Replacing a rear bike shock

[mountainpete]

Hi gang,

Can someone school me on rear bike shock replacement?

I have an old (1999 I think) Rock Mountain Instinct with a Fox Vanilla Float rear shock. The shock still works but seems to lose air, albeit slowly. It's 12 years old and it's time to update it.

What are my options to replace the shock? Do I have to replace it with the exact same style? Can I get something with a lockout? How do I tell what size to buy?

Any suggestions and advise are appreciated.

Pete

 

[chris_the_wrench]

The two primary measurements you'll need to know are the eye to eye length and the stroke length. Some of the new air shocks will need to know leverage ratios, but there are only a couple that specific.

You could also check with hippietech about rebuilding your current shock...

-Chris

 

[mountainpete]

Is eye to eye length as simple as just measuring the distance between the two holes with the shock fully extended?

 

[chris_the_wrench]

Yep and most shocks are measured in inches. Let me know what you come up with for the two measurements, I may have a shock that'll work for you.

-Chris

 

[mountainpete]

Thanks Chris. It will be a shocking weekend - first I need to replace the rear shocks on my truck and then I'll pull this one off the bike.

Cheers,

Pete