Hi, i have a specialized 05 fsr xc and which i bought new and ever since ive had it i notice when i hold the front brake and rock it back and foward it makes a clunking sound. There is a small amount of play where the shock joins to the pivot. Since it came like that from the shop im not sure if it is normal or not. If anyone can help with this thanks.

I have a friend with a '04 Stumpy FSR 30th Anniversary and his made a bit of clunking sound also. I have the same frame and mine does not - no play at all. Another friend has a '05 Stumpy FSR Comp - no play, no clunk.

This doesn't help explain the cause, but it will give you a couple of data points.

One question - any problems with the travel? (i.e. is it smooth?)

Had it under a year? My LBS will take care of ANY problems within a year of purchase. I'd see if they would honor that since it's been like that from the beginning. Although he might question what took so long.

no loose bolts or other hardware in that area?

I'd take it back to the shop to look at it. On my '03 I would eventually get some play at the lower shock eye that was due to bushing wear. I'd just take the shock off and haul it into my LBS and 5 minutes/ $15 later I was walking out the door with a brand new installed shock eye bushing and reducers. Since your's was like that from the get-go, wear seems unlikely but something to look at. It definetly shouldn't have any play......

Dean

Also in the same area of this check your bushings. On a well used bike, especially if they use soft bushings, they could be slightly ovalized. Check 3$ replacement.

Also my old bighit NEW came with an ovalized bushing. Definately something to look at

ok thanks, so if my bushings have become ovalized then i guess tightening the bolt will only be a temporary solution.

i thought this was a new bike?? shouldn't be ovalized if it was new unless maybe it was used for a while with a loose fastener. maelstrom said he has seen one come new ovalized and of course i believe him, but it cannot be too common. so were you the first owner of the bike? did you find a loose fastener? if it was used while loose and the bushing is worn then you need to replace it. your probs will just multiply if you don't

even if you cannot measure if it is ovalized you should be able to take it apart and see if the parts are suspect of being loose. it will be obvious. discolored metal dust type thing would be a giveaway that it was rattling around.