stratos xc pro on Proflex 855

[Dan B]

 [smiley=beer.gif]

This might not be possible but I have an 855, (well think it is, check out Deano's posting), and want to fashion an adapter to allow the 855 strut to take an eyelet to eyelet Stratos XC pro air/oil shock. The shock is 63mm centre eyelet to eyelet, 80mm total length. If anyone has done this I'd love to hear from ya.

Otherwise I'll have to fork out £170 for a new Risse Genesis shock, which would be a shame cause this XC pro shock has remote lockout.

cheers.

[tmaybee]

Hey Dan.  A risse Genesis should cost you $160 USD + shipping. If you want a Risse, contact Bill Larson.  He'll help you out.

I know that Sammydog made an adapter like the one you are talking about.


Trevor

[dan b]

  [smiley=beer.gif] cheers Trevor

[tmaybee]

np.  Just be sure to keep your shock and adapter length to 187 mm from the center of the top eyelet to the interface with the strut.

Trevor

[dan b]

to eliminate stress on the strut?

cheers,

D

[junkster]

meant 163mm eye to eye, not 63!  ; [smiley=nod.gif]

[tmaybee]

That is the dimension of the Risse shock.  You want to keep the dimension the same so the geometry of your bike does not change.

Trevor

[sammydog]

As Trevor said, I have made an adaptor that will allow most shocks to fit an x55 frame. The biggest problem I have had is getting a shock  with the right length. The adaptor unfortunately adds about another 15 - 20mm to the overall length of the shock.

I know I keep saying I am going to get pictures but I am having trouble getting to a digital camera.

[junkster]

Hi Guys,
          Tmaybee - thanks for comment - thought I'd put it out on the forum.

ok, here is what I have done so far. Check out my gallery for uptodate pics.

Using a similar version of one adapter I have seen on the forum, I am 90% there with installing the Stratos XC pro shock.
I have made a stainless steel bracket to fit to the strut, which has a curved hard plastic bung inside, between the curved of the shock's eyelet and the bracket itself. The bracket sits flat on the top of the strut.
The allen/hex bolt runs through the strut like normal, through the bottom of the braket, through a metal reinforced hole in the centre of the bung, and is held in place with a 5mm deep bolt.
The whole thing is then held in place with a bolt running through each side of the braket, through the centre of the eyelet, (with nuts either side). This will hopefully mean all the pressure is not on the braket, but transfered directly onto the strut. The Bung helps acheive this.

At the top I removed the current bushings from the Stratos and used the one from the original ODS elastomer shock, which coincidentally fitted like glove, along with the plastic spacers.

Now here is my dilema. Where you have the plates under the seatpost where the top of the ODS shock fitted, the large part of the Stratos shock, (where the remote lockout is), hits the plates. This means the eyelet and plate holes don't line up. Furthermore, in action, the shock is gonna move further into the plates.

As you can see from the picture in my gallery, it means I'll have to cut away a small amount at the plates, (see green marker pen indicators). Before I do this, (cause I am loathed to butcher the proflex if it could mean structural failure), does it:

A) have to be done - can anyone see another way?
B) will it weaken the plates?
C) is the area marked in green allowing for the required movement?
D) is the 5mm bolt at the end of the strut/bracket sufficient.

I'd be really grateful for any input you have.

I was looking down the road of getting a bracket machined in alloy, but it could cost up to £80, and I wanna do this on as little as possible. So far all it has cost me is the Stratos at a mere £60.

Incidentally the new shock, inc bracket is exactly the same length as the original ODS.

[junkster]

I did it! check my gallery for details. thanks for all your help people.

will let you know how it rides.

cheers,

Dan

[junkster]

Tested it on the road and it worked! Never had a full sus with air/oil - is so plush. Took potholes in its stride - made the front Manitou Six comp forks feel quite harsh in comparrison - darn it!

Will do a few more rides on the road until I am confident enough it is not putting undue stress on the strut - then off road. ;o)

cheers,

Dan