Rear Shock

rmurgatr
rmurgatr Posts: 9
edited April 2009 in MTB buying advice
I have the rather basic Manitou Radium RL rear shock on my Trek TF7.
Since new the rebound control has been a bit stiff, but now it has seized up almost completely.

So what I am after is a rear shock that will fit my setup.

i've had a look around all the usual online places but they seem to stock shocks that are 150mm upwards

I need a 98mm (from what I can remember?!) although I'm sure a 100mm would do just fine.

Any ideas where I can get hold of one. Any make/model considered!
I don't really want to spend more than £200...

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    why not just get it serviced?

    what year bike is it?
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • rmurgatr
    rmurgatr Posts: 9
    It's 2007.
    I have thought about getting it serviced, but I've seen a few shocks that only cost £50 more (wrong size still though) than a service in clearance deals. Plus the rebound (when working..) on the Manitou offers very little in adjustment anyway.

    It's also the fact that I can't find any 100mm shocks, especially now due to the mini resurgence of short travel marathon / race bikes. Where do these come from if I can't find AM ones?!
  • rmurgatr
    rmurgatr Posts: 9
    So...

    while looking around on the web and getting dissapointed at the choice of shocks available to me (non) It dawned on me that the sizes quoted could in fact not be the amount of rear wheel travel, but the actual eyelet - eyelet lengh of the shock.

    On checking my radium this seems to be around 165mm give or take.

    If I am correct the choice is now a lot wider, but how do I measure the stroke length to make sure I get the correct size. i.e. 165 x 38mm

    Sorry if these question seem a bit basic, but in all my years of riding, up until now rear suspension has been mostly pre-fit and forgotten about, apart from the odd tweak.
  • Daz555
    Daz555 Posts: 3,976
    rmurgatr wrote:
    If I am correct the choice is now a lot wider, but how do I measure the stroke length to make sure I get the correct size. i.e. 165 x 38mm
    Check Trek site for specs/manuals on your bike - hopefully they've included the shock specs as well.
    You only need two tools: WD40 and Duck Tape.
    If it doesn't move and should, use the WD40.
    If it shouldn't move and does, use the tape.
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    you are getting there. i2i is bolt center to bolt center fully open

    stroke is that measurement minus the bolt center to bolt center with the shock fully compressed please note there maybe foam bumpstops you can not see reducing the apparent compressed length.

    but have a look in the trek archives.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown

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