Stratos Helix rear shock

[Trail_Thumper]

Has anyone tried one of these? Are they worth the money? They look prety beefy and Stratos says it will fit my Monkey.

[keen]

 I'll tell you Stratos is a nice unit and comes in an 8.25" iei. but... I had the worst experiences dealing w/ technical support/ repair for the shock. I called a few months ago to purchase a spring and was told they didn't have any... "well when" they had no projection, "just call Fox" they say. I would never own their products again. I had too many problems to mention.

[Prowler]

and just to let you see both sides of the fence, I have been dealing with Stratos for over 5 years and NEVER had one problem. Parts always arrive on time or quicker than expected, they have called me back on several occasions(which hardly any company will do), they helped me fit new crowns to my SS6 when I got a frame with a 1.5 headtube, overhauled my fork and had it back in less than 2 weeks, and my Helix has been running strong for 4 years without a single problem. I seriously wonder if those who get bad CS bring it on themselves.

Anyway, yes, the Helix is a great shock and will work on your Monkey and it will be a humongous improvement over the Noleen/DNM or whatever is on there now.

[keen]

(QUOTE) - I seriously wonder if those who get bad CS bring it on themselves.

 Not by any means in my situation. I went to MTBR's product reviews (for all its worth) to check on the Stratos Helix Pro. I found quite a few negatives all concerning customer service. I had perfect luck thus far dealing w/ aftermarket companies. I decided to purchase the Stratos based on the products high ratings. I originally dealt w/ a gentleman in Strato's CS that knew the product in & out. In less than 1 year my lock-out quit working. Called Statos to find out that the gentleman in tech was no longer w/ the company. The owner's wife is now the sole tech. support operator. I was told over the phone that my shock would need a full rebuild - and no reasons could be given for the loss of lock-out. What was really frustrating was when I asked "why or what could cause the failure I was put on hold while she asked someone else (tech/ rebuilder) I finally asked if I could just talk to the other person she kept putting me on hold for? Her answer" If we let every consumer talk to our tech's we would be out of bussiness" Hmm? Wow that's good CS. Ok so I sent the shock in for service and ordered a 550 linear spring. I did ask that I would be informed as to what caused the failure. I received the shock in a timely manner. Problem 1) It had a 600 x 2.0 progressive spring 2) No explanation of failure was given. I called and asked why I was given the wrong spring, answer " that is all we had" . After going back in forth about spring availabilty, or lack, of I never could get a reason behind the failure, I gave up. Fast forward 5 mo. My lock-out is acting up again, it will lock but sags under compression. I call Strato's and tell them the problem. Answer: shocks tolerances change over time. In one ride? I was told to ride the shock and see how it felt after a few more rides - I did so w/o any change, as I expected. I called to get an RA and asked "shouldn't my shock last longer than 5 mo. after a rebuild? She say's the shaft could be worn out? I ask if they rebuilt it 5 mo. ago wouldn't they have noted this in the service... ok they just frustrated me I am sending it back again w/ the explicit instructions that they call me w/ ther finding. They also informed me I would have to pay for a rebuild as the warranty is only good for 90 days. 2 weeks pass and no call. That evening I find the shock on my doorstep. No call just repair and send I am upset. I call Stratos to find out they found a metal chip lodged in an o-ring so I was not charged for their mistake.... Now this is the first time I feel any satisfaction from this company.  Bottom line I sold the shock before re-use and feel like a weight has lifted. I am no longer @ the mercy of Stratos. If you have had good dealings w/ Stratos Thats great but don't discount others bad luck.

[Carbon_Angus]

FWIW I tried to get a Helix Expert (new) for my Oz and the rep said they weren't planning on making any more. That was back in Dec/03. I haven't called back.

I think it's a good shock though especially if you are looking for a matching i2i and coil/over to replace the Noleen.

Used might be the way to go, but I haven't called back to see if they'd run one for me. They just didn't seem to really care...or maybe having a bad day.

[GaryF52]

I run a Helix Expert on my 5000.  Awesome shock!  Damping is superb and the air assist and longer stroke gives at an almost bottomless feel.  You can also run a lighter spring than other shocks due to the air assist.  I weigh 163 lbs. and run a 300 lb.  spring.  This shock really smooths out the ride.   I'd rate as even better than my Fox Vanilla R.  

Worth the money?  I couldn't say.  Got mine used for less than half price.   If you can find a used one at a good price, go for it.  However, Fox Vanillas come up often on Ebay, sometimes brand new, and they usually go for less than $100.  I have one on my Disco Monkey and it's a damn good shock too.  

[Trail_Thumper]

Yeh, I been think'n bout the Vanilla R but, it seems not much different than a Nollen r2, just a different brand. Would you say the Helix is better than the Vanilla r?

[pedro]

I can tell you from experience, the fox vanilla R is a lively fun shock. You have to ge used to it because at first it will feel  bouncy (bob) which you can control using the damping control and or preload/smoothing your pedalling stroke.

I have read the helix is a much more damped shock. People who like to do bunny hops complain they can't get the rear end to bounce.  If you are into jumping over obstacles, or using your rear suspension to launch you off ramps, I guess you may not be happy with the helix.

On the other hand: I have not ridden the helix, but I imagine I probably would enjoy its.......mature....feel. I suspect that because of its damping, it probably lets the bike glide with more stability over rough sections, and allows for better pedalling.

You should also consider the new generation of stable platform shocks. These are probably more expensive to get right now, but promise to deliver an outstanding ride, reducing or eliminating what some consider the downside of single pivots, excessive bobbing.

[Matno]

I can tell you from experience, the fox vanilla R is a lively fun shock...
I have read the helix is a much more damped shock. People who like to do bunny hops complain they can't get the rear end to bounce.  If you are into jumping over obstacles, or using your rear suspension to launch you off ramps, I guess you may not be happy with the helix.

Well said. I love my Helix Pro for it's excellent shock absorbing capability, but it is certainly overdamped for bunny hopping and the like. If you like fast, rough trails, it's great. If you like slower, technical "hopping" kind of riding (or if you need to clear an obstacle in a hurry!) the Fox or Risse might be better. I can jump much better on my Astro-5.

[Trail_Thumper]

Well, I decided to go with the Vanilla R. I just got a new one and took it into Push Industries. They take it apart and rebuild it with performance parts such as a double stage piston. It will be ultra fast and sensitive but yet with there rebuild almost totaly eliminates peddal bob. It costs 138 bucks for the custom shock (on top of the shock price) but from what I hear, it is well worth it. They can take any old Fox shock and turn it into a top performer too. Something to think about!!!