My new trail bike, Kona Process 111DL is due to arrive in March so I'm planning the build right now. The frame comes with a Monarch RT3 in a weird size: 184x44mm (7.25x1.75). I was hoping to upgrade the shock to the Cane Creek Double Barrel Air but quickly discovered that this size shock is only available OE on a couple frames(giant Trance is another frame that has this size).
When looking at the closest DB air sizing I found 190x50mm (7.5x2), I don't want to screw up the geometry so I don't want to run a longer shock just so I can run a DB air. But I also figured out that using two offset bushings, each with 3mm of offset, I can theoretically bring the geometry back to stock.
I know the longer stroke will result in more wheel travel, I calculated that it will get 15mm more wheel travel from the 6mm increase in stroke. So as long as there's no frame contact at bottom out I should be Ok (can't check that until I get the bike).
Is there anything else I'm overlooking? Could the longer shock/stroke have any other adverse affects other than tire and frame contact? Anyone done something similar? Am I going through too much trouble just to have the DB Air?
When looking at the closest DB air sizing I found 190x50mm (7.5x2), I don't want to screw up the geometry so I don't want to run a longer shock just so I can run a DB air. But I also figured out that using two offset bushings, each with 3mm of offset, I can theoretically bring the geometry back to stock.
I know the longer stroke will result in more wheel travel, I calculated that it will get 15mm more wheel travel from the 6mm increase in stroke. So as long as there's no frame contact at bottom out I should be Ok (can't check that until I get the bike).
Is there anything else I'm overlooking? Could the longer shock/stroke have any other adverse affects other than tire and frame contact? Anyone done something similar? Am I going through too much trouble just to have the DB Air?