I have an older specialized rock hopper. I would like to attach an infant seat on the back, but the problem is the way its attaches you cannot have rear suspension. My suspension does not have a lock out on it. I don't really want to buy a new shock with a lock out. Is there a way I can lock it out with some sort of an adapter? Can I remove the shock completely and put a solid post in? What are my options?

Get a bike that is suited to the job that you need it for.

Wow, how insightful. Thanks so much for the help.

Glad I could be of help.

I don't think that anybody would recommend replacing the shock with a solid rod.

Sorry bro, I am not an expert. I have no idea whats possible or not. Its awesome that kindhearted helpful people like yourself browse these forms and provide supprt.

What are you going to use the bike for?

Only transporting your baby
or
Transporting your baby and mountain biking

If it's only transporting your baby you might be better off getting a different bike.

* The lockout on shocks isn't a true lockout, they do make a shock rigid but if you hit a big bump the shock will compress.

Honestly, you will have to build something at home to fit in the space of the shock if you want to make it rigid. I have never come across any aftermarket part sold to convert a full-suspension into a hardtail. With the lockout on, the shock will still sag slightly so the infant seat might or might not rub with the tire. It really depends how much clearance you currently have now. I would go into a LBS and ask to see a bike with a lock-out rear suspension and lock it out and push on the back so you can have an idea of how much it sags.

The other option is if you do ride a lot of trails, then keep this bike and find a inexpensive hardtail or hybrid to be used for riding with the infant.

Instead of going through all the hassle of creating something rigid that fits, I would look into one of those kid trailers.

Kid trailer is not a bad idea. The bottom of the trailer is basically the material in between two rods. So if the kid kneels or bounces while the bike is in motion then the cloth rubs with the pavement; eventually, making a hole.

Yeah, they should remain seated, strapped in at all times,,then they will be fine.

i have a croozer for 1 and it doesnt rub at all. its not a fancy pants thule chariot but its just as good. has been going hard almost 4 years now.
But if you insist on the infant seat, i believe a second bicycle would suit better aswell, just to simplify the situation.

i would think it would be easy enough to dismantle the existing shock and make it immovable. at least the attachment points are already there. after all, the hard part was making it move.

I ride mountain bikes, but not full suspension, so take what I say with a grain of salt. I think it is probably possible to replace the shock with some type of rigid bar, but I don't know how stable that old rear triangle will be to want to actually place a human being in some plastic carrier and ride.

We have 3 kids so I can give you this advice on this. Rear bike carriers are a pain and the extra weight throws the balance off. Years ago we decided that a bike carrier was not the way to go and we went out and spent the money on a trailer. It was a Cannondale Bugger and it was bulletproof. Pulled the kids all over the place when we camped. You can't buy one anymore, but there is probably something out there that will work just as well. Don't buy a bike, buy a trailer.

John

Cobba had the best idea right off the bat, its not even worth thinking about. Just pick up a freebee crappster and tune it up and use it as a sunday put around with the kid bike.
its not worth compromising your trail bike for.