K2 / Proflex Riders Group
General => Tech Forum => Topic started by: Mr.Ed on April 11, 2005, 08:32:01 am
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Does anybody here have this setup ?
I am curious as to how much it looks like an easy rider outtake.
Actually, I am kicking around someway to get a stable platform Air shock on the ol' OZ
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Hi Mr Ed,
we have sort of been here before.
I have fitted a 120mm Marzocchi Marathon SL to the front and a 216mm 5th Element coil to the rear.
It feels great and with 2.5" stroke on the rear I m,ust have near 6" rear travel.
I really noticed the difference when I refitted the Noleen NR2 (205mm I2I) as I had blown the rebound circuits on the 5th Element. With the 120mm Marathon up front the head angle of the Oz was very slack. It was very noticeable in tight single track - I couldn't make tight turns I normally would.
I now have the 5th Element back with 2005 rebound/threshold valve and the bike feels great.
What this means, I believe, is that it is important to balance front and rear. Doesn't matter what travel you run - 80mm, 100mm or 120 - you just need to balance the front and rear out and it will be cool.
Sprucey
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Sprucey - fantastic setup!!! I just bought near-enough the same for my OZ...
Marocchi Marthon S 120mm fork + Manitou Swinger Coil 4-way (8.75" (222.25mm) i2i x 2.75" (70mm) stroke). This should give me nearly 5" travel up front, and 7" travel on the rear...
It's coming with a 350lb spring, and I'm wondering if that has to be changed or not... so here come the questions... [smiley=evil.gif]
How heavy are you, and what spring do you use?
Cheers, Nic.
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Air...Air...Air...Air.......
I have an 8.5 shock on the rear, but it is coil....
What I am looking for is a stable platform AIR for the rear in 8.5 i2i. Which I cannot find.
So, I wanted to see what a 7.875 ( the largest size platform air shock I can find ) looks like....
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Why...why...why??? ::)
;D
Okay - here's a couple of EU auctions I found for Air SPV's... probably not the right length etc, but hey - maybe they have what your looking for somewhere...
Cheers, Nic...
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=7295&item=7148158809&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=57267&item=7147007314&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=42317&item=7148090279&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW
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Because I dont want to haul around a needless 1.5 pounds when I can get comperable performance from an air shock......
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The last link there for the 5 th element looks good, but I dont beleive that shock would fit on an OZ, due to the large bulbous air chamber being so close to the eye.... 8)
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Ahhhh - you must be skinny then? :P
I weigh 235lb so the difference 1.5lb makes is nothing to me... but the smoother ride you get from oil compared to air is much better (according to my arse anyways!)... disagrree that air shock can perform as well as oil, but I will agree that its close... oil being slightly plusher... [smiley=evil.gif]
It's easier for me not to eat supper, and I will loose 1.5lb over night!!! [smiley=laughing.gif]
Can't tell you if the 5th Element would fit or not - hopefully some of the other more intellegent posters will be able to answer... Simon??? ;D
Cheers, Nic.
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Hi Mr. Ed,
Manitou is now producing the Swinger Air 4way in 8.5" i2i X 2.5 inches stroke. Check out AnswerProducts.com
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I have the coil 4 way in 8.5" i2i, it weighs 1000 grams. Picked up a 3 way in 7.5" i2i X 2 (300 grams) inches a couple of months back and adapted to fit. It works great, but miss the extra travel of the coil. When I find a used 8.5" 4way for less than $200 I am going to get it.
Terry
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Shovelon - it's your lucky day... I just bought a Manitou Swinger Coil SPV 4-Way 8.75" x 2.75" for $199.99 + shipping.
This one to be exact:
http://www.nycbikes.com/item.php?item_id=403
If you phone them and negotiate (say you know they just sold one to Swissnic) - they will probable sell one to you for the same price too...
Just a though... ;D
Cheers, Nic.
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Here's the link to the auction I won for more details...
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7145886849&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT
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Shovelon,
Your the guy I was hoping to rouse up here. I thought I remembered a stable platform somewhere on an OZ. I was kicking around an adapter as well. very much similiar to yours....
So with that swinger your getting about 5 inches of travel, right? ( This is starting to sound dirty ) :o
I have only bottomed out 5 inches of travel in the rear a handful of times. Not enough to warrant my Vanilla rc. With the extra inch of travel and the extra weight. In my opinion anyway.
What is your adapter made out of? How is it holding up?
Ed
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An adapter allowing a 7.5 i2i would open up plenty of options......
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Ahhhh - you must be skinny then? :P
I weigh 235lb so the difference 1.5lb makes is nothing to me... but the smoother ride you get from oil compared to air is much better (according to my arse anyways!)... disagrree that air shock can perform as well as oil, but I will agree that its close... oil being slightly plusher... [smiley=evil.gif]
It's easier for me not to eat supper, and I will loose 1.5lb over night!!! [smiley=laughing.gif]
Can't tell you if the 5th Element would fit or not - hopefully some of the other more intellegent posters will be able to answer... Simon??? ;D
Cheers, Nic.
Ahh the old coil verses air,
well firstly air shocks (bar some cane creek) are oil damped just like coil overs so damping performance should not really be an issue,the main difference is the springing,coil overs are not temperature sensitive etc so more consistant in performance and are more capable with dealing with big big hits,eg D/H racing,air springing allows easier spring rate change,and are usually considerably lighter,they both have there merits,all depends on your type of riding not on your own weight,
As for the air 5th element,if they can (I've not had anything to do with one)be mounted with the air can at the bottom you'd stand more chance of getting it to fit,there's always away round things and I reckon I'd get one to fit one way or another.
Infact I had at one stage started to look into removing the shock mount from my spare carbon s/arm and mount a new custom made one with variable shock mount positions with a slot in between each eylet,I was intending to make it a bit taller to make more regular i2i lenght shocks fit,the shock pivot would be secured with a cut down Ti wheel skewer running through a shaft that runs through the shock and sits in the new mount,thus shock position could be changed out on the trail,a bit like some Marin bikes,
Simon.
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Simon, I thought about removing the shock mount on the swingarm, and replacing with a taller one also.
However, its remounting the new one I am unsure of. Have you thought of this?
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Swissnic,
Great price on that 4Way, you are going to love it. I have 2 now and I really like them. I am looking for the Swinger Air 4Way however in 8.5 i2i. Prices are really droping.
Mr. Ed, you are right, I have'nt done the John Holmes comp yet, but my Oz gets about 5 inches. With my front end getting 5 inches, it is a good match. The adapter is made of 6061 and uses a pinch bolt at the shock, with a sleeve to take up slack. The swingarm mount bolt threads through into the nut on the other side and then I back that up with a nylok nut. So the adapter floats so to speak on that bolt. On either side of the adapter I have bushed with teflon washers to prevent wear to the alum surfaces. I do get a little movement at this location but only if I if I am in the air(rare). I plan to open and press in a bronze bush to tighten that hole when I get time.
I think that I could even go with a 7 7/8" i2i if I get the 2 crossholes almost right on each other. But that's another day.
Terry
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Simon, I thought about removing the shock mount on the swingarm, and replacing with a taller one also.
However, its remounting the new one I am unsure of. Have you thought of this?
Yes,whether it would work will be in the trying,
Basically I was going to replicate how the current mount is fitted,firstly remove the current one by drilling out the rivits and carefully breaking the bonding resin between the s/arm and mounting,I was going to rebond on the new mount an re-rivit with stainless steel rivits,I was also going to increase the amount of rivits from the current total of 4 to a total of 8,4 rivited evenly either side,or even 10,4 rivited either side and 1 either end in the centre.
Simon.
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What I will most likely do is make an adapter to run a 7.5 shock, after picking one up on ebay. If I can get a cheap FOX, I will send to PUSH.
Either way, the 7.5 or even 7.875 i2i leaves more room for experimenting with different brands.. [smiley=nod.gif]
Simon, as far as changing the swingarm mount, sounds like an "over the winter project". I would dread being without a ride during prime season...oh, wait!, I have another swingarm....hhhmmm... ;)
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How much does the Push conversion cost?
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Sounds like what i'm working on, kinda. While I don't have exactly the same frame the theory is still there.
Air shock - Cane Creek Cloud Nine. Go with their exchange program and you get $100 U.S. off the price, which makes it $225 U.S. Their longest shock measures 200 mm (7.875") i2i. Also, a considerable amount of manufacturers makes around this size (as you already know).
Make the same kinda of adaptor that Autoduel and several others use (sorry, don't remember the names off-hand) and you're set.
I don't have my 5000 frame YET, but with my 3000 I stand to gain at least 1/2" (12 mm) rear wheel travel. Not too bad for just upgrading a shock. And the Could Nine's are half the weight of a coil-over. Save a full pound in the process. [smiley=nod.gif]
Yeah baby!!!!
hint - you can do the same thing with the CrossLink up front too! Just think, one of few people who can enjoy perfectly matching shocks front and rear.
Crap - I just realized you wanted a STABLE platform air shock. Well, the C9 has the RCA feature. :-[ That's close. :-[
ONE question - what is the i2i and ACTUAL stroke of the shock the comes with the Evo's and 5000's (<~ and whatever else is the same design that i'm missing)?
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How much does the Push conversion cost?
Here in the UK a PUCH conversion for a Fox air shox fitted along with a FULL OVERHAUL/SERVICE is £110 approx $200 U.S depending on model,
I'm sure this carried out in U.S would be alot cheaper,its good value over here £42 for the PUCHed conversion onto top of a full service,thats the deal,
http://www.tftunedshox.com/fox/foxcharges.htm
Simon.
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works great, but you will feel a difference, i prefer it.remember that not all 5" forks will be the same, some are taller=slacker than others. [smiley=nod.gif]
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Matno, per the PUSH website, prices for a stable platform conversion start at 150.00.
I seem to remember someone here checking with Cane Creek about the cloud 9. C.C. did not recommend it for a single pivot swingarm bike.??
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You're on the money, Ed. Simon JUST I.M.'ed me about this. I'm waiting to hear back from him, but I THINK it might only be the carbon's. Not sure, as this is the first time i've heard about this.
When I e-mailed them I told them what I had in mind, and even sent a pic of Autoduel's setup (from here in the gallery) and they didn't mention anything about it being bad. Perhaps it's only the non-strut guys that this concerns?????
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Yes sent you a PM
According to Canecreek there no good on single pivot style frames like the Oz and Evo,they are fine on worldcup style frames as they are activated via a strut and are not subjected to latteral forces.
Simon.
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?????????? What I don't get is that there are many other bikes that C9s fit that use higher spring rates than the Oz at 500lbs or 550lbs and they warranty them.
My beast ran a 700lb spring. My buddy owned a Specialized enduro with a 900lb spring, and they had a shock for it. I have seen people adapt Cane Creeks on proflexes before so I don't get thier logic.
What is it about the Proflex/K2 leverage ratio that the C9 can't handle? I think they have some other bug up thier behind.
Sorry about the rant,
Terry
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Terry, I think it has more to do with the swingarm's material composition, more than anything. Same could be said for the frame. I'm told the carbon's are more flexy than their aluminum predecessors. NOT a bad thing, just different.
Depending on what happens with this 5000 frame i'm trying to get (it's getting CLOSE!) I might try to see if I can find an early Evo aluminum swingarm.Yeah, I know - good luck to me! I'm sure they (Cane Creek) would say it's cool. I'll check with my contact there when he's back in the office next week and see what he says about it. It would be nice to have a clear-cut answer that defines any rules to this.
Crap - i'm starting to hi-jack this. Sorry!
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Frank, I do agree that the carbon swingarn is more flexy. But not so much so that it could sieze a shock. In that case, a crossing adapter would allow for the movement. Actually, I think that the carbon is more stout from the main pivot to the shock mount, and then gets flexy from there back to the wheel.
Really I think that Cane Creek is just shining K2/Proflex.
IMHO, Terry
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Nothing wrong with opinions. 8) I'll find out soon enough, kinda. (I won the 5000 frame)
Crossing adaptor? Wuzzat? Perhaps you mean crossing from the standpoint of rotating the shock on it's axis to turn the mounting eyes 90*? That would work.
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?????????? What I don't get is that there are many other bikes that C9s fit that use higher spring rates than the Oz at 500lbs or 550lbs and they warranty them.
My beast ran a 700lb spring. My buddy owned a Specialized enduro with a 900lb spring, and they had a shock for it. I have seen people adapt Cane Creeks on proflexes before so I don't get thier logic.
What is it about the Proflex/K2 leverage ratio that the C9 can't handle? I think they have some other bug up thier behind.
Sorry about the rant,
Terry
I can only pass on what Canecreek told me when I enquired about a C9 shock for an Oz,
what they said was the C9 is not designed to take any lateral loads (only compression loads)as these would very quickly wear the shaft bearing and seals,as the C9 shock is air sprung (not coil sprung)and air damped and not over built (hence its very light)it would rapidly develope leaks,this was there recommendation at the time maybe they've changed there mind now but it does make sense to me.
Simon.