856 sealed bearing conversion?

[Brian Nystrom]

I've seen references to this and a picture of one bike that's been converted, but where can I find out how to do it? I tried searching the archives and couldn't find anything.

[shovelon]

The 856 sealed bearing conversion is the same as the x57 series sealed bearing conversions that were discussed some time ago. Simon is the person that has done it for me. I sent him my swingarms that he reamed out to accept bearings. He also machined some nice pivot shaft and spacer washers from alum. When the came back, I had to buy bearings and bolts. Will kindly delivered them for me on a trip he and family made to England.

He can give you all the steps if wanted to try yourself.
Also look at Simon's photo gallery. He did the conversion on his 856, and has shots of the parts.

I can attest that the conversion helps rigidity, and smoothness.

Register and do a search with the word sealed and lots of post will emerge for reading.

Terry

[Bnystrom]

The 856 sealed bearing conversion is the same as the x57 series sealed bearing conversions that were discussed some time ago. Simon is the person that has done it for me. I sent him my swingarms that he reamed out to accept bearings. He also machined some nice pivot shaft and spacer washers from alum. When the came back, I had to buy bearings and bolts. Will kindly delivered them for me on a trip he and family made to England.

I didn't realize that he was offering this as a service. If I had a spare swingarm, I'd consider it, but I wouldn't want to be without the bike while I shipped the swingarm to the UK.

He can give you all the steps if wanted to try yourself.

That sounds good.

Also look at Simon's photo gallery. He did the conversion on his 856, and has shots of the parts.

I did that before posting.

I can attest that the conversion helps rigidity, and smoothness.

That's what I wanted to know. Thanks.

Register and do a search with the word sealed and lots of post will emerge for reading.

Again, I did that before posting the question, though I may have had "856" as part of the search criteria. I'll try it again.

[Simon]

Sent info hope its of use,
mosty I've done this conversion for Carbon Oz and Evo's
the 856 is new, just modified the drawing to suit.

Simon.

[willem]

Brian,

On the excellent end of the spectrum is Simon's finely honed mechanical artwork. Very nice.

Somewhere down the scale, but also very effective is my method... on the 856 you can insert standard 0.75" roller blade bearings (even good ones are cheap at WalMart these days) into the swingarm clamps. Then you can have brass or even steel bushings made to locate a through bolt in the main frame counterbores on either side. Throw in some large diameter brass washers for spacing and you're in business. [smiley=beer.gif]

And yes, this cuts squeaking and grinding and adds stiffness. Good upgrade.

*** CAUTION *** my earlier model 856 had the main pivot bored off center and was a more difficult conversion than necessary.  [smiley=diaper.gif]  Just double check before you proceed.

Best of luck,
Wil