Mountain Biking - Rear Shocks for XC Ride

Trying to replace the 5th Element rear shock on my wife's Blur and my Titus Racer X. What are you all riding out there? Any recommendations? Thoughts on Manatou's Swinger 3-way air? Our strength is on the climb so we want to minimize any loss of efficiency, while taking the edge off on the down hill.



Thanks

I can't help with what to get but I strongly urge you NOT to get the Fox Vanilla R's they are horrible on the climbs. You could go with the Fox Vanilla RL. Which features a lock-out. Neither have Air Assist. The Fox Vanilla RC does, but it does not have a lock-out.

pretty much any company offers a "stable platform" rear shock it's just a matter of preference about company. Mountain Bike Action actually did a worthwhile article for you about the exact subject. I guess look towards Manitou of Fox if the 5th element didnt work out for you

Uh...you have one of the best stable platform shocks made. I've seen nary a complaint about that shock. You might not have it/them setup correctly.

Uh...you have one of the best stable platform shocks made. I've seen nary a complaint about that shock. You might not have it/them setup correctly.

We have had to send both shocks back. Leaking oil, loosing air.

Our LBS has had to send about 4 back.

You are crazy!

The 5th is THE best stable platform line of shocks ever made. It's the lightest (in the air version that I'm guessing you have). It's very strong. It's well made. Call Progressive and ask what's up with the shock, because it is very rare for something to go wrong with those beauties.

C'mon give the guy a break. He had 2 break and his shop has had problems with others. I guess it's not the greatest thing ever made if it doesnt work. Endo do you have one on your bike right now?

If your looking for an air shock Ive heard really good things about the cane creek cloudnine. i havent heard many people complain about lose of air but if you do the rebuild kit is around 20$ and you can take it apart with a single allenwrench.

C'mon give the guy a break. He had 2 break and his shop has had problems with others. I guess it's not the greatest thing ever made if it doesnt work. Endo do you have one on your bike right now?


I actually did have one on my FS race bike (which I sold due to money problems) and never had a problem with it. I am only speaking from personal experience here, and that is why I am saying these things. You should give Progressive a call, because I have seen many people use them without problems, including myself.

We have had to send both shocks back. Leaking oil, loosing air.

Our LBS has had to send about 4 back.

I'm hoping this is the first time yours is being sent in. Oftentimes OEM shocks don't seem to have the quality control that aftermarket shocks get. I'm sure once you get them back, you'll be happy with them. They truly are good shocks weather it be the 'air' or 'spring' version. I have expereance with both. Progressive is a good company and they will treat you right. It's not like you have them on budget bikes, your riding on high end scoots; I can tell you that both the SC and Titus were pretty much designed around that shock!

Be patient and your problems should go away once you get them back. Just make sure you have them both setup correctly, as having too much air can cause problems.

Ride on!!

You know that the answer is waiting in a hardtail frame. But no one is perfect.

Seriously though the manitou should work just fine.

I use the DT swiss SSD 210L which is their rear shock with lockout. I don't have any complaints about it and it's alot smoother and lighter than the old Vanilla X that came on my bike.

I use the DT swiss SSD 210L which is their rear shock with lockout. I don't have any complaints about it and it's alot smoother and lighter than the old Vanilla X that came on my bike.


I think that he was leaning towards stable platform.

The 5th Air shock is not very good. Granted it does work great but breaks down easily and often. every one I know that has one or had one complains. The coilover 5th is a great shock.

If you are looking to stay with an air shock I would suggest the Fox AVA RL. It is a nice shock and with the Pro-Pedal helps minimize bob so you can climb without any problems. You can check it out here AVA RL (http://www.foxracingshox.com/website/ProductList.asp?Market=MBike&SubCategoryId=11) . It also has a lockout for those time you really need it but I have never had to lock mine out.

:beer:

it may be worth waiting for the 2005 Fox range to come out.