Detailed Rear shock info needed

[Jeff77]

Manitou's new swinger 4-way air shock is now available but they are looking for specific info to fit my frame (EVO 4.0).

1 Eye to Eye measurement

2.Eyelet hole size? Should be a 6 or an 8.

3.Width of Hardware?

4.Shaft Stroke Length?

I imagine I could measure these, but I want to make sure I measure the right thing. My Noleen is shot so any info would be greatly appreciated!

[Jeff77]

K-2 is going to E-Mail the info requested on the shock and I will post the info on this message in case anyone else is interested... My LBS spoke to Manitou and the shock seems to be available in a lot of configurations and should be able to fit the EVO 4.0 as well as most other K-2 bikes. By the way, the asking price is $399.00 which is kind of steep!

[Carbon_Angus]

thanks, i am interested and so are others.

i think the Swinger Air 3 way in the "Trek" version would be a good cross-over from the Nr-2 as far as stroke and i2i.

yeah, let us know 'fer sure

[numbnuts]

the i-i of the nr shock was 8.25 i believe but i know people are using 7.8 to 8.5. I can't remember the stroke but 2 i think, some are using upto 2.5 [ van rc 8.5 ], if you want a bit more travel you might want more than the nr-2 . the eyelet size is definately 6, I remember i had to shim my bushings when i switched shocks until i got new ones. No idea what the hardware width is but doesn't this shock have a piggy back, might cause problems like the van rc?

[Jeff77]

K-2 replied that the eye to eye is about 8.25 with a 2" stroke... No other sizing info. They also advised buying a Stratos or Risse (both of which seem to have good ratings here by the way.). They mention that " Shocks are valved differently for different leverage ratio frames". I believe that the Manitou Swinger 4-way air is quite adjustable in a lot of ways... Any idea of what they are talking about? (leverage ratio frames?). Also, I believe OP has used the 5th Element which Manitou has based it's design on... Any opinions on the 5th?

[Carbon_Angus]

the number is ~ 2.7

take the stroke x 2.7 (leverage ratio) and come up with travel

[Jeff77]

More info, Manitou and my LBS does not advise using their shock unless the size matches exactly eye to eye. They do not carry an 8.25... (8.5 x 2.5 is the closest). Using one out of spec is supposed to ruin the seals... I am presently looking into other options, such as the Fox Talus w/ anti-bob feature (2004 model). Titus I believe uses this... This shock is available in the exact eye to eye size for the Evo... 8.25, in general, seems to be a bit unusual size among the newer shocks...

[keen]

  Why not run a Stratos or Risse bolt in replacement? Why the newest high tech set-ups? I run a Stratos Helix pro and find it more than adequate.

[Jeff77]

My main goal is to reduce the "bobbing effect"; especially climbing from the Noleen. I have not tried any of the other shocks, although I have heard that Risse and Stratos are of high quality... I just want to make the best use of my $$$... None of the shocks are cheap!

[Simon]

As you wish to reduce the bobbing effect while climbing have you considered a shock with a lock out facillity ? though most of my riding consists of climbing I use a risse astro5 on my Oz which has a close to lock out within the damping curcuit, but I just don't need it I find that using a smooth pedalling stroke even on the steepest of climbs and staying seated(no stomping on the pedals) has meant I never experiance any bobbing,more than happy with the risse,Simon

[Jeff77]

 I will most likely go with the Risse Astro after reading all of the positive reviews, although I will give a quick look at the Fox Talus also. Thanks for all of the info and advice!