Rear shock recommendations
Philadelphia Mountain Biking Association - Forums
*
 
Pages: [1]
  Print  
Author Topic: Rear shock recommendations  (Read 1242 times)
kenn72
Platinum Member
Amateur
****
Posts: 67



View Profile WWW Email
« on: September 04, 2007, 05:21:12 PM »
Hey gang,

Was looking for some suggestions.... I recently bought back my 1997 Schwinn Rocket 88 for a steal.  Problem is that the Rock Shox SID damper seals are blown.  I really don't want to rebuild it, because the thing was a super pain in the arse to tune.  So I am looking for a new rear shock.  I was wondering if anyone had suggestions as I have never bought one of these before. 

More details - I am building the bike up as a lightweight SC rig, 4" travel, 4 bar linkage (similar to FSR), currently has no lockout (not sure if I need one with only 4" travel), set up with XT grouppo, Manitou Skareb oil shock up front. 

There are only two things I am certain I don't want.  1 is a coil shock (too heavy). 2 is for it to be expensive.

I would be interested in buying a used one from someone local too.  Shoot me an email if you have one you are looking to move.  The size is 6.5" (eye to eye) X 1.5" (stroke). kennrymdeko @ yahoo.com

Thanks for the input.
Logged
Kenn Bendajo
EWR-22-4-HE-L
Kenn@EWRbikes.com
Lust4singletrack
The trail/ tool guy
PMBA Moderator
Jedi
*****
Posts: 1312


Keep trails friendly. Go by slow and say "Hello"

tgunz75@aol.com
View Profile Email
« Reply #1 on: September 04, 2007, 05:32:46 PM »
That size is common which is good for you. It will be easier to make the upgrade. I recommend somthing from Fox. Expensive would be a to get the RP23. You may be able to purchase it used but then you may not get a warranty. You will find better deals online but if can go through a bike shop instead. It would be better so you have someone to back you up if the thing craps on you. It can happen.

Any used Fox float will feel pretty damn good though so you will probably go that route. The early Propedal Fox Floats were pretty stiff and did not really need to be locked out. Remember that you may need to get all new bushings and spacers. A schwinn dealer (bike shop) can get them for you.
Logged
"Trails help humans make sense of a world increasingly dominated by pavement. They allow us to come more closely in touch with our natural surroundings, to soothe our psyches, to challenge our bodies, and to practice ancient skills"
Lust4singletrack
The trail/ tool guy
PMBA Moderator
Jedi
*****
Posts: 1312


Keep trails friendly. Go by slow and say "Hello"

tgunz75@aol.com
View Profile Email
« Reply #2 on: September 04, 2007, 09:13:06 PM »

Here's an RP3:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Fox-Shox-Push-Float-RP3-Shock-MTB-Rear-Fork-6-5-x-1-5_W0QQitemZ290155162155QQihZ019QQcategoryZ42317QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


Here's an RP23:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Brand-New-Fox-Float-RP23-Rear-Shock-MTB-XC_W0QQitemZ300147007345QQihZ020QQcategoryZ42317QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Logged
"Trails help humans make sense of a world increasingly dominated by pavement. They allow us to come more closely in touch with our natural surroundings, to soothe our psyches, to challenge our bodies, and to practice ancient skills"
lanceh
Platinum Member
Amateur
****
Posts: 93



View Profile
« Reply #3 on: September 05, 2007, 09:52:41 AM »
i have a cane creek cloud 9 on my NRS. it's a fantastic shock and at the time i got it cane creek had a trade in program where you give them your old shock and they take $100 off the price. was probably around $175 after the discount.

NRS came with a SID and it felt like a pogo stick where as the CCC9 is much more plush. it also has a lockout-like feature where you can stop air from entering the compression chamber. it sill compresses a bit but it's about as close to a full lockout as you're gonna get without having a full lockout.

CCC9 link
« Last Edit: September 05, 2007, 09:55:54 AM by lanceh » Logged
dieselkarl
Platinum Member
Expert
****
Posts: 174



View Profile Email
« Reply #4 on: September 05, 2007, 10:02:03 PM »
Like Lance said, both the Cane Creek and the RP23 are great options.  Don't forget about the fit adapters necessary to fit the shock into the mounting points.  I can get either for you thru REI - plus if you're a member - you'll see a bit back thru your dividend.

Karl
Logged
And I will remember your name and face
On the day you were judged by the funhouse cast
And I will rejoice in your fall from grace
With a cane to the sky like 'None shall pass.'
-Aesop Rock
kenn72
Platinum Member
Amateur
****
Posts: 67



View Profile WWW Email
« Reply #5 on: September 07, 2007, 04:51:13 PM »
Thanks for the recommendations everyone.  I appreciate your help. Grin

 I have solved the shock issue, sort of.   A friend had an Fox Float and a Stratos Strada Pro sitting around.  Got the Fox for $30, and the Stratos for $50 w/ lockout.  Both are older - however, I kept my main goal in focus - CHEAP.  Know I just have to go to my LBS and get reamed for specialty bushings.  Good times.....
Logged
Kenn Bendajo
EWR-22-4-HE-L
Kenn@EWRbikes.com
Lust4singletrack
The trail/ tool guy
PMBA Moderator
Jedi
*****
Posts: 1312


Keep trails friendly. Go by slow and say "Hello"

tgunz75@aol.com
View Profile Email
« Reply #6 on: September 10, 2007, 06:56:18 PM »
Those sound like some good deals. Let us know how it works out once you get them dialed in. If you need any setup tips just ask, hopefully we can help.
Logged
"Trails help humans make sense of a world increasingly dominated by pavement. They allow us to come more closely in touch with our natural surroundings, to soothe our psyches, to challenge our bodies, and to practice ancient skills"
dirtmerchant
PMBA Moderator
Addict
*****
Posts: 987



View Profile
« Reply #7 on: September 11, 2007, 09:32:51 AM »
Good luck with those shocks. GO to the manufacturers website and download the manuals for those shocks and learn about them. Setting up a shock correctly, mainly the sag, is very important to getting a nice ride. You want the shock to sit down in the stroke to get the best performance... Oh and the bushings and spacers should not cost any more than $20-25 for each shock. Good luck!
Logged
Mmmmmmmm, post ride beers
kenn72
Platinum Member
Amateur
****
Posts: 67



View Profile WWW Email
« Reply #8 on: September 12, 2007, 09:50:56 AM »
Thanks again guys.  Jeff over at Keswick is hooking me up for the bushings( aka spacer, aka reducers, aka washers) and I should have this thing up and running in a week.  I'm really not sure why I am bothering though, I'll always want to ride my 07 Enduro SL instead?  Seems like I am doing a lot of work for naught! haha

Thanks for all the suggestions.
Logged
Kenn Bendajo
EWR-22-4-HE-L
Kenn@EWRbikes.com
lanceh
Platinum Member
Amateur
****
Posts: 93



View Profile
« Reply #9 on: September 12, 2007, 09:53:42 AM »
Seems like I am doing a lot of work for naught! haha

and that is the sign of a true cyclist
Logged
dirtmerchant
PMBA Moderator
Addict
*****
Posts: 987



View Profile
« Reply #10 on: September 12, 2007, 11:41:33 AM »
HA! I have the same problem. I can't stop tooling with my bikes. Hey, it's better that smoking crack all day right?  Grin
Logged
Mmmmmmmm, post ride beers
kenn72
Platinum Member
Amateur
****
Posts: 67



View Profile WWW Email
« Reply #11 on: September 28, 2007, 04:48:30 PM »
Finally got the bushings and installed the Stratos Strada Pro.  It sucks. Angry  Yep, it sucks, it hisses, it makes all kinds of noise.  Aye yi yi!  But at least it holds air and compresses/rebounds.  C'est la vie!
Logged
Kenn Bendajo
EWR-22-4-HE-L
Kenn@EWRbikes.com
Lust4singletrack
The trail/ tool guy
PMBA Moderator
Jedi
*****
Posts: 1312


Keep trails friendly. Go by slow and say "Hello"

tgunz75@aol.com
View Profile Email
« Reply #12 on: September 29, 2007, 05:05:44 PM »
Sometimes you actually do get what you pay for...Remember that good shocks hold their value, so if you do spend some coin on a shock, you should be able to get some of the investment back when you part it out.
Logged
"Trails help humans make sense of a world increasingly dominated by pavement. They allow us to come more closely in touch with our natural surroundings, to soothe our psyches, to challenge our bodies, and to practice ancient skills"
dirtmerchant
PMBA Moderator
Addict
*****
Posts: 987



View Profile
« Reply #13 on: September 29, 2007, 08:27:42 PM »
Ain't dat da truth brotha? There is a reason I spend the money o Chris King components...
Logged
Mmmmmmmm, post ride beers
Krotee
PMBA Moderator
Expert
*****
Posts: 119



View Profile Email
« Reply #14 on: October 03, 2007, 12:53:40 PM »
its da troof!
  Tongue
Logged
If your going to be a bear, be a grizzly!
kenn72
Platinum Member
Amateur
****
Posts: 67



View Profile WWW Email
« Reply #15 on: October 23, 2007, 03:46:58 PM »
Finally got to ride it.  Hissing and popping aside it rode really smoothly.  Shocking!  (get it- SHOCK -ing? Man, I kill me...)
Logged
Kenn Bendajo
EWR-22-4-HE-L
Kenn@EWRbikes.com
Pages: [1]
  Print  
 
Jump to:  

Powered by MySQL Powered by PHP Powered by SMF 1.1.4 | SMF © 2006-2008, Simple Machines LLC
Joomla Bridge by JoomlaHacks.com
Valid XHTML 1.0! Valid CSS!
© 2009 The Philadelphia Mountain Biking Association
Joomla! is Free Software released under the GNU/GPL License.