What rear shock to get?

**funkendrenchman** · 07-13-2004, 11:09 PM

6-7" travel for freeride/DH... 5th element (cost may be a problem here), Stratos, Manitou SPV? I ruled Romic out based on several bad reviews.

**phUnk** · 07-13-2004, 11:25 PM

Originally posted by funkendrenchman
6-7" travel for freeride/DH... 5th element (cost may be a problem here), Stratos, Manitou SPV? I ruled Romic out based on several bad reviews.

Why not www.mtbr.com?

**Arty50** · 07-14-2004, 01:53 AM

Here's what I've learned from mtbr. Go buy a used Fox Vanilla on eBay. It doesn't matter if it's blown, fucked, or trashed. Send it in to Push. For around $150 they'll rebuild it into the best shock money can buy: super plush and bomber. I was reading the Romic gripe thread over there and a ton of people ended up doing this. The best part, you'll be getting one of the best shocks around for less than a new Vanilla. The upgrade even adds Platform Dampening to a old Fox without it.

I would talk to the guys at Push first though. From what I understand there are different eye diameters on the shock for different bikes. So perhaps tell them what bike you have and they can steer you in the right direction.

Edit: Tap is smart. I am dumb. I meant to say Vanilla not choc...ummm...errr...5th Element.

**mtnrider** · 07-14-2004, 09:03 AM

um...5th Element just came out with a couple cheaper shocks. I think a 2 and 3 way adjustment rather than the 5. If price is a problem you can probably rule out the Manitou SPV too, right? They all are expensive but I'd rather save up for an extra month or however long to get the SPV or 5th Element. Its worth it.

**phUnk** · 07-14-2004, 09:28 AM

Originally posted by Tap
the new Fox DHX is supposed to be the best rear shock ever made. should be coming out very soon.

Uh, I don't think anything gets the title of "best ever made" until it's out and actual people (not pros & magazine reviewers) are using it and breaking it. Brand new designs often bring with them brand new problems.

**bagtagley** · 07-14-2004, 09:53 AM

I'm completely sold on stable platform, so I wouldn't recommend a Fox unless it's a DHX (although phUnk makes a very good point) or it's PUSH'd. Fox was doing their own version of the PUSH valving at the NORBA race free of charge. There's a NORBA event in Durango at the end of August, so if you got a Fox, you could check that out.

I've had great luck w/ my 5th. It's been flawless for 3 seasons now. I finally got it serviced at the NORBA race a month ago. I didn't think it needed it, but Progressive does free service at national races, so I figured what the hell. They replaced the shock body, seals, oil, bottom out bumper and shock collar absolutely free. I've only ridden it once since, but it feels like brand new. So, if you got a used 5th, you could take it down to Durango and get it serviced. If you can't make it to the race, they'll do the full service for $51 plus shipping, so still a pretty good deal.

Manitou bought the technology in the Swingers from Progressive, so it's basically the same shock. I've heard good things about their performance and reliability, but don't have any first hand experience pass on.

Romic shocks feel great, but their reliability is highly suspect. My friend has had 2 of them blow on his Dare, so I'd be a bit weary of them.

**Arty50** · 07-14-2004, 10:11 AM

Originally posted by Tap
but they dont' do 5th elements, just Fox Vanilla's.

I'm a stupid JONG. The 5th's and Vanillas look so much alike I keep getting them confused. But by that rational I should confuse all front forks too. I'm so confused about being confused.

**phUnk** · 07-14-2004, 01:44 PM

Originally posted by Tap
true dat, hence da' "supposed"

Aye, but then the implied recommendation is baseless, eh?

**jayfrizzo** · 07-14-2004, 02:04 PM

Winner = Tap.

(Plus Tap could snap phUnk like a twig.)

**hev** · 07-14-2004, 02:06 PM

Avalanche rear shocks are pretty sweet I hear....but spendy.

**Arty50** · 07-14-2004, 02:35 PM

Originally posted by Tap
Dave Clock, a test rider for Turner who runs a shop in Tahoe

[Jules]Shit negro! That's all you had to say.[/Jules]

Dave's building my bike. He has more bike knowledge in his pinky than everyone on this board combined. He's ridden on almost every single bike component that's ever been made (he's a top Turner tester and gets all the schweeet stuff) and he loves to tear shocks apart and tinker with them. If he says this shock is good, I wouldn't question it. The best part is, he would expect you to question it. He's not the kind of guy that would just tell you to get this because it's "the best." He would also explain to you why he thinks that.

When we were going over the build of my bike he took me through all the possible components I could get. He explained to me not only what he thought was the right pick, but why he thought it was the right pick for me. We spent 4 hours just going over the whole thing.

Did some searching over at mtbr. Here's the thread:

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=33311

DGC is Dave.

Granted, I'm just one person and this is my opinion about someone else's opinion. But I feel the need to give the guy props because he's been awesome (as opposed to 123).

**hot_sauce** · 07-14-2004, 08:38 PM

Originally posted by hev
Avalanche rear shocks are pretty sweet I hear....but spendy.

yeah, I've read some really rave reviews about them and people saying things like it's the single best upgrade they've ever made to their bike

**UTdave** · 07-14-2004, 09:14 PM

(Plus Tap could snap phUnk like a twig.) [/B]

Who couldn't?

**funkendrenchman** · 07-14-2004, 09:30 PM

I think I'm gonna Push it, push it good. Thanks for the help.

**Mr. Altagirl** · 07-14-2004, 09:41 PM

I'm extremely happy with my Pushed Fox on my DH ride. I think it feels more "predictable" than the 5th Element on my trail bike (easier to bunny hop, I can ramp it up and jump much smoother with the fox right now, pedals way better than it did before the work). The 5th element is still awesome but get ready for the DHX. Some very connected insiders have said they think it will be "The" shock to have next year, bar none. Some have even said it could put Progressive on the ropes. I doubt it will but them out of business but quite a few companies are already specing it on their new bikes. I'm ready!

**jayfrizzo** · 07-14-2004, 10:06 PM

Question: How interchangeable are shocks? Like, can you swap out Fox Vanillas -- and eventually DHXs -- for 5th Elements?

Say I get a job...and an AS-X...then in a year or so when I'm ready to upgrade or do work on the shock will I be able to get a PUSHed Fox on it, or a DHX?

Just curious...

J-

PS: <dig> Maybe if you lost you clipless you could learn to bunnyhop better

.

**funkendrenchman** · 07-14-2004, 10:09 PM

Originally posted by jayfrizzo
Question: How interchangeable are shocks? Like, can you swap out Fox Vanillas -- and eventually DHXs -- for 5th Elements?

Say I get a job...and an AS-X...then in a year or so when I'm ready to upgrade or do work on the shock will I be able to get a PUSHed Fox on it, or a DHX?

Just curious...

J-

PS: <dig> Maybe if you lost you clipless you could learn to bunnyhop better .

They are pretty interchangeable, but u have to make sure you pick up the right size.

**phUnk** · 07-15-2004, 09:43 AM

Originally posted by funkendrenchman
They are pretty interchangeable, but u have to make sure you pick up the right size.

Rarely, you'll get a shock with an external res. that won't fit your frame (or maybe just needs to be rotated 180 degrees to fit.) If you're not buying some super-quasi-futuristic frame, you're probably good to go with just about any shock out there. I've heard Romic is coming out with their new Pooner Pro, which might be a fit for you, Frizzo.

Also, Tap didn't drop any names in his original post, so my point about "hype != proof in the pudding" stands. Also also, I'm pretty sure a lot of innovative products get sprayed about heavily when they are introduced, but it's a numbers game and the beatings that us mere mortals provide prove whether or not a product is durable and therefore, worth the sprayings.

Bitch.

**Arty50** · 07-15-2004, 10:11 AM

Originally posted by phUnk
Also also, I'm pretty sure a lot of innovative products get sprayed about heavily when they are introduced, but it's a numbers game and the beatings that us mere mortals provide prove whether or not a product is durable and therefore, worth the sprayings.

Bitch.

So true. So true.

**phUnk** · 07-15-2004, 11:35 AM

Originally posted by Tap
you want to match your leverage ratio to the right shock, and certain shocks work better for certain designs

a discussion about leverage ratios and PUSH service

That's what I meant. Duh.

PS. The day that Frizzo outgrows the 7" of travel on the ASX he wants, is the day I shave my entire body, coat myself in oil and give him a full pedicure in his front yard. Mark me.

**jayfrizzo** · 07-15-2004, 11:45 AM

Originally posted by phUnk
PS. The day that Frizzo outgrows the 7" of travel on the ASX he wants, is the day I shave my entire body, coat myself in oil and give him a full pedicure in his front yard. Mark me.

I want that bike specificially because I don't plan on outgrowing it, numb nuts.

Buy smarter, not harder.