756 Replacement Suspension/Shocks

[Spud]

I'm riding a 756 with the original Girvin suspension. I've replaced the elastomers and bike rides well. However I want to upgrade the front suspension completely and replace the rear shock.
Can I just add any RockShox Manitou etc fork ? As for the rear shock I suppose I'm quite limited by the mounting ?

Any assistance greatly received. There isn't much in the way of backup for Proflex/K2 in this part of the world. My local dealer just wants me to scrap the bike any buy a new one off him !

[mfgp]

spud,

Just about any XC fork with a 1-1/8th inch steer tube will work.  I have a Rock Shox Duke on my 856 and it performs excellently.  

As far as the rear, try:

www.risseracing.com

Their application guide should help you out.  They have a few different shocks that will fit.  I still have the original shock on mine, but have heard others on this board say that they have had good luck with Risse shocks.  

[Simon]

Hi Spud as mfgp says you can use any fork you like,as I believe you to are in the UK so you should contact CVI www.cvi.co.uk or phone 01405 760030 for risse shocks,they also supply K2 spares and deal with K2 warranty issues,so don't scrap the bike you can get all you need over here you just have to know where from.Simon [smiley=nod.gif]  

[kiwi]

the only issue you have to overcome is the fsct that your girvin fork has a 1 inch steerer so you will need to find a 1 and 1/8 botom race and some 1 and 1/8 spacers and a new stem.(The actual heaadset is 1 and 1/8 with spacers to fit the 1 in steerer)I beleive someone on this site has a risse or noleen to fit your girvin fork.......just an idea.The other alternative is to fit a crosslink to your bike,however you still face the 1 to 1 and 1/8 issues.I fitted a crosslink fork and a risse terminator to my 756...its a good bike dont trash it just cos its not the latest and greatest!!!

found an old message Try emailing trevor maybee
he might have a risse genisis to suit you vector 2 fork
tmaybee__@hotmail.com

[tmaybee]

Hi there.  I have actually sold my genesis to Dean.  I had the vector 2 fork on my 856 and I just swapped it for a crosslink.  The bottom race on my headset (original stock) was 1 1/8.  The vector 2 has a 1" steerer but it uses a 1 1/8" headset including the 1 1/8" bottom race.  The integrated stem is a 1" stem to go with the 1" steerer tube.

To install a crosslink, reuse the bottom race and remove the shim reducer on the top cup.  Then you need a new stem.  Also, the crosslink (at least the one I have) has a longer critical measurement than the vector 2 so you will need some 1 1/8" headset spacers.

Cheers,
Trevor

[mfgp]

Yes, as t said, I did have to get a new stem, but was able to use the existing headset.  

Another obstacle I had to overcome is that most of the new forks do not have accomodations for cantilever brakes.  I had to go with a V brake, and use a "travel agent" in order to use the existing brake lever.  The travel agent uses pulleys to change the amount of distance your cable moves when you pull the lever.  Without the travel agent, your braking will feel very peculiar.  My LBS had one in stock...not sure who makes them.  About $15 US.

Good luck!      

[Spud]

Thanks chaps.

Plenty to think about ! I didn't think there would be any need to scrap the bike. I like the frame and the way it handles - it just needs that little extra in the way of shocks.

I'll let you know how I get on.

Spud.  

[kiwi]

keep an eye on ebay as rear shocks come up now and then....