Author Topic: Newbie with Girvin - shock questions (Read 6596 times)

jefbar · « **on:** July 06, 2009, 07:16:32 pm »

Hi All,

Lots of great info here! I'm the new owner of a version 1 Vector 2 (MCU's + dedicated stem, looks to be a '95 from the links) that I'm going to retrofit to my '93 Cannondale M500. One of the previous owners changed out the MCU's to a spring (I believe it reads FastAce). In any case, it's not working as the spring doesn't engage the upper and lower mounts properly. I knew that going in with the intent to replace it with a shock.

From what I have been able to gather here and elsewhere, Risse and Noleen both make shocks that will fit this fork. It's a 188 mm strut. I ride primarily cross-country and I'm mainly looking to take the edge off the ride for my 40-year-old bones. I've looked, but haven't really seen a direct comparison between the two for a Girvin. My considerations are ride (of course), longevity, reliability, etc. I see weight specs for the Risse (50 g lighter than the strut/spring) but not the Noleen. It seems that the customer service for both has been spotty of late. Any way, I'd appreciate any tips.

Thanks!

Jeff

shovelon · « **Reply #1 on:** July 07, 2009, 11:02:48 am »

Yes, I think you need special spring retainers. Callum at RDI makes these and may be able to help you out.
http://www.rapiddescentscotland.co.uk

If you go the Noleen or Risse direction, I would tip my hat towards Risse. The noleen shock may be just as heavy as what you have now, and I don't know if they were designed for the vector. I have tried both genesis shocks for crosslink and vector, and the vector works properly but there was too much stiction for the crosslink. You mileage may vary.

Risse has begun to respond again. With the move and the economy, I sure hope it works out for them.

I would try RDI first. Is your existing shock an ODS?

Terry

jefbar · « **Reply #2 on:** July 07, 2009, 11:41:29 am »

Thanks for the reply - no my version is pre-ODS. I thought about ordering new elastomers from RDI, but I'm missing the separator disc. I think that leaves me out of luck. I spoke with Risse today and they can get me a shock by the end of next week. I think I'm going to give that a shot.

If anyone has any ideas about replacements for the separator discs, I'd like to know as I may still have to fall back to the elastomers if the Risse won't fit for some reason.

shovelon · « **Reply #3 on:** July 07, 2009, 04:06:35 pm »

Quote from: jefbar on July 07, 2009, 11:41:29 am

Thanks for the reply - no my version is pre-ODS. I thought about ordering new elastomers from RDI, but I'm missing the separator disc. I think that leaves me out of luck. I spoke with Risse today and they can get me a shock by the end of next week. I think I'm going to give that a shot.

If anyone has any ideas about replacements for the separator discs, I'd like to know as I may still have to fall back to the elastomers if the Risse won't fit for some reason.

The Risse will fit. As far as separaters, I have thought about using some plastic sheet. Metal may score the shaft.

DugB · « **Reply #4 on:** July 08, 2009, 07:02:35 am »

Hey all,

Shov, I had the same issue with the front Genesis having a bit too much stiction...you sent yours back a few times from what I remember, right? I don't know if I'll do that given they they were a little incommunicado for a while, but I think you mentioned a way to change the oil...I was thinking I might try that if it's something that can be done at home with average (non-Risse specific) tools. Any chance you have some instructions you';d care to share?

After riding my Genesis a bit I find that it's loosening up, though I do with it were a bit more responsive. The Astro 5 I received back from Risse seems to be better. In general you can't beat the Risse in terms of fit for these bikes...no huge air can like Fox or other shocks, so they can be used on the front.

- Doug :-)

shovelon · « **Reply #5 on:** July 08, 2009, 12:18:01 pm »

Doug, the boys here instructed me how to do an oil change. I think also there was a PDF on how to change the oil on the Risse site. Or Josh had faxed me something that I surely lost by now.

Anyway you clamp the body of the shock at the mount. Release the air, and use a whopper crescent wrench to unscrew the seal retainer. The shaft will come out with the retainer. Unclamp the body, pour out the oil and reclamp. Fill the body to just overflowing, put lots of paper towels around the body to catch the deluge of oil that the shaft displaces, and screw the retainer back in.

I used the lightest oil I could find, and it was lite spindle oil that you would find at a tooling house. It is similar to water in viscosity. From my records it is about a 2 weight oil.

Terry

DugB · « **Reply #6 on:** July 08, 2009, 12:26:53 pm »

Ah, thanks Terry! So my shocks are black, and I'm assuming you're talking about the silver ring with the milled flats, where the two halves meet. My only question - do you remember it being standard threads (left to loosen)? Just wanted to confirm...thanks!

- Doug :-)

shovelon · « **Reply #7 on:** July 08, 2009, 03:34:51 pm »

Quote from: DugB on July 08, 2009, 12:26:53 pm

Ah, thanks Terry! So my shocks are black, and I'm assuming you're talking about the silver ring with the milled flats, where the two halves meet. My only question - do you remember it being standard threads (left to loosen)? Just wanted to confirm...thanks!

- Doug :-)

Yes, the silver part with the flats, and yes, standard (righty-tighty, lefty-loosy) threads.

purple gerbil · « **Reply #8 on:** July 09, 2009, 10:20:17 am »

Did see some aluminium elastomer seperaters on ebay u.k the other day...

DugB · « **Reply #9 on:** July 09, 2009, 10:41:06 am »

Yes, I did see those...but they're probably not much good unless you're running an elastomer set from Callum, just because elastomers at this point see to all have hardened or destabilized into a sticky yellow goo. Plus, I think Callum is only making elastomers for the X55 and earlier bikes, right, and not for X56 and later. Seems like the best option these days is to use ODS units you may already have (or find some secondhand) and use Callum's COR spring upgrade or go for a Risse.

- Doug :-)

purple gerbil · « **Reply #10 on:** July 10, 2009, 07:08:27 am »

Quote from: jefbar on July 07, 2009, 11:41:29 am

Thanks for the reply - no my version is pre-ODS. I thought about ordering new elastomers from RDI, but I'm missing the separator disc. I think that leaves me out of luck. I spoke with Risse today and they can get me a shock by the end of next week. I think I'm going to give that a shot.

If anyone has any ideas about replacements for the separator discs, I'd like to know as I may still have to fall back to the elastomers if the Risse won't fit for some reason.

Sorry doug was refering to jefbar's vector post..

shovelon · « **Reply #11 on:** July 10, 2009, 08:56:08 am »

Quote from: jefbar on July 07, 2009, 11:41:29 am

I spoke with Risse today and they can get me a shock by the end of next week. I think I'm going to give that a shot.

Jefbar, any decision made yet on getting a Risse? Keep us posted as we are very interested if Kevin @ Risse comes through.

Terry

jefbar · « **Reply #12 on:** July 10, 2009, 07:12:49 pm »

Hey Guys - yes I've got the Risse on order. Kevin quoted the end of next week (July 17th or so) for delivery. I'll keep you all posted on how it goes!

I'm still toying with the idea of getting the old strut in shape as the back up. Anyone have the dimensions for the separator disc? I'm guessing the thickness and the stiffness of the material are the crucial bits.

purple gerbil · « **Reply #13 on:** July 11, 2009, 08:27:44 am »

I used an old plastic water tank (header tank) for my old 862....used a hole cutter about 4mm wider than the elastomer...works for me!

jefbar · « **Reply #14 on:** July 11, 2009, 08:39:45 am »

So basically it sounds like the separator disc just needs to keep the MCU's from rubbing against each other?

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Author Topic: Newbie with Girvin - shock questions (Read 6596 times)