K2 / Proflex Riders Group
General => Tech Forum => Topic started by: Carbonman1 on August 03, 2005, 01:50:16 pm
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Well, I got a Swinger 3Way shock off Ebay (8.25 i to i ) and mounted it up. The lower bushings used on the Noleen NR2s are nearly a perfect fit w.r.t. spacing (minor shimming required). I happened to have two of these shocks to cannibalize. The bushings themselves are the perfect O.D.. From the preliminary neighborhood test, I think that this will be the beginning of a long and happy relationship. [smiley=nod.gif] I will download pics in the gallery.
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Did you mount it upside down? I'm a bit afraid to see how much more I have to grind of the bottom mount. I had to take off some closer to the rear when I had my Vanilla RC, but it looks like I have to take more material closer to the shock mount and don't want to weaken it further. I don't think that I can mount the shock right side up
I'm waiting to put mine on and wish now that I remember what the heck I with my Noleen bushings.
Would love to see some pics
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I'm thinking the carbon frame has the upper shock mount holes close enough to the edge that you can mount it right side up without any mods. (Keep your fingers crossed).
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I tried to mount it air cylinder up but I couldn't get it to mount up without interference from both the carbon mounting web and the seat tube. I chose to grind the swingarm mount instead. When I had the Fox float on there I had to grind in a notch to accomodate the Fox air filler. I have never had a problem, but I use my rig for XC. The material on that mount is pretty stout.http://idriders.com/cgi-bin/album_k2.pl?photo=carbonman1/sale_items_sebring_049.jpg
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It looks great!!! I need to get my dremel out and get to work!!!
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Fantastic. Still makes me wish I had bought a carbon frame! (Could have gotten one from Ediscountbike if I'd waited just one more month!) Not that I've ever had problems with my aluminum frame, and I do like yellow...
Just for future reference, I contacted Trek regarding the shock stroke length on the Liquid. For 2005 shocks, they use a 2" and for previous models (2004 or older) they used a 2.5. Looks like we all have the 2.5". Only difference on the newer shocks is that they are a little lighter and use a higher volume air chamber. Not likely a noticeable difference. Glad some of these 8.25" shocks are finally making it to the aftermarket!
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Love the carbons but I also think the yellow 5000 is a sweet looking bike--very distinctive.
I have been waiting for some of these shocks since I first saw them on the Liquids. I should mention on my install that I used lower bushings off of the newer Noleen shocks. The older ones have a smaller O.D.. I didn't get to try it, but the x-link axle shafts mights be also adaptable if drilled through. If you have one of those laying around its worth a test.
I don't think the 2.5" travel is going to be much of an issue. I couldn't bottom the thing jumping off my porch ( about 2.5 feet), not huge, I admit but encouraging. Once you guys get them installed I would like to compare notes on proper setup with the K2 leverage ratio and such. The instructions on the shock seem pretty good.
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I know that the Swinger shocks on Titus' RacerX are valved for a 1.83:1 ratio. That's for 100mm of travel, so I'd assume that these Trek ones, which are designed for bikes with 5 inches of travel should be valved pretty close to perfect for our bikes...
How much do you weigh? I'm about 145 (geared up on the bike). It will be a few weeks though before I can test my setup on any drops (maybe even a few months! Grrrr..)
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That sounds about right then, now I'm obviouly bigger on the beer and pizza than you and probably a few years your senior ;), I'm 43, 5'9 and 185 with all my gear on. Not a peep out of the frame, by the way. Now the shock?.... :-/
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I've been running the 8.25" swinger 3 way since late 2003 on a 4000 (I was lucky to get one through a Trek connection). I haven't had any problems with bottoming out and frame clearance is fine when the shock is compressed fully. I did have to dremel out the swingarm bracket to fit and mount it upside down.
As for setup, I would suggest running about 30% to 35% sag (about 1/2" to 3/4") and use a slightly higher SPV setting to keep the shock up in the top end of the stroke when riding. I found this combination works best with my 5" fork on the front to give smooth suspension without Bob. I also run a bit quicker rebound.
Enjoy, it was the single best upgrade that I've done to my bike.