flyboyfish

Hey guys, I want to replace the shock on an ~03 SC Heckler. I've been looking around and it sounds like 7.875x2" is the standard sizing. I've heard people suggest 2.25" of stroke would work well too.

Would I be able to go up to 8 or even 8.5" i2i? How about stroke, will 3" work or is that going to mess with the geometry too much?

Cheers

jimc101

What's the objective for the replacement? Replacing a shock with the incorrect size will normally lead to poor performance due to the geometry change, as the frame won't have been designed for it. Given that the frame is 10 years old, no testing increasing the travel could also lead to failure as it won't have been tested for any increase in stress that the additional travel gives.

flyboyfish

Well, I bought the bike used and the air chamber on the 5th Element coil shock is toast. It's been ridden for a while like that, so I'm worried the shock has been damaged beyond repair. None of the shops in my area (or myself) have the ability to rebuilt it, so it's going to get sent away. As an alternative to shipping it away, I was entertaining the idea of buying a new(ish) one. And so I was just wondering how strict I have to keep my search, or if I have some room to play with shock dimensions.

dminor 

With your Heckler, I would keep your search strict. As jimc101 stated, a longer eye-to-eye shock will jack the rear end up slightly, steepening the head angle - - something you definitely don't want. Longer stroke for the same eye-to-eye is not in and of itself a bad thing, BUT . . . you run the risk of two problems: tire contacting the seat tube at or near bottom-out; and/or BB/cranks contacting more ground objects at bottom-out.

You are correct that the stock shock's specs are 7.875x2, according to Fox's application spreadsheet (https://service.foxracingshox.com/con...educerSpec.xls), so be on the lookout for for the same size Fox RP3 or some such. In fact, Chain Reaction has that size RP3 right now for $226 - dang:
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/M...?ModelID=82842

flyboyfish

Awesome, thanks so much for the advice.

It seems that most people prefer coil shocks to air, and it seems like coils involve overall less maintenance (which I cant do at home). I was thinking of going with a dhx 3-5 or an rc4, depending on what i can find. Any input there?

Found a dhx5 on ebay, but I'm not sure if I can trust the seller: https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Fox-09-DHX-5-...ab33ff2&_uhb=1

flyboyfish

Though $220 for an rp23 sounds like a freaking steal...

dminor 

Haha, I think I'm getting jaded by all the weight-weenies on this forum, so I initially suggested the air shock. I prefer coil too, especially for a bike like the Heckler; although, the air units - - especially with the advent of the RP3s - - have come a long way.

I'd steer clear of the DHX5. I missed that generation myself, but I read way too many people having fiddly issues with them and couldn't wait for the RC4 to come out. I have an RC4 and it is an awesome shock. If you run across a deal on a Rocco WC, it's worth a look. Lesser Roccos had issues I believe but the WC I had performed flawlessly.

flyboyfish

Alrighte then! So if I had to pick between a new rp23 for $220 and a new rc4 for $250 with no reducing hardware (i assume that means the spring, annnddd.. what else exactly?) would you have a solid recommendation?

dminor 

^^ Boy, that's tough. Seems a pretty good price on the RC4, assuming it's new, barely used or guaranteed. Lack of reducing hardware is no big deal - - onlines have 'em cheap enough, you just need to know your sizing/part nos. (https://www.pricepoint.com/Brand/Fox-...dware-Kits.axd).

Still, at the price, I might be tempted to shave some spring weight and go with the RP3. If you're under 200# and won't be launching 6'+ drops it's a viable option. But the RC4 will never let you down.

flyboyfish

Wow dminor you've been a great help, especially with all those links! +1 rep to you! My LBS advised me of another big difference between coil and air: you can't ride air shocks below freezing. I live in a somewhat cold part of Canada that has winter 6 months of the year, so if I want to do any winter riding (certainly!) I'm gonna have to go with coil!

Anyways, I sent off the 5th Element to get repaired. Hopefully it's okay, but if not, it's RC4 time!

Thanks again!

dminor 

Happy to help. I honestly don't think you'll be disappointed in your rebuilt 5th. I personally think they're good shocks; I had one on an '05 Yeti AS-X and was pleased with how it performed.