Rockshox MC 3.3 rear shock

Ro88o

Hi, i am looking for an upgrade to my Ario 2.1 rear shock on my Boardman fs comp.

I am juggling between a 2nd hand fox RP2 or a new Rockshox MC 3.3 from crc.

I know the RP2's are well recommended but, buying one 2nd hand without knowing how much hammer it has had is putting me off (dont want/cant afford to pay for a service straightaway either)

Has anyone had/got the 3.3 and have any pros/cons with it ?

any advice appreciated

p.s. my budget is £150 max

Bar Shaker

I'm not sure I would ever buy a secondhand shock. It's going to need an overhaul and then you are at, or over, the cost of a new one. Plus a new one has a warranty.

I have a 4.2 on mine but if the 3.3 is anything like it you will be very pleased. It's been 100% reliable, as you would expect.

richg1979

Ive had a few rp2-23s and rs monarch 3.3 and i prefere the rs shocks, but i have seen a few people having probs with leaks on rs shocks.

Bar Shaker

Problems look pretty even (read "rare") between both brands. They both want a service every year or so and both appreciate having dirt and grime cleaned off between rides.

Pudseyp

Hi I would even though it is secondhand take the Fox unit.....ask for some close up pics of the piston to ensure there are no scraches etc...also ask how old it is first, also it it a high volume or boost valve ?? if all looks good I would have it.

I have had a number of Fox shocks and all have been faultless, the build quality cannot be beaten, I am not saying that Rockshox are not as good, but all the reviews I have read about the Monarch ain't been good to be honest...

Bar Shaker

Pudseyp wrote:

I am not saying that Rockshox are not as good, but all the reviews I have read about the Monarch ain't been good to be honest...

That's interesting.

I have read many posts, including the one here, from owners that have had both that prefer the Monarchs. They are both good and will both perform well when in good condition.

Would I take the chance on a second hand one? Off ebay or similar??? Not a chance.

You first have to ask why people sell shocks. Very few people upgrade at this level, unless their shock is worn out.

Ro88o

Thanks to all,

Bar shaker has an excellent point - why would someone upgrade from an all singing all dancing RP2 ? it dosen`t make sense.

Its surprising how many i have seen advertised as " barely used, excellent condition, faultless, pristine, used for 3 miles only, kept as a spare etc.... " yeh right !

Do these people buy top quality FS bikes to go to the shops on, or do they all ride around farmers fields for hours on end thinking they`re Steve Peat.

Unless someone can convince me otherwise i think i`ll go for whatever i can afford - new
.
The rockshox is only £123 from CRC as well.



p.s. does anyone know if my existing bushes will transfer over or would it be better to buy new ones ?

Pudseyp

Ro88o wrote:

Thanks to all,

Bar shaker has an excellent point - why would someone upgrade from an all singing all dancing RP2 ? it dosen`t make sense.

IThe rockshox is only £123 from CRC as well.

Well your the one that asked the question !!!! and in my opinion the Fox is better, as for second hand if people didn't upgrade, change bikes/frames along with other stuff then ebay would not exsist....plus yiou kinda contridict yourself wanting to upgrade anyway !!! I have just looked at two RP2's on ebay both used and both look mint...

2011 RP2 £400 notes plus..2011 Monarch 3.3 £200 notes plus....enough said

Bar Shaker

Pudsey a quick search throws up lots of RP2 owners with leaking seals. I'll bet they all look mint. Why would you put a one year old RP2 on eBay to get, what, £150, if it worked perfectly? What would you be upgrading to and why?

Pudseyp

Bar Shaker wrote:

Pudsey a quick search throws up lots of RP2 owners with leaking seals. I'll bet they all look mint. Why would you put a one year old RP2 on eBay to get, what, £150, if it worked perfectly? What would you be upgrading to and why?

For ****s sake....why is it every time I post you allways pick holes....all along I have said in my opinion....I have been riding for 20 years and have allways found Fox to be faultless...I have also said there is nothing wrong with Rockshox however I have read reports in MBUK, MBR etc saying the Monarch does have realiability issue....I am repeating facts...I have never run one so can't comment on them...

I am not upgrading, so whty you asking me the question ! the original poster is upgrading so why is he doing it !!!! people do....perhaps their bike came with the RP2 and the bike in question could be more FR orientated...so they may have upgraded to a DHX etc...it does happen !!!!

So yes, I would still buy a secondhand RP2 over a new Monarch....as long as could see the photo's clearly....my neighbour bought one off ebay about 3 months back for his Whyte...he took a chance and the unit is perfect..

The poster is upgrading, gave the choice of two units, I gave my opinon and get slated by you and him...if he had no intention of a used shock why post in the first ****ing place !!

Pudseyp

Bar Shaker wrote:

Pudseyp wrote:

I am not saying that Rockshox are not as good, but all the reviews I have read about the Monarch ain't been good to be honest...

That's interesting.

I have read many posts, including the one here, from owners that have had both that prefer the Monarchs. They are both good and will both perform well when in good condition.

Well obviously you didn't read it right then did you :oops: , the above does state that he has moved from a Fox to a Rockshox can...then he goes on to say he has SEEN people with leaking units....hardly a glowing review.

Plus two other points, take a look at the premium brands, Cannodale, Trek, Marin, Specialized, Lappierre, Mondraker, Commencal, Santa Cruz and Orange....look at the rear how may Fox cans can you see ???? yep near all ! if the Rockshox cans were so good then I would assume I would see more of them....so factor this in to your comment about apparent issues with Fox cans...of course you will probably see a few more reports of leaking cans etc...but when they are probably outselling Rockshox 10 times over you would expect that...

Second point....if your beloved MR Chris "gold medal winning bike designer" Boardman had sorted the spec's of his bike in the first place so it gave a decent ride you would not have to upgrade....as the main reason for upgrading is either the part is gash (in this case Rockshox) or its not up for the job it was intended for !!

So yet again Fox for me...

Anonymous

Actualy, Pudsey, the split for 2010/2011 bikes seems closer towards being even betwen RS and Fox now, although it would appear fox stil have a small majority.

I'm not sure how much that has to do with quality, or price. And it's worth considering that the bike manufacturers get things a lot cheaper than us mortals.
But, as you say, for many years, Fox had a near monopoly on rear shocks on off-the-shelf-bikes.

Pudseyp

yeehaamcgee wrote:

Actualy, Pudsey, the split for 2010/2011 bikes seems closer towards being even betwen RS and Fox now, although it would appear fox stil have a small majority.

I'm not sure how much that has to do with quality, or price. And it's worth considering that the bike manufacturers get things a lot cheaper than us mortals.
But, as you say, for many years, Fox had a near monopoly on rear shocks on off-the-shelf-bikes.

Ummm intresting this is all about rear shock, agreed seeing alot more RS forks up front but this post is rear shocks specific....I had a look out of curiosity for the 2011 range (some still showing 2010)...Trek...all Fox, Lappierre....all Fox bar some X Control, Orange all Fox, Marin....near all Fox apart from some long travel bikes, Specialized, near all Fox, Mondraker all Fox, Giant again near all for except the cheaper models.....so on that kinda disagree...

ride_whenever

It's because what people want. It's mainly marketing gash, people will buy a bike with a fox over a RS regardless of ride quality because the bulk of people are shallow numpties.

Pudseyp

ride_whenever wrote:

It's because what people want. It's mainly marketing gash, people will buy a bike with a fox over a RS regardless of ride quality because the bulk of people are shallow numpties.

Reliabilty and quality is what people want....and if Rockshox topped the bill I am sure that they would be standard equipment on more bikes...with you quote of shallow numbities you have probably offended 90% of riders with rear suspension....

Anonymous

Pudseyp wrote:

yeehaamcgee wrote:

Actualy, Pudsey, the split for 2010/2011 bikes seems closer towards being even betwen RS and Fox now, although it would appear fox stil have a small majority.

I'm not sure how much that has to do with quality, or price. And it's worth considering that the bike manufacturers get things a lot cheaper than us mortals.
But, as you say, for many years, Fox had a near monopoly on rear shocks on off-the-shelf-bikes.

Ummm intresting this is all about rear shock, agreed seeing alot more RS forks up front but this post is rear shocks specific....I had a look out of curiosity for the 2011 range (some still showing 2010)...Trek...all Fox, Lappierre....all Fox bar some X Control, Orange all Fox, Marin....near all Fox apart from some long travel bikes, Specialized, near all Fox, Mondraker all Fox, Giant again near all for except the cheaper models.....so on that kinda disagree...

I was talking about rear shocks, based on pre-production info I was reading over the last few months. It seemed a lot of manufacturers were going with RS air cans at the back.
BUT, you're quite right, i just doublechecked, and I was wrong, the final production bikes almost all have Fox rear shocks.
I wonder why so many specced RS, then went back to Fox for production?

CraigXXL

I prefer the quality of Rockshox over Fox but I do think a lot of it is image driven. I would've argued that Fox was the better a few years ago but there is very little between them now with some Rockshox products better than Fox and Visa Versa.

To the OP, get which you want but speak to someone like TF Tune for their opinion based on your riding style and what you want out of it. You don't need to buy it from them but they'll give you their expert advise freely.

Anonymous

Craig, whilst I wouldn't argue that both are very close in terms of quality, I would suggest that they have a differnt "feel" to their characteristics.
Same with Marzocchi. Personally i prefer the Marz or Fox "feel" over RS, but it's all personal.

CraigXXL

Agree with you there. I love the feel of Rockshox dual air over the Fox air system it makes them feel much more plush and reactive. By the same token the Talas system is better than anything that Rockshox offers at the moment. Each and every manufacturer has Pros and Cons with none being the clear winner but some people will benefit from one more than the other hence speak to the Pros for their advice.

Pudseyp

yeehaamcgee wrote:

BUT, you're quite right, i just doublechecked, and I was wrong, the final production bikes almost all have Fox rear shocks.
I wonder why so many specced RS, then went back to Fox for production?

yeah did see that at Probike....but I guess though if they have reverted back to Fox in a way it kinda proves how reliable the units are as they are not the cheapest ?

Ro88o

Jeez, stirred up a hornets nest here - i can feel the tension :x

Seriously though, i take on board everyones comments and i apologise for ranting about 2nd hand shock sellers.

There are some good looking shocks on ebay/pinkbike and the like, i`ve been getting frustrated cos i`ve been looking for about a month now with no joy, i was told 190mm/50mm `s were popular but they are few and far between at mo.

Pudseyp is right about the Boardman in respect to the shock they supplied it with, its the biggest let down on the bike (its gash), thats why its got to go.

Does anyone find that having Fox and Rockshox as a paired unit front and back works better on FS or is it just a personal preference ?

I have recon 335`s on the front thats all.

Anonymous

Ro88o wrote:

Jeez, stirred up a hornets nest here - i can feel the tension :x

Tension? Wow, you must be new here. This is about as close to playing nice as the forum ever gets. In fact, is there ANY argument here?

Ro88o

I dont post that often - its true. (only 13148 behind u )

He He.. no argument really unless u count Rockshox vs Fox, was just after some guidance on what to buy thats all, bloody minefield out there.

At least i haven`t said anything about FS vs HT, SPD vs FLATS etc....

Pudseyp

Ro88o wrote:

Does anyone find that having Fox and Rockshox as a paired unit front and back works better on FS or is it just a personal preference ?

I have recon 335`s on the front thats all.

A lot of the bigger and smaller bike producers are using Rockshox more on the 2011 range, and the Reba's especially get great reviews...so yep we will be seeing more of the Rockshox/Fox mix on the trails next year..

Bar Shaker

PMSL, you been on the blue Smarties again Pudsey?

Pudseyp wrote:

Second point....if your beloved MR Chris "gold medal winning bike designer" Boardman had sorted the spec's of his bike in the first place so it gave a decent ride you would not have to upgrade....as the main reason for upgrading is either the part is gash (in this case Rockshox) or its not up for the job it was intended for !!

So yet again Fox for me...

I didn't upgrade. My bike came with the 4.2 factory fitted.

The Comp rear shock is a budget unit, but then all shock brands make budget units. At the price of the Comp, its still way better than anything else for that money. How many FS bikes for £700 come with an RP2 or high spec Monarch?

Bar Shaker

Pudseyp wrote:

perhaps their bike came with the RP2 and the bike in question could be more FR orientated...so they may have upgraded to a DHX etc...it does happen !!!!

Perhaps they are upgrading to Monarchs

Pudseyp

Bar Shaker wrote:

Pudseyp wrote:

perhaps their bike came with the RP2 and the bike in question could be more FR orientated...so they may have upgraded to a DHX etc...it does happen !!!!

Perhaps they are upgrading to Monarchs

Not if they had any sense.....

Pudseyp

Bar Shaker wrote:

PMSL, you been on the blue Smarties again Pudsey?

Bless..though I would have some reply in one way or another...

Just one point...as you have stated the "high spec Monarch" all along....and again I say if they are the bee's knees then why don't we see more OEM units ????

Fox sell probably 10 times over RS with regards to rear cans....to me that is statement enough on how good they are...ummmm two very good suspension makers, two similar products, one sells 10 times as many as the other...errr which would I chose ??

Bar Shaker

Morning Pudsey

Your point is good but new kit will always take time to become recognised. Years ago, before SRAM bought Rock Shox, they were a mediocre brand. I believe that the massive investment SRAM have made will pay dividends and we are already seeing RS front shocks being recognised for their quality and rated above Fox, it won't be long before RS rears are recognised too. The much smaller sales volume of rear shock units and the reliability of all main brands means most people stick with what it came with.

One of the problems, as you rightly point out, is that Fox shocks are so widely fitted. They are almost like clitorises (old joke - every c**t has got one), there are so many about that no one gets to try the opposition. I have ridden several Fox equipped FS bikes, but not for over a year. The Fox rears are quite a linear damper. The resistance is progressive and whereas the RS units feel very plush over small surface textures but load up nicely when cornering. Then, when you hit something really big, the high speed damping takes over and it soaks up the lump like it wasn't there. My RS felt better 'out of the box'/un set up, than the best I could get out of Fox units (albeit, low to mid spec ones).

Neither of this answers the OPs question though and I would still want to know why someone was selling a top spec rear shock (any brand) on eBay. Why do they no longer want to use that one and should I give them £150 for it.

There are plenty of eBay stories on this forum where people did not ask such questions and are now left owning goods that were not what they should have been, which are defective in ways that were not immediately apparent, which are stolen or which cannot be made to fit. If I bought one, I would want to collect it in person so I knew where the seller lived and pump it up to 200+ psi before handing over my money. Even this would be little guarantee but if the seller was too far away or wouldn't sell like that, I would walk away.

As for the initial cost of these various units, that has no bearing on the quality. As said above RS need to break further into this market and will price their products at a level that achieves this. Their brakes and groupsets are now at the top of most peoples' lists. I am crtain that their shocks will be soon, too.

They certainly deserve to be.

Pudseyp

Every **** has got one as they are so good...it takes something significant that will create a paradigm shift....such as Hoover to Dyson...

As you say RS are know making fantastic forks, some riding buddies have them and rave about them especially the new Revs...and am sure RS will catch Fox with rear cans soon...if like I have said all along they had the same performance and reliabilty as Fox at a similar price then why aren't the OEM's using them...If I was one I would look at it (and I am sure you would) but I guess they are not quite there yet and if your are selling 1000's of bikes per year you want the best equipment on it pound for pound, as ultimatley the liability lies with you for warranty, so damage imitation will be to use the best you can as you don't want your brand image to suffer.....

Ref your point of why someone selling second hand....I don't know...why don't you quiz them instead of using it as a point of not to consider it....like I have said it could have come with a FR/Alpine style frame and some prefer a coil or something like a DHX...they could be upgrading a frame and using other components or even upgrading to an RP23 with a boost valve...I don't know.....you will allways see near new compenents on ebay...does it worry me....no.....as I know what to look out for....would I buy a second hand rear can......yes I would...

Ref your point about people buying on ebay....if you had common sense and were unsure...then ask questions...if not more fool you....like buying anything secondhand, if your savvy enough you will get a bargain...

Ref cost vs quaility....your point is bollox...of course cost is a major factor on quality

Anonymous

Bar Shaker wrote:

Years ago, before SRAM bought Rock Shox, they were a mediocre brand. I believe that the massive investment SRAM have made will pay dividends and we are already seeing RS front shocks being recognised for their quality and rated above Fox, it won't be long before RS rears are recognised too.

Seriously, are you on crack? Rockshox was one of the pioneers of bicycle suspension, and they've been at it for ages, and have been very highly regarded for years before the SRAM buy out.

The Fox rears are quite a linear damper. The resistance is progressive and whereas the RS units feel very plush over small surface textures but load up nicely when cornering. Then, when you hit something really big, the high speed damping takes over and it soaks up the lump like it wasn't there. My RS felt better 'out of the box'/un set up, than the best I could get out of Fox units (albeit, low to mid spec ones).

Again, a load of crap. Fox (and rockshox) work with bike designers to make sure the shock and the frame work in harmony. What works on one frame won't necesarily work on another.
TFTuned also offer a service to set the shock up to whatever bike you're fitting it to fir this reason.

RS need to break further into this market and will price their products at a level that achieves this. Their brakes and groupsets are now at the top of most peoples' lists. I am crtain that their shocks will be soon, too.

Again, load of crap. RS are already well respected, and have been before their ties to SRAM.
Likewise, SRAM is sharing the top spot with Shimano, there's not a lot to seperate them, and they both have their unique selling points.

You come across as a blinded fanboy, give it a rest.