Hi everyone. Newbie here :)

[randyruderob]

Hi all. 

I have had my 856 from new, but after building another bike sometime ago, my poor 856 frame remained neglected until now 

I'm having a hard time with what to do with the rear ODS shock. 

I could either replace the "long since hardened" elastomers with new ones or go with a coil  spring conversion, what is your preference?

Risse or similar shock is out of the question for now.

The confusion I am having is probably due to reading to many suggestions from all over the net LOL

I have followed a thread here which led me to these chainreaction Manitou springs http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=15335
 
But I am unsure which I need, I do know that I'd need a 300 for my weight of around 180pounds.

That leads me to my final question. How do I retain the spring against the ods?

Thanks all and sorry for the massive first post

[Colin]

Spring conversion is definitely the best, but not easiest way forward.
Replacing the MCU's is easiest, but where from and will they be any good?
I converted my XP-X (856) to Speedsprings in it's youth in '97 and so I have the "top hats" on the ODS's to retain the springs, Rapid Descent did their conversion for some time and Callum may have some of the top hats left.........?
We really need to convince him to do a production run of just the top hats or provide the drawings so someone else could get some made.........<GRIN>
Otherwise, see if you can find a cone end Noleen NR-2 or NR-4 shock complete with coil spring, that's what I currently have on my XP-X.
re' the Manitou springs, it's down to getting the right length spring and unhelpfully, they don't tell you this! Maybe drop them a line to ask?
It all depends on what type of Top Hat you use, but Speedsprings are 90mm long.

Otherwise you're looking at a conversion for a modern eye to eye shock to a cone end, search on here for some neat home grown solutions!

Good luck and keep us informed with progress or further Q's

Col.

[randyruderob]

Thank you so much for your reply Colin. 

I contacted chainreaction and they were unsure of what to recommend but they were aware of the conversion for proflex's. The said to try this nukeproof spring http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=15607 
Stock ID - 48019 to start with. 

With regard to the the top hat and retainer I have talked to a good friend who has a cnc machine and between us we are trying to come up with something.

I will keep you all posted.   

 

[Spokes]

Callum has still got a full box of top hats but ran out of springs so thats why he stopped selling them. He offered the remaining top hats for sale a while ago if someone wanted to get springs made to suit. No one bought them as far as I know. He's not going to throw them out so try contacting him and see if you can buy some.

Chris

[w2zero]

you can toy with the ODS bits for some spring action too. 

[randyruderob]

Callum has still got a full box of top hats but ran out of springs so thats why he stopped selling them. He offered the remaining top hats for sale a while ago if someone wanted to get springs made to suit. No one bought them as far as I know. He's not going to throw them out so try contacting him and see if you can buy some.

Chris

Hi Chris 

Apart from PM'ing him here is there any other way of getting hold of Callum?

[randyruderob]

you can toy with the ODS bits for some spring action too. 

Hi W2zero, thats a great conversion, good work.

Are the elastomer retainers strong enough to cope with a spring over time and what spring are you using there?

Cheers

[w2zero]

One of the ods equipped bikes I bought used had the springs on it already as you can see in the background.  I believe they were Speed Springs.  I turned the hat center out to get a little more inside clearance for the titanium spring.  That spring was sourced from a snowmobile drive clutch unit and I believe it is 250#

[randyruderob]

One of the ods equipped bikes I bought used had the springs on it already as you can see in the background.  I believe they were Speed Springs.  I turned the hat center out to get a little more inside clearance for the titanium spring.  That spring was sourced from a snowmobile drive clutch unit and I believe it is 250#

Ok, I think its just going to be a case of trial and error with find a suitable spring.  Cheers

[Spokes]

Callum has still got a full box of top hats but ran out of springs so thats why he stopped selling them. He offered the remaining top hats for sale a while ago if someone wanted to get springs made to suit. No one bought them as far as I know. He's not going to throw them out so try contacting him and see if you can buy some.

Chris

Hi Chris 

Apart from PM'ing him here is there any other way of getting hold of Callum?

Yes pm'ing him the only way I know. Callum checks in from time to time so hopefully he will see it and reply

Chris

[randyruderob]

Many thanks Chris, pm sent to callum. 

Cheers Rob

[randyruderob]

Callum kindly replied to my request, but unfortunately all the retainers have now gone.

Back to the drawing board.