Noleen Gotta GO

[firsttimeflexer]

Hi!  I just bought a older 5500c (kick but bike!) and my oly beef with the old proflex is the crusty nooleen! [smiley=bleh.gif] MIght have been good in its day but has got to go!  I need some advice from the masters, What should i switch to  I have been biking for around 15 years so i know how to ride.......HARD!  X-country with lots of technicals is how i do.  Help me out let me know what shock to get!  I should let you know i wiegh 200 lbs and am somewhat of a wieght weenie

[firsttimeflexer]

I forgot!  IT is the rear shock that needs a change!

[bikendan]

you have a few options. a straight bolt-on shock is available from stratos or risse. they are both lighter shocks and most all say is a huge improvement over noleen.'
others have, with a little mod, fit fox shocks on theirs.
OP has fit a fifth element on his carbon.
check some of the pics in the gallery. should find some carbons with these shocks.
if some pics interest you, email the owner/member.

[Simon]

My riding sounds very similar to your's,I've been using a Risse astro5 shock on my Carbon K2 for the last 12 month's and have to say I'm very impressed with it [smiley=nod.gif],can't comment on any other make of shock fitted to this bike I've only tried the Risse and noleen nr4 & nr2 on it,the risse weighs around 250g not the lightest air shock but about average,it also has a large shaft bearing area enabling it to cope with the latteral loads put on it that you would expect from the shock position and the frame/swingarm design.  

[Carbon_Angus]

if you are a "weight conscious biker" then the Risse astro 5 or terminator would be a great choice for your riding options.

the nr2 is a serviceable shock for it's use, but without any real noticeable improvements other than durability items since it first was introduced circa '96. the spring weighs a ton, titanium are available, but of course they are $$$'y.

I still have an nr2 on my Oz, but it has a mountanspeed spring on it, that I like better.

as an FYI you might want to inspect and lube the main pivot, if this frame is used but new to you.
info is here in the site in the how to's and file archives.  if you need help just ask

[smiley=beer.gif]

[BFG]

I've been riding a stratos helix expert for a couple of years and it has been a great shock.  It is not a light shock, so if weight is a huge concern you may want to look at the air shocks out there.
The stratos takes big hits in stride and the air assist keeps bottoming to a min.  Added benifit is that the 2 inch stroke of the stratos adds over 1.25 inches of travel.

[firsttimeflexer]

Thanks for the advice on what shock to use, the info helped me get off on the right foot.  However with a bit of research, lots of web surfing and phone calls....oh yes i should not forget to mention this fabulous site! I decided on the Risse Astro 5, (top notch customer service, they actually talked me out of getting the more expensive terminator!) I just got back from a whole day of riding in blue mountain(Ontario and all of Canada rocks!)  with the fresh risse contraption mounted and looking mean.The bike performed great , and i am not talking placebo effect either.  Seemed to handle the blows going down and with some adjustment(flick of a lever) went up decent too, although lockout would have been better but hey.  I recomend this shock to n e 1 looking to spice up the old oz.  Happy and safe trails to all! [smiley=laughing.gif] [smiley=beer.gif]