Swingarm adapter to lengthen shock back to 8.25?

[5500C]

I was looking at the swingarm shock mount on our 5500/Oz frames and was wondering if one could make an adapter that would effectively restore the frame geometry for those of us who switched to the 7.875" Fox shocks.

I guess the hard part was to figure out how to make the adapter stay secure so that it would flip or move during suspension travel.

Your thoughts would be great

[Matno]

Did you mean to say "so that it WOULDN'T flip or move during suspension travel"?

Doesn't actually seem like a hard thing to do if you have a chunk of aluminum and some machining tools. However, it also seems like a lot of work to go to to "correct" a "problem" that's not really noticeable. I can't tell a bit of difference in geometry between my 8.25" shocks and my 7.875" shock. Go figure...

On the other hand, modifying the frame to accept an even shorter shock would open up a world of possibilities. There are a lot of better deals and different brands/models available in more "standard" sizes. Could be interesting.

[5500C]

Yeah sorry, i meant wouldn't move under load.

I rode a Moots Mootaineer this past weekend when I was in Arizona and it was awesome and so well balanced.  Full 2003 XTR with a Fox front shock.  Killer!!!  In the back of my mind, I kept thinking about the less than 1/2" of shock length that we sacrifice for a superior shock.  

I do have access to some machine shops and was wondering of an adapter of some sort.  

[Old Proflexer]

yes, made one and it's in the box somewhere - took it off as i now only have full length shocks.

my retired engineer friend 'Morey' helped me make one out of a block of aluminum - the key is machining the piece to fit snugly flat to the bottom of the bracket and fit tightly to the rounded and angled side plate.  we left a small 90 degree lip to hang over the back end of the plate to prevent the front end of the bracket from lifting up during rapid extension of the swingarm - this was in lieu of drilling a hole either horizontally thru the swingarm plate and adapter and putting in a pin or vertically thru the unit.  we were looking to drill and tap the front end of swingarm plate with two small holes to hold down the front end of the plate but decided to do the minimally (is that a word?) invasive approach first.

you can then epoxy on a nut - and on the other surface, a washer if you want to hold the crossbolt for the lower eye of the shock - similar to the upper mount at the carbon plates

(morey's got a complete machine shop in his garage)

OP

[5500C]

OP,

You selling the adapter?  Please, please!!!

Brad

[Phillip]

OP,
I would really like to see a picture of your "adapter" if possible. My idea is to remove the stock shock mount that is attached to the swingarm and install a taller one. Maybe attach it with bolts that go all the way through the swingarm to the bottom side. It would be simple to fabricate a aluminum plate for the bottom side and attach with 4 bolts.
Phillip

 

[Sprucey]

I'm thinking the same thing myself - would like to fit a DT Swiss rear shock with lock out but it's 200mm I2I I think as opposed to the 205mm/209mm (?)  I2I of the NR2.

The DT Swiss is light, has the same performance curves as the Fox Float. It also has 50mm stroke so I should get a bit more travel? I might add this to a new 120mm Marzocchi marathon coil fork so it would be a way of keeping the gepmetry sweet without getting to slack in the head angle.

I am also considering the Pro pedal / Swinger / Threshold damping shocks. We have just taken on Manitou here so I can get one of theirs through the business.

Something to try in the new year.

[Old Proflexer]

i believe those swingarm plates are epoxied as well to the swingarm so one would have to remove the rivets then the bonding - - - - -


one of these days, i can shoot a pic or two but don't sell my creations (anymore)

speaking of creations, i hope that carbon kiwi finds time to finish up that blank plate sent to him and make it into a mount for his rear disc so he can get more complete coverage on that rotor

i know - holidays, work, social life, laundry, groceries
tv time etc. etc. etc.

isn't this a great forum?

OP

[Phillip]

After thinking about it, maybe I could just re-rivit and glue the new mounting plate to the swingarm. It seems that most of the force is applied  pushing down on the plate, not pulling up. A plate could be machined to any reasonable height, allowing many different shock options, as Matno suggested.

With regard to improving the handling, my bike handles the tight corners fine, once I got used to the slower turning. After an hour or so, I no longer noticed the difference. I mostly ride tight single track and no high speed or downhill, so this modification to retain the stock geometry would probably benifit me more than other styles of riding.  

[5500C]

Phillip,

My thoughts exactly.