Xbr500 rear shocks

[Propellor]

Generally speaking for coil springs.

Smaller wire diameter lower rate and potentially higher stress.  but this depends on material quality.

Smaller mean spring diameter is higher rate.
Less number of coils per given length is higher rate.

Longer overall free length just means more overall movement but it's how many coils in that length which determine the rate.

If your springs are on the shock you'll not know the free length.

Summary.... ride it and see 

You can get a fair comparison, if you're that way inclined, by removing each spring and using a press to find the rate. Put weighing scales underneath.

Spring calculators are on tinternet now but you need to know the material spec.

Look forward to hearing your appraisal upon riding.

[welland99]

Generally speaking for coil springs.

Smaller wire diameter lower rate and potentially higher stress.  but this depends on material quality.

Smaller mean spring diameter is higher rate.
Less number of coils per given length is higher rate.

Longer overall free length just means more overall movement but it's how many coils in that length which determine the rate.

If your springs are on the shock you'll not know the free length.

Summary.... ride it and see 

You can get a fair comparison, if you're that way inclined, by removing each spring and using a press to find the rate. Put weighing scales underneath.

Spring calculators are on tinternet now but you need to know the material spec.

Look forward to hearing your appraisal upon riding.

thanks - very informative.  however, as you said, there are too many variables and unknowns to predict how they will feel.  One thing is for sure though, they are lighter!

[welland99]

i went to fit them this afternoon.  Alas, they wouldn't fit.  the steel insert in the bottom bushes was too long for the aperture in the mounting fork.  New inserts are in the post.  Apologies have been given and accepted. 

[richardeblack]

Hello there
I have been using shocks from http://www.tecbikeparts.com who have a stand at both Stafford and Newark shows. I am on my second set. First lasted 3 yrs hard riding in all weather and on rough Lincolnshire roads which I didn't mind as they cost £45. I am still on my second set after 4 yrs (same price) and bought a spare pair a couple of years ago (still £45) along with a nice set of remote reservoir adjustable air shocks ( £80) both still on the shelf.
Nice people and very helpful. They also do some nice looking rearsets for a very reasonable price.
I will certainly carry on using them.
Cheers
Richard

[welland99]

Hello there
I have been using shocks from http://www.tecbikeparts.com who have a stand at both Stafford and Newark shows. I am on my second set. First lasted 3 yrs hard riding in all weather and on rough Lincolnshire roads which I didn't mind as they cost £45. I am still on my second set after 4 yrs (same price) and bought a spare pair a couple of years ago (still £45) along with a nice set of remote reservoir adjustable air shocks ( £80) both still on the shelf.
Nice people and very helpful. They also do some nice looking re*******ts for a very reasonable price.
I will certainly carry on using them.
Cheers
Richard

Thanks. They look nice, but a week too late for me.   Looks like the price has now gone up by £5, but still cheap.  The worry with cheap things is that they are not very good, but a recommendation is very helpful. 

Which ones will you fit next time? The spare ordinary set or the adjustable gas ones?

[richardeblack]

Hello again
Sorry about being too late. A shame because they really are very good quality. I think they have them made for them.
I will fit the standard ones on my hack XBR and probably put the air ones on the slightly tidier one I am building (very slowly) or I might save them for the smart one I plan to build one day or maybe for the cut down track one I also have thoughts about. All pipe dreams really but you have to have them don't you.
Which ones did you fit in the end?
Cheers
Richard

[welland99]

I bought the njb classic shocks in the end.  The replacement bush sleeves arrived today, so I popped them in and then had both shocks fitted in about half an hour. 

I only rode the bike briefly to the mot test, then home again (in the pouring rain, sigh), and i can honestly say that I could tell no difference from the old oil-less oem units.  (I thought the old ones were fine - but the mot tester had another opinion)

I'll provide an update when I've used them a bit more.