Mountain Biking - Ever seen this done?

I've got a Mongoose, (ya, I know), but I've done some work to it and couldn't get enough out of it to make it worthwhile selling it, so I thought I might keep it as a winter bike. Or a backup if I break my NRS. It's got a Truvative crankset, Sram chain and cassette, UN72BB, Kool-Stop brake pads, Club Roost handlebars, Hutchinson Alligator tires, and Shimano 536 clipless pedals. I don't think the aluminum frame is that bad but the rear shock really, really sucks.
So here's the question. Has anyone ever made a hardtail out of a dual suspension bike? I was thinking of taking an aluminum bar of the correct length and replacing the rear shock with it. I can't see any problem with it myself. Has anyone ever seen this done or forsee any problems? Thanks, DG

I can't think of any problems...There are probably some. But unless the problem is something that could total the frame or you, I'd give it a go. Maybe find an aluminum bar sturdy enough would be hard?

Yes, I have seen people race with steel bars or whatever in place of a rear shock, I would think the mongoose wouldent break because that rear shock that u have is probably like a steel bar!

I see a problem with it. I have heard that doing such things like this can cause the frame to crack and break, because it was not designed to be a rigid bike. So the frame and welds are not meant to have that kind of stress applied to them. I would not do it. I was planning on putting a Fox sock with a lockout on my bike and was advised against it for this reason. A solid bar would be just as bad and probably worse.

I have a ProFlex 856 and at times I frequent ProFlex/K2 related sites. I have seen two ProFlexers use an aluminum strut in replacement of their shock while waiting for shipment/repair of shocks. cynosure.dyn.dhs.org/proflex/forum/index.html Copy and paste this into your browser and do the usual thing with your mouse to find a couple of ideas to use a shock replacement for your 'winter' Mongoose. Keep in mind, the use of a shock replacement will increase torsional forces to the swingarm. Like stated above, it will increase forces applied to welds that may, or may not, be rated for higher loads. With that in mind, I wouldn't worry whatsoever about it. It is, afterall, your 'second' bike, and if it breaks, so what.

yeah it would cause more stress to the swingarm. but if you dont care about the bike too much, you could always weld a gusset at the swingarm and strut to reinforce the whole bike. that would change how rigid the bike feels though, so it might ride a bit different.

Monkey Spud! Where you been? Haven't seen you post in a while.
Thanks for the input from all of you. I think I will give it a go. If it does break eventually, I'm really not out much. ;)

Hmmm, I'd be a little careful mate....I guess if other people have tried it and it worked for them, then maybe that's good enough...I don't think I'd take the risk though personally.

Just my 2p's worth...good luck!

Hi Monkey Spud...good to have ya back onboard!

Rich :)