My name is Jason and I have just acquired a very nicely kept 1994 Rocky Mountain (RMB) Equipe mountain bike. It does require a bit of work but I am very happy with it!
Most of the general maintenance I can perform (replace brakes/cables/clean/oil) but something that I am unable to tackle is the shock. The bike has a 2002 Rock Shox Psylo XC but the bike originally had the Rock Shox Quadra 10. The Psylo has more travel than the original shock. The original head angle of the bicycle with the original fork was 71 degrees. The original shock (Quadra 10) had 43mm of travel. The Psylo has 80mm-125mm of adjustable travel.
So what to do? Should I keep the Psylo or try and find another shock that is closer to the original? Should I worry about the frame head stock breaking because of the added travel if I keep the Psylo? If I were to go back to an original travel length shock what is out today that is suitable? I'm not worried about cost just would like to find something quality that will last and fit the bike geometry. I am curious what the gurus of the suspension world would do? I'd like to put the best shock for the bike on the bike.
Any help is greatly appreciated as I am unsure what will be the best in this situation?
All of the 2002 Rock Shox Psylo XC's info can be found here:
I did a bit of quick research and an curious if anyone makes a shock like the Bomber Z2 nowadays? Can the Z2 be adjusted to 43mm of travel? Where would it be possible to get one... Only ebay I bet? Thanks.
Although I doubt you can do it on the fork you currently have, there are ways of lowering the travel of a fork. It has to do with cutting a coil, but I'm not the person to ask about how to do it. Here are some instructions that I found:
"1) Cut the spring down by the amount you want to lower it.
2) Install a PVC spacer in the negative side to limit how far the fork can come up. "
Hello and jawdrop. That does make sense but I fear it is out of my abilities lol. Perhaps I could have an LBS do it for me if I cannot find something new that will do the job. ;-)
Every search I have run always points to finding something off of Ebay so I fear that is the route I may have to go but I'm still all ears if anyone out there knows anything different?
Hello and jawdrop. That does make sense but I fear it is out of my abilities lol. Perhaps I could have an LBS do it for me if I cannot find something new that will do the job. ;-)
Every search I have run always points to finding something off of Ebay so I fear that is the route I may have to go but I'm still all ears if anyone out there knows anything different?
Hello and very good point! I don't notice any instability at all but I never knew what the bike felt like before either because I bought the bike as-is... But I do think the Psylo is a much better fork than the Quadra 10 based on research.
I thank all of you so very much for all the replies! Please keep 'em coming!
Unless the bike handles horribly, I say keep the Psylo fork-- I seriously doubt it's going to snap off your head tube or anything crazy like that. The other option would be to check out one of the one the 63mm travel Sids...but I would stick with the Psylo
Unless the bike handles horribly, I say keep the Psylo fork-- I seriously doubt it's going to snap off your head tube or anything crazy like that. The other option would be to check out one of the one the 63mm travel Sids...but I would stick with the Psylo
I am thinking the same thing.. If the head tube was going to crack or break I am sure it would have happened by now. I do like the Psylo fork as it looks superb and I've always like the graphics on it and the bike handles great.
I do thank you for suggesting the SIDs as they are new to me and very very nice. They can be found here:
I am thinking the same thing.. If the head tube was going to crack or break I am sure it would have happened by now. I do like the Psylo fork as it looks superb and I've always like the graphics on it and the bike handles great....
Jason
Hey Jason - I am having similar issues with a '93 RM (upgraded fork from rigid)...Nice bike by the way!
Couple of things to do. Measure the existing travel - search for using 'zip-ties' or cable ties on the stanchions to see what travel is set to. (I don't know if you can adjust that fork with a lever or have to take the fork apart and set the travel. Get it to the 80mm.
Ease off the preload. That is, set it to the softest setting to start, so that you 'sag' more.
Use the adjustablitly of the fork to let the front end be as low as possible to start and see where it gets you...
(Play with the compression (going down) and the rebound (bouncing up) damping to get comfort).
Hey Jason - I am having similar issues with a '93 RM (upgraded fork from rigid)...Nice bike by the way!
Couple of things to do. Measure the existing travel - search for using 'zip-ties' or cable ties on the stanchions to see what travel is set to. (I don't know if you can adjust that fork with a lever or have to take the fork apart and set the travel. Get it to the 80mm.
Ease off the preload. That is, set it to the softest setting to start, so that you 'sag' more.
Use the adjustablitly of the fork to let the front end be as low as possible to start and see where it gets you...
(Play with the compression (going down) and the rebound (bouncing up) damping to get comfort).
Hi DMC and thank you for the very helpful info! It's something I should have thought about but didn't lol. It makes sense and I will do just that! Thank you very much.
Thank you for the compliment! I feel the same and do enjoy how the bike rides so I think so too. Thank you.
Many thanks to all who have replied too.... You guys/gals are awesome! :thumbsup:
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