Manitou Swinger 3 Way Mounted or Oz Frame

[Carbonman1]

Well,  I got a Swinger 3Way shock off Ebay (8.25 i to i ) and mounted it up.   The lower bushings used on  the Noleen NR2s are nearly a perfect fit w.r.t. spacing (minor shimming required).  I happened to have two of these shocks to cannibalize.  The bushings themselves are the perfect O.D..   From the preliminary neighborhood test,  I think that this will be the beginning of a long and happy relationship. [smiley=nod.gif]  I will download pics in the gallery.

[5500C]

Did you mount it upside down?  I'm a bit afraid to see how much more I have to grind of the bottom mount.  I had to take off some closer to the rear when I had my Vanilla RC, but it looks like I have to take more material closer to the shock mount and don't want to weaken it further.  I don't think that I can mount the shock right side up

I'm waiting to put mine on and wish now that I remember what the heck I with my Noleen bushings.

Would love to see some pics

[Matno]

I'm thinking the carbon frame has the upper shock mount holes close enough to the edge that you can mount it right side up without any mods. (Keep your fingers crossed).

[Carbonman1]

I tried to mount it air cylinder up but I couldn't get it to mount up without interference from both the carbon mounting web and the seat tube.  I chose to grind the swingarm mount instead.  When I had the Fox float on there I had to grind in a notch  to accomodate the Fox air filler.  I have never had a problem,  but I use my rig for XC.  The material on that mount is pretty stout.http://idriders.com/cgi-bin/album_k2.pl?photo=carbonman1/sale_items_sebring_049.jpg

[5500C]

It looks great!!!  I need to get my dremel out and get to work!!!

[Matno]

Fantastic. Still makes me wish I had bought a carbon frame! (Could have gotten one from Ediscountbike if I'd waited just one more month!) Not that I've ever had problems with my aluminum frame, and I do like yellow...

Just for future reference, I contacted Trek regarding the shock stroke length on the Liquid. For 2005 shocks, they use a 2" and for previous models (2004 or older) they used a 2.5. Looks like we all have the 2.5". Only difference on the newer shocks is that they are a little lighter and use a higher volume air chamber. Not likely a noticeable difference. Glad some of these 8.25" shocks are finally making it to the aftermarket!

[Carbonman1]

Love the carbons but I also think the yellow 5000 is a sweet looking bike--very distinctive.

 I have been waiting for some of these shocks since I first saw them on the Liquids.  I should mention on my install that I used lower bushings off of the newer Noleen shocks.  The older ones have a smaller O.D..  I didn't get to try it, but the x-link axle shafts mights be also adaptable if drilled through.  If you have one of those laying around its worth a test.  

 I don't think the 2.5" travel is going to be much of an issue.  I couldn't bottom the thing jumping off my porch ( about 2.5 feet), not huge, I  admit but encouraging.  Once you guys get them installed I would like to compare notes on proper setup with the K2 leverage ratio and such.   The instructions on the shock seem pretty good.

[Matno]

I know that the Swinger shocks on Titus' RacerX are valved for a 1.83:1 ratio. That's for 100mm of travel, so I'd assume that these Trek ones, which are designed for bikes with 5 inches of travel should be valved pretty close to perfect for our bikes...

How much do you weigh? I'm about 145 (geared up on the bike). It will be a few weeks though before I can test my setup on any drops (maybe even a few months! Grrrr..)

[Carbonman1]

That sounds about right then,  now I'm obviouly bigger on the beer and pizza than you and probably a few years your senior , I'm 43,  5'9 and 185 with all my gear on.  Not a peep out of the frame, by the way.  Now the shock?.... :-/

[Felix]

I've been running the 8.25" swinger 3 way since late 2003 on a 4000 (I was lucky to get one through a Trek connection).  I haven't had any problems with bottoming out and frame clearance is fine when the shock is compressed fully.  I did have to dremel out the swingarm bracket to fit and mount it upside down.



As for setup, I would suggest running about 30% to 35% sag (about 1/2" to 3/4") and use a slightly higher SPV setting to keep the shock up in the top end of the stroke when riding.  I found this combination works best with my 5" fork on the front to give smooth suspension without Bob.  I also run a bit quicker rebound.



Enjoy, it was the single best upgrade that I've done to my bike.