Mountain Biking - Need Rear Shock advice for specializrd FSR'06

Hi all...the crappy Fox Triad on my '06 Specialized FSR XC has given up the ghost...shop said it's time to replace...I'm looking for something under $200 as funds are tight...need something dependable,I ride mostly singletrack with lots of roots.Any recommendations?I know I have to stick to the 6.5x1.5 sizing,but can I look at another brand of shock?Someone offered me a used(10 hrs. of riding) Rock Shox Monarch 4.2 in my size...heard mixed reviews(doesn't hold air,etc.)...feedback/suggestions please!

You're in luck - - that's a very common shock size. Start hunting eBay.

Hi all...the crappy Fox Triad on my '06 Specialized FSR XC has given up the ghost...shop said it's time to replace...I'm looking for something under $200 as funds are tight...need something dependable,I ride mostly singletrack with lots of roots.Any recommendations?I know I have to stick to the 6.5x1.5 sizing,but can I look at another brand of shock?Someone offered me a used(10 hrs. of riding) Rock Shox Monarch 4.2 in my size...heard mixed reviews(doesn't hold air,etc.)...feedback/suggestions please!

I think Push can rebuild your Triad better than new. Do a google search for Push Industries and look at the price for the rebuild and compare with an Ebay shock to see if it's worth it.

Bikewagon.com

Make sure to budget in some overpriced mounting hardware if you change brands

Your looking at $120 for a complete rebuild, air canister and dampener, through Push. Id say go that route. It will most likely be the cheapest route because new mounting hardware will not need to be purchased.

This is whats included from Push.

Complete external inspection
Complete disassembly
Complete cleaning and inspection of all internal parts
Performance Urethane Shaft Seal Installed
O-Rings Replaced
Oil Viscosity and Volume set using premium Maxima Racing Shock Fluids.
Complete reassembly
Nitrogen gas fill
Eyelet DU Bushings replaced
Air sleeve seals replaced
All shock functions are checked by technician utilizing a hand dyno
Secondary Technician review of all shock functions is completed
PUSH Factory Rebuild decal applied
Settings card filled out by Technician and signed

Also which bike is it? Is it a Stumpjumper, XC Comp,...?

I do remember the XC using a proprietary eye to eye size. A 6.5 would work but it was not optimal. Just something to keep in mind.

EDIT: It was not the eye to eye that was an odd size. It is the stroke of the shock. The 2006 FSR xc's use a 1.6" stroke. Not a 1.5". I would still suggest just having yours rebuilt by Push. Eliminates all headache.

yep....the FSR uses an odd stroke. You can get it rebuilt by PUSH. about a 14 day turnaround start to finish or you can buy the gasket/washer kit from I think Jenson or Fox directly and rebuild it yourself. Yes, it's that easy. I think there are videos on Fox or You Tube showing you how. It's pretty each if there isn't any damage other than gaskets and washer. I think you need to buy a pack of the lube to lube the gaskets and put in the shock.

Push does a dampener rebuild as well which the consumer can not do because the dampener is nitrogen charged. An air can rebuild is very simple. Just make sure to not scratch any of the sealing surfaces with the pic when removing the seals.

Id still recommend going through Push because by the sounds of it, this shock has never been services so a full service would be very good for it and pull more life out of the shock.

Also, the Fox seal kits come with a small pack of Float Fluid so no extra fluid would need to be purchased.

thanks for responses,I'm going to send to Push...best value I see and great reviews on their services...thanx for input!:thumb: