noleen nr2 shock query

[martin]

hi

ive a 97 beast which hasnt been ridden in a few years, how can i tell if the shock needs a service, is there a simple way? and also what weight spring was fitted to a way big frame?

what other shocks fit apart from noleen and risse if any and have i a choice of springs and where can i get them in the uk?(is it just cvi?)

[Colin]

Hello Martin!
New Boy on the forum? I see you're a guest but you've already posted a couple of useful points!

point 1 - is the shock knackered? take it off of the bike, take off the spring and compress the shock, if you've got resistance on compression and return then it’s OK, if not then it’s knackered but maybe repairable.
Probably only CVI in the UK.
http://www.cvi.co.uk/shocktherapy/index.html
Very expensive and probably cheaper to get a new/second hand shock……..

Point 2 – standard weight spring of a ’97 Way-Big Beast?
As I understand it, a ’97 Beast is an 856 type frame ? i.e. pivot behind the Bottom Bracket.
The Way Big should be a 350 lb/in spring on a GDT shock or maybe an ODS.
This should suit riders of 190-230lb weight.
The spring should be labelled “NB2-350x” where x is the colour.

Col.

[martin]

Hi Colin

Thanks for the info

I think its the 856 frame the last beast before they were badged K2 and moved the shock

http://www.bikepro.com/directions/a97_proflex/beast.html

the shock is a noleen nr2 but i cant see any numbers on the spring think they have worn off, but its a black spring if that helps?

The shock seems to compress and return but slowly on the frame so will take it off and see how it feels  - as long as it still has some resistance when i push the shaft into the shock is it ok, and should it spring back or return slowly??

The threads and shaft are in good condition.

What shocks will fit apart from noleen and risse (cvi didnt recommend the risse air shock as im about 16 1/2 stone so it would need alot of air pressure and they thought the noleen would be more reliable with a lard arse on it)

[Colin]

Martin,
The bike in your link is an 857 type framed Beast. i.e. pivot in front of the BB. Also known in '98 as 1000, 2000, 3000's.
The standard spring on that should still be a 350lb/in suitable for riders of 190 -230lb, unfortunately, 16 1/2 stone equals 231lb! plus any kit you're wearing!
Colour doesn't matter it's just for show.
Higher rated springs should easily be available, but ride it and see if you want to go stiffer. 400lb/in should be the maximum needed.
Take the shock off, it's the only way to be sure, take the spring off as well to make sure it's not cracked or bent.
The shock should compress slowly with resistance and then might return slowly of it's own accord or you may need to pull it open against resistance.
If the shock compresses easily and doesn't return and can very easily be returned with little or no resistance then it's knackered.
I agree about the air spring no-no for your weight.......<smile>
The issue of what shock will fit is a problem because I think I'm right in saying that the 857 frame has a end collet cone fixing on the strut arms and not many shocks have this fitting, but you could always "bodge" something, look at the galleries on this forum.

Particularly this 856 of JuanPablo's:

Intresting that he appears to have put a 650lb/in spring on it...I would consider this to be way over sprung.

You're basically looking to match the shock length of the NR-2 which I believe is 209mm or 8 1/4 " or go very slightly longer maybe.

for the price of a second hand shock you could get the NR-2 serviced and then it would be a pretty good shock, there are better ones but they'll all need adaption.

Col.

[martin]

hi colin

i will try and test the shock today, chubby has removed the chubbys and stripped and greased them up, and am going to attempt to fit the magura asgards.... need a pipe cutter for starters.

Think if the noleen shock is knackered i will send it to cvi for a service and spring upgrade, the adapted shock looks good but could be too much of a headache.

So what your saying is if i take a dump and ride naked i may get away with the existing spring  

[Ionit]

Don't forget to shave your body Martin. Good post I read it all the way through.

[Frankd3000]

You're basically looking to match the shock length of the NR-2 which I believe is 209mm or 8 1/4 " or go very slightly longer maybe.

Col.

That would be very bad to do, unless you wanted to run a longer travel fork.

The 8 1/4 i2i length is for the Evo/carbon bikes.

The length of the rear Noleen is 8.0" from the eye to the (small) END of the cone. By substituting with a shock that's 8 1/4" i2i then you'll need a fork with 8" of travel to get the frame geometry "correct".

If you make an adaptor to run a traditional double-eyelet shock then you'll need to be careful with your measurements. It's not terribly difficult if you're mechanicall inclined and have a good idea/sketch to work with.

The simplicity of the Noleen is very nice, but depending on who you are the versatility of the newer crop of shocks can be divine.

[martin]

im told im simple  [smiley=laughing.gif]

think will stick with standard fitment rather than trying to adapt something

[shovelon]

Hey Martin,

Come on and join up.
So where do you herald from?

Noleen shock service rebuild is what I would do at this point. Or CVI if you are in the UK. It will give you a fresh shock to use as a base point for your riding style and any other upgrades you may want to do in the future.


Terry

[martin]

Hi Terry

I was looking at how to join last night briefly but wasnt sure if just clicked on members and filled out the details or not.

At the moment i live in Leeds but am due to move back up to the Lake District in January, near Windermere.

Loads of decent off road in that area.

Im buying some holiday cottages in the Kentmere area, which is also near Garburn Pass two well known routes which are often in bike mags.

I was thinking of putting a plug on here offering a discount to members if coming out of the main holiday / school holiday season. Something like this  [smiley=laughing.gif]

www.lake-district-cottages.com

[martin]

in reply to the other question am going to take the shock apart test the resistance and if ok maybe just go for the heavier spring from cvi, if i ride it with the current spring am i at risk of damaging the shock?

Decided to let a bike shop fit the magura asgard forks as would have had to buy a pipe cutter which i am unlikely to use again - anyway they are fitting the forks for free as bought some spacers, fsa pig headset, and got some gripshift esp 9.0s off ebay for about £5.50 incl postage which they are going to fit with new sealed cables.

Only problem with the shifters is one of them is missing the little cover which when removed shows the cable, may try and bodge something with some thin plastic or tape and keep a look out on ebay for another set, the best had esp 700 which doesnt have the cover.

[martin]

i think im now a member??

[martin]

ive moved up the ladder from guest to novice its a proud day for me  [smiley=nod.gif]

[shovelon]

Hey Novice,

Nice show!

Barn cottages eh? How cool for you. Are you buying the cottages outright or is it like a timeshare? Anyway, I bet you are excited as all getout.

Take care and good luck on you venture,
Terry

[Simon]

Hey Martin we may be interested in a cottage next year,obviously if the price is right   always fancied
visiting the lake district,bonus taking the bikes.
Ohh and welcome as a new member  [smiley=nod.gif]

Simon.