How to put a new shock on my 756

[biker99]

Hello all!

Have got my much neglected 756 back on the road thanks to Callum's elastomer replacements!  However, I am keen to upgrade to a more modern shock.  To this end I am hunting for cheap second hand replacements.

From trawling the net I understand that I have two real options:

1. Weld an adapter plate to my rear strut
2.  Go with a Noleen, Risse Genesis or Stratos Helix shock.

Option 1 is a bit beyond me   so I an looking at option2...

Firstly, which models do I want, (NR1, NR2 :  Helix Pro, Helix Expert).  Are these different sizes, fittings or would any of them do - just different specs?

Secondly - how do they fit?  All the pictures I can find have standard shock eyes at both ends!  If this is the case why can't any shock be used.  Or do the 3 companies make specific replacement cone adapters to replace one of the eyes?  If that is the case can I buy the shock and then contact the company for the cone adapter?

My understanding is that the front shock has a 190mm length (Girvin Vector 2 fork - non ODS);  and the rear has a 210mm length (If this is the case will the cone adapter affect this and should the rear shock be advertised as shorter).

Hope that makes sense.  Apologies if any of it seems basic; but I have been trawling the net for a while now trying to work it out - and all that I find seems a bit beyond me.

(Also bear in mind that this is the only sus bike I have ever owned - so shocks that don't use elastomers are all a bit new to me )

[shovelon]

Welcome biker99.

Stratos is pretty much kaput for shocks these days other than rebuilds.

Risse makes a nice airshock for your rear suspension. The Genesis would run you $199, and if you ask them to damp for a 13 year old girl, you always have the option to use heavier oil. Go to thier website for info.

The front could also be upgraded to a Risse, but personally a modern 3 to 4 inch slider fork would make your day. No IMHO you have a rocketship.

Terry

[orange]

you might be able to source an NR1, NR2 with cone shaped fitting - but they are pretty rare.

[biker99]

Cheers for the replies guys!

So avoid the stratos.....

NR1/NR2 will fit the back if it has the cone fitting.  Is the remainder of the shock the same?  ie allowing me to buy a 'standard' one and then try and contact the company direct to get an adapter - or is it actually a different shock?  (What is the difference in the two models - I have heard of a NR4 as well; are they all the same size?)

The Risse sounds ideal, trying to trim down the $199 if possible - I don't have as much spare cash as I did when I bought the bike 12 years ago (when I was single.... )

On the Risse track - my understanding is that the front i2i distance is 190mm and the rear is 210 mm - is that the same basic shock with the cone stretching the length or is there a different front and rear shock?

I am assuming that the Risse/Noleen shocks effectively have one eye which screws off and can be replaces with a 'cone'.  Is that why these are the only (easily) compatible shocks?

Cheers

[shovelon]

Cheers for the replies guys!

So avoid the stratos.....



On the Risse track - my understanding is that the front i2i distance is 190mm and the rear is 210 mm - is that the same basic shock with the cone stretching the length or is there a different front and rear shock?


Cheers

The stratos are still being rebuilt if you can get a used one.

The i2i that you mention I think is correct.

Risse and Noleens do exchange cones with eyes. I thought I saw that noleen still makes shocks, but  they were not cheap.

[shovelon]

NoleenJ6 still sells the NR1,2,and 4, as well as service them. Whether they make it with a cone I can't tell you.

I would only own one with a ti spring, and keep it  covered with a lizard skin, as they self destruct in mud.

Terry

[kiwi]

noleen nr1 no damping adjustment,nr2 rebound damping adjustment ,nr4(with piggy back resevoir) has rebound and compresion damping adjutment

[biker99]

Cheers,

So any of the previously mentioned will fit (if I can find a cone adapter) - the hunt is on!!

The front could also be upgraded to a Risse, but personally a modern 3 to 4 inch slider fork would make your day

Does anyone know what size the steerer tube for the 756 is?  (1" or 1 1/8" - / threaded or unthreaded and the length?)  Presumably if it is only an inch this would drastically reduce my chioce!  And I would imagine that this would raise the front of the bike up and affect the geometry/handling.  (I have a large frame and am 5'8" tall, with short legs; the bike is probably too big for me as it is - not sure I could afford to raise the crossbar another inch! )

I realise this is also probably a bone question - but I am only trying to match the specs for those listed on ebay before I buy and it doesn't fit!!

[orange]

1 1/8" - not sure on length though. Threaded or unthreaded depends on your forks and headset.