 3000 miles and a new chain. A bit more and a new cassette... etc
As far as actually finding the part... I see quite a few interchangeable springs, but the actual full shock kits seem to be exceedingly rare online.
I did find this one:
https://www.amaincycling.com/special...500034/p754277
Listed price of $255, with a note saying "Discontinued Online" (which may be a way of saying that Specialized will only sell a common proprietary repair part through their distributor network).
I am seeing 3 of the kits in E-Bay's sold listings, so I presume they pop up once a month or so. Not bad if you're looking to stock up on parts for preventative maintenance.
Keep in mind that shops may have a 100% markup on any part that they sell. So, if a shop is selling a part for $330, it could well have cost them $150. Perhaps even less. And, of course, the manufacturer makes big bucks on replacement parts.
How different is the first gen parts from the second gen parts? Interchangeable? Perhaps same head tube, and new fork & shock?
Keep in mind, Cannondale went down this same path with the "silk road/path headshok". And new replacement parts are just not available anywhere.
#192
Advanced Slacker
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 6,210
Bikes: Soma Fog Cutter, Surly Wednesday, Canfielld Tilt
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2762 Post(s)
Liked 2,537 Times
in
1,433 Posts
Don't disagree other than I was quoted $330 for the part alone and I'm just trying to see if anybody else has bought a replacement FS cartridge and what they paid for it (my next step will be to call Specialized about this though in the past they would not quote part prices to me).
However, to put this maintenance into perspective, here is are the recommended fork service intervals for Fox and Rock Shox.
Keep in mind that the recommended damper and spring services (every 100 hrs for all Fox, and 100 hrs for some RS, 200 for others) involve new seals and wipers, and the last time I bought one for my RS fork it was $40. And every lower leg service (30 hs for Fox, 50 for RS) takes oil, and every so often a new crush washer.
It really comes down to what they will charge for the replacement cartridges and how long they support them. The latter is hard to know. My past experience with suspension products is a mixed bag. I can still get full re-build kits for my 2004 Pike, 2007 Reba, and 2013 Lyrik (all RS). On the other hand, Manitou stopped supporting my 2001 X-vert Super a year after I bought it new.
I am going to guess that Specialized is smart enough to know that if they crap the bed on supporting these FSs, they are going to lose a lot of sales in a couple years when people start to need to service them. We'll see. They have a long history of using screwy proprietary rear shock sizes, I may be worth asking around MTBR to see how long they supplied re-build kits for those.
#193
Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2019
Posts: 13
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I searched eBay and can only find the FS springs (not the cartridge). What did you use as the search text?
#194
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: SW Fl.
Posts: 5,619
Bikes: Day6 Semi Recumbent "FIREBALL", 1981 Custom Touring Paramount, 1983 Road Paramount, 2013 Giant Propel Advanced SL3, 2018 Specialized Red Roubaix Expert mech., 2002 Magna 7sp hybrid, 1976 Bassett Racing 45sp Cruiser
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1069 Post(s)
Liked 788 Times
in
505 Posts
Understood and before I bought the bike I was aware that this proprietary system might be an issue and was also aware of the supposed 500hr. replacement schedule (though at that time the cost of a new FS cartridge was supposedly $55). I have the '18 Roubaix which uses the original FS 1.0 and all I want to get is a replacement 1.0 shock cartridge...I'm not trying to do any upgrades (though, near as I can tell, the 1.5 version uses the same undamped design of the 1.0 and, for all I know, it will work just fine in my '18 Roubaix). Will call Specialized soon to see if they will tell me anything useful (my previous experiences are that they generally don't like to talk to John Q. Public directly).
Owner of a 2018 Expert here and never having had an issue I took bike to my LBS to service the HS at a time well beyond the 500hr suggestion. Will be watching for an UP-DATE by you.
#195
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Southwestern Ontario
Posts: 5,126
Mentioned: 22 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1581 Post(s)
Liked 1,189 Times
in
605 Posts
FWIW, I think (I do not know) that the $350ish (US) amount for a new FS cartridge may refer to the FS 2.0 one, which is entirely different as many here will know, with proper full-hydraulic damping.
My FS 1.0 cartridge on my new (June) bike was defective from the get-go, and replaced under warranty. To my great good fortune, Specialized sent my LBS a 2.0 cartridge (which is fantastic). My LBS folks mentioned, in passing, that this was a $500 (Cdn) retail replacement part.
My FS 1.0 cartridge on my new (June) bike was defective from the get-go, and replaced under warranty. To my great good fortune, Specialized sent my LBS a 2.0 cartridge (which is fantastic). My LBS folks mentioned, in passing, that this was a $500 (Cdn) retail replacement part.
#196
Senior Member
Hate to say it but some people suggested there may be problems / cost issues with this months back and the service intervals required .... along with replacement part cost and availability in the future as it was an untested product.
Those that did question it got jumped all over by those that had probably dived in blind ... be interesting to see how it pans out but it's the sole thing that stopped me buying what on the surface looked great product .... but with Specialized's service schedule just looked like a train crash waiting to happen.
Good luck to anyone that has one and I genuinely hope the replacement parts don't cost you anywhere near that .... unless you were one of the ones that jumped on anyone that dared to questioned other peoples reservations it in the 1st place as there were quite a few that were very "strong" with their opinions.
Those that did question it got jumped all over by those that had probably dived in blind ... be interesting to see how it pans out but it's the sole thing that stopped me buying what on the surface looked great product .... but with Specialized's service schedule just looked like a train crash waiting to happen.
Good luck to anyone that has one and I genuinely hope the replacement parts don't cost you anywhere near that .... unless you were one of the ones that jumped on anyone that dared to questioned other peoples reservations it in the 1st place as there were quite a few that were very "strong" with their opinions.
#197
Advocatus Diaboli
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Wherever I am
Posts: 8,641
Bikes: Merlin Cyrene, Nashbar steel CX
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4739 Post(s)
Liked 1,533 Times
in
1,004 Posts
#198
Senior Member
FWIW, I think (I do not know) that the $350ish (US) amount for a new FS cartridge may refer to the FS 2.0 one, which is entirely different as many here will know, with proper full-hydraulic damping.
My FS 1.0 cartridge on my new (June) bike was defective from the get-go, and replaced under warranty. To my great good fortune, Specialized sent my LBS a 2.0 cartridge (which is fantastic). My LBS folks mentioned, in passing, that this was a $500 (Cdn) retail replacement part.
My FS 1.0 cartridge on my new (June) bike was defective from the get-go, and replaced under warranty. To my great good fortune, Specialized sent my LBS a 2.0 cartridge (which is fantastic). My LBS folks mentioned, in passing, that this was a $500 (Cdn) retail replacement part.
#199
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Southwestern Ontario
Posts: 5,126
Mentioned: 22 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1581 Post(s)
Liked 1,189 Times
in
605 Posts
It was replaced under warranty with a FS 2.0 (not 1.5, not 1.0) cartridge, as seen e.g. on the top-end 2020 Roubaix. According to my LBS, it was an unproblematic straight swap. I believe there was one small spacer (or something) that couldn't be used, but that had more to do with the dedicated stems that the new Roubaix come with. Other than that, no issues. It looks as if the bike came stock with it.
What I can say: the FS 2.0 is superb. It works exactly as advertised in my bike, is utterly silent and smooth in operation.