Noleen replacements?? suggestions?

[willcoast]

Hello,

I just got a Pro Flex 856 World Cup Design from my uncle. I have been doing a lot of research for replacments for the old elastomers. I spoke with Clark from Noleen suspension and he said he can replace my elastomers with shocks. He wants about $100.00 for each. I have been looking for elastomer replacements as well. Anybody have any advice prior to me purchasing these? Are they reliable?

Thanks.

[Colin]

Get COR springs from Rapid Descent.

Hopefully you've got ODS shocks on it already with MCU's acting as the "springs". With the above option, you just replace the MCU's with coil springs and new seats all supplied as a kit.

(see other threads on this forum) or hit their website

[willcoast]

I would really like to go with the COR replacements but I was told they were out of stock on the 8th. I live in California and found out that Noleen was nearby my residence. I do not have any type of shocks on my 856 right now since the elastomers melted from the heat. I want to get the best for my bike but I also want to do it wisely. What do the COR replacements sell for from Rapid Descent?

[shovelon]

Hi Willcoast,

 I feel your pain. I am going thru elastomer blues as well on my 956 restoration. I won't say that Noleens are bad, if fact when they are damped correctly(I like lite oil), they work pretty good. The trick to preventing them from self destruction is to use a lizard skin shock boot over the spring.

 But changing out your elastomers to springs is going to add alot of weight. And IMHO the noleen will not last any longer than a new set of elastomers, which Iron Horse still has for about $35. But they have front only.

 Take this as you will, but if I were you, I would buy elastomers from Iron Horse, and a Genesis shock from Risse. Together they will cost you about $240 instead of $200, and you will save about 2 lbs over the Noleens with coil springs.

 The COR springs are great, I would go that way over noleens. You get all the hardware necessary to adapt springs. However the exchange rate and shippiing is a tough nut to crack. I that sense I would take a second look at Noleens.

 A word of caution in regard to Risse Air shocks. They are perfect for the back, but the fronts take a lot of break-in. That is why I recommend the rear as a winner. I just about have my front broken in. Risse is very good to work with by the way for revalving.

Good Luck, hope I did not twist your brain.

Terry

 

[willcoast]

Thanks Terry for the information. This forum has been of great help. I did inquire about the COR replacements. Callum replied through e-mail and said they were out. Fortunately, I was able to get in touch with Iron Horse and my elastomers for the front are on their way home! I paid 39.95 with shipping. As for the rear, I am unsure what I am going to do, I might go with Risse temporarily until the COR's come in from Rapid Descent.

Willie

[p856shawn]

Frankly, 100.00 is a deal for a rear shock. I have to send mine in for repair @ 100.00 cost(leaky seal) but it has served me well for several years +. Getting a shock boot is gonna be helpful no matter what shock you use and the suggestion to get one is good.

Unfortunately neither of my bikes, 865 and 755 was ODS equipped when I purchased them, so the COR replacement isn't a viable solution for me.

I contacted Iron Horse too, and for the price the new elastomers may seem like a good deal, but if they are too old I don't believe they'll last very long and the supply is limited.
I hope they work out for you.