Softride Front Suspension Stem Parts: A Complete Replacement Guide

Softride suspension stems are a distinctive feature on many older mountain bikes and some touring bikes, providing a unique form of front-end compliance without a telescoping fork. Over time, the elastomers, bearings, and pivots wear out, affecting performance. This guide covers the key parts you may need, how to identify them, where to find replacements, and how to install them.

Understanding Softride Suspension Stems

Softride stems use a linkage system with an elastomer (rubber bumper) to absorb shocks. The main components include:

• Elastomers: The rubber or urethane cushions that compress and rebound. These harden and crack over time.
• Pivot bearings: Needle or cartridge bearings that allow the stem to move. Can develop play or roughness.
• Pivot pins/bolts: The hardware that holds the linkage together. Often corroded or stripped.
• Locking collar/clamp: Adjusts preload on the elastomer. Can become stuck or stripped.
• Steerer tube clamp: The part that attaches to the fork steerer. Can crack or strip.

Softride models vary; common ones include the Softride PowerGlide, Softride Suspension Stem (SRS), and earlier designs. Parts are often specific to the model and year.

Common Parts That Wear Out

Elastomers

The elastomer is the most common item to replace. Symptoms include bottoming out, excessive sag, or a harsh feel. Softride used different durometers for rider weight and preference. Replacement elastomers are available from third-party manufacturers like Kootenay or Thunderbolt, but you must match the stem model. Some can be replaced with generic polyurethane bushings that are cut or shimmed.

Pivot Bearings

Many Softride stems use sealed cartridge bearings or needle bearings. If you feel lateral play or roughness when turning the handlebars, the bearings may be worn. Replacement requires pressing out old bearings and pressing in new ones. Measure the bearing dimensions (inner diameter, outer diameter, width) or check the part number stamped on the seal.

Pivot Bolts and Hardware

Bolts can seize due to corrosion or overtightening. Softride often used proprietary shoulder bolts. You may need to source from a specialty fastener supplier or salvage from a donor stem. Some bolts can be replaced with standard metric bolts if the shoulder length matches, but this requires careful measurement.

Steerer Clamp and Locking Collar

These parts can strip or crack. The steerer clamp is typically 1 1/8 inch threadless or 1 inch threaded. The locking collar that adjusts elastomer preload can become difficult to turn. If threads are damaged, replacement may be necessary.

How to Identify the Right Parts

First, identify your Softride stem model. Look for markings on the stem body or ask on bike forums like BikeForums or MTBR. Measure key dimensions:

• Elastomer length and diameter
• Bearing ID, OD, and width
• Bolt thread pitch and length
• Steerer tube diameter (1-1/8" or 1")

If you have the original part number (e.g., Softride elastomer part 900-002), cross-reference online. Many parts are interchangeable between models of the same era (mid-1990s to early 2000s).

Sourcing Replacement Parts

Softride went out of business, but several sources still carry parts:

• Third-party manufacturers: Kootenay (Canada) produces elastomers for many Softride models. Thunderbolt (Australia) also makes high-quality replacements.
• Specialty bike shops: Occasionally, old stock exists in shops that serviced Softride stems. Call around.
• Online classifieds: eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace sometimes have NOS parts or donor stems. Be prepared to strip parts from a used stem.
• Forums and Facebook groups: Softride-specific groups often have members selling or trading parts. Search for Softride Owners group.
• Generic alternatives: For elastomers, you can buy polyurethane rod stock and cut to length. For bearings, standard industrial bearings (e.g., 608 or 6900 series) often fit. Always verify dimensions.

Avoid buying from unknown sources claiming proprietary Softride parts without clear model compatibility.

Step-by-Step Replacement Guide

Replacing parts requires basic mechanical skills and proper tools. This is a general guide; consult model-specific resources.

Tools Needed

• Allen wrenches (metric and standard)
• Torque wrench
• Bearing press or socket and vice
• Thread locker (blue Loctite)
• Grease
• Soft mallet

Elastomer Replacement

1. Remove stem from bike by loosening steerer clamp bolts.
2. Disassemble the stem by removing the pivot bolts. Note the order of washers and spacers.
3. Slide out the old elastomer. Clean debris from the cavity.
4. Install new elastomer. If using a generic piece, ensure it compresses to the right preload (usually 5-10mm sag under your weight).
5. Reassemble, apply blue thread locker to pivot bolts, and torque to manufacturer specs (common range: 5-9 Nm).

Bearing Replacement

1. Disassemble stem to access bearings.
2. Remove old bearings using a bearing puller or by gently tapping out with a drift pin.
3. Clean the bearing seats.
4. Press in new bearings using a press or socket that contacts only the outer race. Do not press on the inner race.
5. Apply grease around seals.
6. Reassemble and adjust preload per model instructions.

Bolt Replacement

If a bolt is seized, try penetrating oil and heat. If it strips, drill out carefully or use a screw extractor. Replace with identical metric shoulder bolts (verify thread pitch: M6x1.0 or M5x0.8 are common). Use thread locker and torque to spec.

Steerer Clamp Replacement

If the clamp is cracked, replace with a standard stem clamp of the same diameter. Some Softride stems use a unique clamp design; if unavailable, consider swapping the entire stem.

Maintenance Tips

• Clean and grease pivot points annually.
• Inspect elastomers every season; replace if hardened or cracked.
• Check pivot bolts for looseness before every ride.
• If bearings develop play, replace immediately to avoid damaging pivot bores.
• Avoid overtightening the locking collar; refer to torque values (often 3-5 Nm).
• Store the bike indoors to prevent moisture damage to hardware.

Final Recommendation

Start by identifying your exact Softride model and measuring the worn parts. For elastomers, Kootenay is the most reliable aftermarket source. For bearings, source generic sealed cartridge bearings from any bearing supplier (e.g., 6000 series). Avoid buying full replacement stems unless parts are unobtainable. With patience and the right specs, you can rebuild your Softride stem to ride like new.

If you’re not confident in your mechanical ability, take the stem to a local bike co-op or shop experienced with vintage suspension. Proper torque and alignment are critical for safe operation.

Replacing Softride parts is a satisfying way to keep a classic suspension design alive. With the right information and parts, your suspension stem can provide many more miles of smooth riding.