Mountain Biking - alternative to rear shock

hey guys, i just bought a giant nrs and within 3 weeks the rear shock was having leakdown problems (rock shock sid). I brought it back to the shop and they sent it back to have it rebuilt without any questions. The problem i'm having is that I'm stuck without a bike until it gets replaced. I cant complain too much, because the owner let me use his personal xtc hardtail last weekend (it was sweet). What i'm wanting to know is have any of you seen a replacement link of some kind to take the place of the rear shock and make the bike rideable until i get the shock back? I know i coult build one without any problems, but i was wondering if it you have any adverse effects on the rear suspension bushings. If you guys have any experience or guesses let me know. thanks in advance.

MIKE

Are you talking about trying to make it a lockout, say with a piece of wood or something?

like replacing the shock with a piece of round alluminum with an eyelet on each end. assuming you take in to consideration the sag of the shock to get the right geometry, will it work?

I'd be careful with that. Chances are the mountings were not designed to take on an unforgiving impact force such as ones you'll likely see if a shock wasn't there.

i think your right, maybe i should just get a really chaep shock for situations like this. any other suggestions.

mike

i think your right, maybe i should just get a really chaep shock for situations like this. any other suggestions.

Cheap shock?

You could measure your eyelet to eyelet and then head down to *-Mart to buy one of those $75 dual-suspension "bikes". Find one that's close and buy it for the shock. It's guaranteed to suck but if you can stand pogo'ing all over the place then maybe it's worth it. Note that I will not drink my own Kool-Aid in this case. ;)

I'd be careful with that. Chances are the mountings were not designed to take on an unforgiving impact force such as ones you'll likely see if a shock wasn't there.

Ditto multiple times.

"cheap shock" meaning used off of ebay with one air chamber and no rebound adj. I should be able to rebulild that on my own and keep it as a spair. anybody got a used shock?

There are plenty of coil over shocks on ebay. You wouldnt have to worry about loosing air anymore :D

anything thats cheap and will let me ride will work for me.

Now that i think about it wouldnt having a "round alluminum with an eyelet on each end" as mentioned above be the same as a shock with lockout?

Now that i think about it wouldnt having a "round alluminum with an eyelet on each end" as mentioned above be the same as a shock with lockout?

Yes. And that's why many shocks with lockouts also have a blow-off circuit for insurance.

ah that makes sense.