Shock upgrade for Crosslink

[EH]

I'm thinking about upgrading the shock of my Noleen Crosslink ELT with a Risse Genesis. Does anyone have any experience with that? Is it worth the money?

[Andy]

I know I may get flamed for this, but I'm sure the majority of members here would agree....

Ditch the crosslink for a conventional telescopic suspension fork.

For the money you would lay out to buy a new shock for the xlink, you could get a great shock from marzocchi, fox, rockshox, or manitou.

I was a firm believer in the x-link, and used it for several years before trying a marzocchi Z5 air. What a difference!!! No more endos!!! It did "slack-out" the geometry somewhat, but I prefered this setup one I got used to it.

I just bought a marzocchi Z1 that has an additional inch of travel (now has 5" in front), but can also lock out in the compressed position to give the bike a more XC stance for climbs. I paid $200 for this fork (in excellent condition) on ebay.

If the snow ever melts in Pennsylvania, I'll let you know how it works.

I hope I didn't offend anyone with this advice, I know some of the the X-link crowd really have a personal attachment to the fork.  

[5500C]

I totally agree with Andy.  I too was going to upgrade my carbon crosslinks b/c I loved the looks and wanted to stay stock.  I got some advice from the board a while back to go to sliders and am glad I did.  What a HUGE difference it made.  I got the Manitou Black Elite 100/120 shock and it is awesome.  Picked it up used on ebay for just under 200.  

Much cheaper than buying just a replacement shock and you get to keep your crosslinks stock.

[zulu]

How does switching to a new fork from the x-link effect the way the bike handles? Do you need to add a longer stem? What other modes do you need to do if any?

[Carbon_Angus]

imho, it's NOT worth the money to upgrade. the Nr's have done a good job with xlink.

the biggest difference to me in riding both is the teloscopics are more adjustable, more plush, just as stiff...well real close. the xlink is a sub-3 inch travel fork great for xc riding..that doesn't have disc tabs and isn't very plush, steers precise.

if the shock is dead or close to have it rebuilt

[Andy]

How does switching to a new fork from the x-link effect the way the bike handles? Do you need to add a longer stem? What other modes do you need to do if any?

The main difference is in the height of the front end of the bike. Because the X-link isn't a telescopic fork, it can be more compact than a traditional fork (I guess they designed it to be a XC fork, (and wanted more precise handling) By raising the front end, you shift your center of gravity back a little, and this helps in clearing obstacles such as rock gardens and logs. It also "slows the steering a bit, (why would you want that?) making the bike handle better at higher speeds. Climbing does suffer slightly, but you can easily compensate by shifting your weight a little further forward.

You do not need anything to switch forks (other than the tools to complete the job), and it's a fairly easy thing to do yourself. You don't need a different stem either.

[zulu]

 [smiley=nod.gif] So it would be a more comfortable and better performing XC bike with more travel and steer faster with a new front fork (like a Fox 80/100) to replace the x-link. I am correct in this assumtion? The price difference from a Fox fork and Stratos shock replacement is approx. $100.00 us. Is it worth it?

[GET]

IMHO, yes.  I used to be very relunctant to get rid of my Crosslink.  I really liked the steering.  All I had to compare it to at the time was the older Rock Shox forks on a couple of my friends bikes.  They steered like wet spagetti by  comparison.  But, the newer forks are great (for all the reasons already mentioned above.)  They are also designed for disc brakes (and I would never want to go back to rim brakes for all around riding.)

[Matno]

[smiley=nod.gif] So it would be a more comfortable and better performing XC bike with more travel and steer faster with a new front fork (like a Fox 80/100) to replace the x-link. I am correct in this assumtion? The price difference from a Fox fork and Stratos shock replacement is approx. $100.00 us. Is it worth it?

ABSOLUTELY! Do it. You will be amazed and very happy.

[5500C]

[smiley=nod.gif] So it would be a more comfortable and better performing XC bike with more travel and steer faster with a new front fork (like a Fox 80/100) to replace the x-link. I am correct in this assumtion? The price difference from a Fox fork and Stratos shock replacement is approx. $100.00 us. Is it worth it?

Hell yes!!!  Do it, plus you will still have your original x-link.  Everyone here helped me with the same decision a little while back.  I love my disc brakes too!!!

[Andy]

[smiley=nod.gif] So it would be a more comfortable and better performing XC bike with more travel and steer faster with a new front fork (like a Fox 80/100) to replace the x-link. I am correct in this assumtion? The price difference from a Fox fork and Stratos shock replacement is approx. $100.00 us. Is it worth it?

To put it mildly, hell yes! I'm sure the Fox forks are great, but don't be afraid to try any of the other brands. I was reluctant to try the marzocchi, until a freind told me that the Z5 air fork was on sale for $140, This was one of the best deals ever, I love that shock. I think the best bet is to look around at some of the ads in mountainbike action or any other mag and see what kinda blow out deals are available. I'll thumb thru tonight and see if there is anything worth checking out.

when you do get your fork, I'm willing to bet that we can talk you thru the installation with ease. Remember, giving up the X-link is like kicking a 2 pack-a-day cigarette habit; with a little will power and a support goup you can get thru it.

[Scott]

Full disclosure: I have a brand new NR2 for EH for $50.  Some added thoughts here- If Vincent rides mostly singletrack where speeds are generally slower-I'd reconsider the Crosslink.  No, I would not spend $100 to repair the shock but consider typical singletrack riding; slow with constant line choices due to roots and rocks, often wet too.  Make a wrong choice or float off your line and you'll often blow an entire section, these are perfect conditions for the Crosslink which is plush enough and as accurate as many dual crown forks.  If you ride in the West with the higher speeds then forget the Crosslink.  One more point, Peter, from K2 said (this from a 2nd hand quote here on the board sometime ago) if you go to an 8.5/8.75 shock (vs. stock 209mm or 8.25) on the rear, the 3/1 ratio equating to 3/4" to 1.5" added ride height, you should have at least a 6" in front to balance the changed geometry and travel-now measure a Crosslink that EH's frame's built around, from lower crown to axle-17.0" typically a 100mm telescopic is 19.50"  An added 2.50 ride height min.!!!  I know "Run sag to offset"  but you'll suffer in the tight twisting singletrack waiting for a downhill, which will always be too short, to make time.  I'd think about keeping the fork if he rides conditions like described.

[Scott]

OK, to be a little more accurate on the changed geometries.  The swingarm ratio is 2.7 so we're looking at a gain in height of .675 with an 8.5 shock to 1.35 with an 8.75"  Enough to alter handling according to most riders yet still much less than the 2.5 gained up front with a typical 100mm fork vs Crosslink.  I don't have anything to draw from here, but you're rides must be VERY nice while at speed/descending but a good deal of work thru turns at any speed under, say a 32/13 ratio??