[jonKranked]

So i just picked up a 2005 Specialized SX trail (medium). The shock on it is 8.75/2.5 (i2i, stroke). I was hoping to put a Roco WC air on the frame, but the closest they have is an 8.75/2.75. My questions:

-Providing there are no clearance issues from the additional .25" of stroke, would there be any foreseeable issues with this?

-Could I compensate for the extra .25" of stroke by increasing the bottom out resistance, or would this put too much stress on the shock's internals?

 

[DownCycles_Stef]

As long as there aren't any clearance issues, you shouldn't have any problems. If you run the same percent sag as you did on your old shock, the head-angle when you're sitting on the bike will be a bit slacker, so you may find that you like running slightly less sag than you're used to. I wouldn't try and make any compensations with your shock. Not that it won't be able to take the abuse, but the more dampening you use on any shock, the quicker the internals will wear. I'd say, install it (assuming you can cycle through the travel with no problems), run the pressure a little high and just set the dampening where it feels good.

 

[jonKranked]

It's not the damping that I'd be using to compensate (directly), its the IFP (internal floating piston - which technically does affect damping). You can really fine tune the bottom out resistance by increasing the air volume/pressure for the IFP. I've tinkered with it plenty on my roco coil over so I'm not worried about actually being able to do it.


PS thanks for the info. I didn't think it would be problematic, but I just wanted to get a second opinion. Or find out it anyone has had any mishaps doing this.

 

[HAB]

Little bit of a grave dig, but have you made sure there's clearance? The air canister on the Roco airs is pretty damn big. I'd be concerned about it fitting though the seat tube on the SX.