Rear Shock Adapter.

[jimbob]

Before the big site crash O2gf74 had talked about the possibilities of machining an adapter for the rear shock on the 856/857/95x bikes to allow the stock Noleen shock to be replaced with a more modern air shock eg Fox Float etc...   So I thought I'd create the topic again partly to serve as a place for discussion of this topic and partly to aid others in the future who might find it using the Search function.

I had thought it may be easier to mount the shock "upside down" as it were, to allow access to air vlaves, rebound adjusters etc.... as on the Gary Fisher HiFi below...

[whisperdancer]

I got the impression the shock body would hit the frame plates where the shock attaches at it's maximum stroke...

[shovelon]

I got the impression the shock body would hit the frame plates where the shock attaches at it's maximum stroke...

Upside down clears the frame. I chose to mount my swinger rightside up, but shaved a bit of the frame plates to allow the shock to tuck in tighter.

Terry

[whisperdancer]

I got the impression the shock body would hit the frame plates where the shock attaches at it's maximum stroke...

Upside down clears the frame. I chose to mount my swinger rightside up, but shaved a bit of the frame plates to allow the shock to tuck in tighter.

Terry

That's good news, but at the same time somewhat strange.
The shock shaft goes inside the frame between the plates, and it really seems the shock body will hit the plates when compressed.
I always wanted to mount it upside down, as the shock body has a base to put some shims in order to make a base for the adapter.
I didn't make the adapter yet (and I have the swinger for a long time now) and I'm still thinking on how to do it.
The biggest problem is to get the right aluminum grade. Everybody here seems to have the softest aluminum I've ever seen!!!

[shovelon]

I got the impression the shock body would hit the frame plates where the shock attaches at it's maximum stroke...

Upside down clears the frame. I chose to mount my swinger rightside up, but shaved a bit of the frame plates to allow the shock to tuck in tighter.

Terry

That's good news, but at the same time somewhat strange.
The shock shaft goes inside the frame between the plates, and it really seems the shock body will hit the plates when compressed.
I always wanted to mount it upside down, as the shock body has a base to put some shims in order to make a base for the adapter.
I didn't make the adapter yet (and I have the swinger for a long time now) and I'm still thinking on how to do it.
The biggest problem is to get the right aluminum grade. Everybody here seems to have the softest aluminum I've ever seen!!!

Is your frame a small? I have a 957 small and the end of the shock goes right into the toptube. You are right, that would be a problem.

I borrow an image from W2zero to illustrate. 

[whisperdancer]

Is your frame a small? I have a 957 small and the end of the shock goes right into the toptube. You are right, that would be a problem.

No, it's a large (I can't imagine a shock that could be used in the small frame besides the nollen...).
Even so, a little bit of the shaft goes inside the plate limit. I'm just afraid it will touch them when it's compressed to the maximum.

[w2zero]

Aww man, ripping off my image..  It's okay, just send small denomination bills and non sequential serial numbers..

That frame is presently outfitted with an ODS and awaiting a ti spring.  I expect it'll be built up for either my daughter or daughter-in-law or even granddaughter eventually.

[02gf74]

Finally received the adapter and will be posting photos of it in the next couple of days. Just needs a few more tweaks and riding.

It uses Fox float shock and can be fitted the "right way" up but only 1 way due to the air valve.  The little rebound knob is withing the frame gussets but can be truned using one finger.