coil oil shocks for x55s, x56s, beasts, etc. performance question

[Thunderchild]

I was wondering how well or poorly the Noleen shocks,  like on this Beast http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=320221256919&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=011
perform.  Do they bottom out?  Can you make them real stiff for big hits,  Any rider weight limits?  Damping adjustment that really works?  and any other information the collective might have?

Thanks

Thunderchild

[kiwi]

cant see what sort of shocks they are...as a x56 it may have had the ods shocks....the ods units are quite simple so to a degree are user tuneable with different oill weight and spring rates.The proper noleens are more difficult to alter.Nr1 you can alter spring rates only,nr2 you could alter spring and comprssion dampng,N4 you can alter spring rate,comp and rebound dampimg.I have nt ridden on a nr2 much but initial thoughts were the damping adjustment didnt do mauch...may be just mine.(was used when i bought it)

[orange]

that's an old GDT shock in the photo - came before the ODS - don't know much about it.

[kiwi]

ask and ye shall receive
scroll down a topic or two....something i took of the k2 site at one time...

[Colin]

Yep, That's a "Beast GDT", one of the last x56 "World Cup" bikes.
sold in '97/'98.
Original Spec:
GDT shocks and coils (oil/air and floating piston)
Mavic 221 rims, Shimano LX Hubs, 8 speed Shimano LX 11/30, DT swiss spokes
Shimano LX Front dearilleur, XT long cage rear
SHifters: ESP Gripshift 600
Magura's as standard.
Vector up front with 2.5" of travel, 3.5" in the rear.

I run my XP-X (856) pretty stiff with 200lb Speedspring coils in front and a 350 in rear on ODS shocks for my 200lb weight.

Max rider wight from the spring chart appears to be 250lb with a 450lb spring in rear.

So, you adjust the stiffness by choosing the weight of spring. I don't think GDT's are serviceable. ODS's are directly interchangeable, and "retro fit" Noleen's on the front, cone end shocks on rear......

I wouldn't advise this choice of bike for "big hits".......(IMHO).... it's an XC'er, but hey if it's cheap enough, give it a go! You'll probably scare yourself before you break it!

Col.

Col.

[Thunderchild]

Thanks all.  Just what I needed. 

Thunderchild