REAR MONKEY SHOCK???

[Trail_Thumper]

Hiya peeps! I'm new here.

I just got a Disco Monkey with the stock Noleen shock. From what I've been reading, I need to get a Vanilla, at the least.

Does anyone know where I can get a good deal on a used or new one???

Thanks  

[debaucherous]

Try e-bay - and be patient.  I found mine listed in the wrong category and paid $20 for it.

Good luck.

[GaryF52]

Here's one that might work for you.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3658163089&category=42317

[Trail_Thumper]

I was look'n at that one GaryF52. What do you think about going coilless?

Here is one,

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3657459849&category=42317&sspagename=STRK%3AMEBWA%3AIT&rd=1                                                                              
I'm not sure which one might be better. I ride mostly XC with some ocaasional big hits. Which would sute me better?
                                     

[GaryF52]

Both are good shocks.  The Vanilla R will bolt right in  with the proper bushings.  The Float will probably require some modification to the swingarm mount for the air valve to clear.  See this photo in the files section: Fox Float on an Evo.

I have the Vanilla R on my Disco Monkey and it works beautifully.  I'm running a 550 lb. spring and I weigh about 163.  

[Trail_Thumper]

Thanks for the pick Gary. I decided to go with the coil over. I weigh 180 and the shock will have a 500lb spring. Do you think that might be a problem? Right now I am running the Noleen NR2 with a 450lb spring and it isnice and plush.

[Prowler]

If you think that it's plush with that NR2, your going to be amazed with the Fox.

[Ionit]

I was wondering how much of a difference it would be if the shock did not have the proper I 2 I spacing.
both of these fox shocks are to short. The fox float is significant with a 1 inch difference.

This must slack back the head tube height.

If anybody has done this, how is the ride?

It must only get worse if you use a longer fork.

[Matno]

1" is too much. That's a SERIOUS change in your head tube angle. I think 1/2" is about the max change that anyone has liked on this forum. That is to say a range of 7.75 to 8.5" eye to eye lengths have been successful to varying degrees to different people. Personally, I can't tell the difference between my 8.25" and 7.875" shocks, geometrically speaking. (And I could swear that the head tube angles are less than 1 degree different, if that much, with identical forks).  

[lokomonkey]

Right now Im riding a 7.85" and love it, I also use a 24" wheel!! I know some will say that looks like a chopper!! [smiley=yawn.gif] but I like it, besides with the psylo I can lower the front and actually climb! (technique baby!) or lift it and bomb down hill (where the real fun begins!) but now Im planning on setting a RC 8.5" in the rear + a Sherman firefly, and that WILL be sweet!!

[Trail_Thumper]

Hey Loko! Why do you wanna go all the way up to an 8.5 now

[lokomonkey]

no, I'll wait 'till Im ready to install the sherman,  [smiley=coolfrown.gif] if I keep the 7.85" when I get the sherman (which is a LONGER fork) that would REALLY tilt the head angle too much, and since I do all mountain/freeride (no shuttles) the bike would be useless for climbing, remember I also use a 24" wheel, (+ 7.85" shock + a sherman long fork = down hill ONLY!!)

[pedro]

Trail Thumper,
The evo/ Monkey frame is a falling rate suspension that can work well with the progressive nature of an air shock.
However, I would wait for some of the new generation air shocks to get more acce$$ible pricewise. (propedal ava, propedal float, 5th element air). I personally don't like the old floats, because they "ramp-up" to quickly (small volume air chamber)
The 7.875" i to i Vanillar R, with a 4" fork provide an excellent geometry. The thing is so comfortable I ended up using it as a model to set up my other mountain bike's geometry.
I have to warn you, that because the Van R is such a lively shock, It has the drawback of much bobbing. But you can tune some of it out by increasing your damping, applying spring preload, or switching to a heavier spring.
I am surprised that you feel comfortable with a 450 lbs spring. I weigh 160 and find that a 550# spring is just right.  I suspect you may have to replace the 500 pounder for a heavier spring.
Lastly,  if your monkey is new with you, I would ride the noleen for a couple of months before replacing it.
A new full suspension bike rides great with whatever it came equipped with. After you really know how it behaves with the noleen, then start venturing.
welcome,
pedro

[Trail_Thumper]

That's some good advice Pedro. Thanks.