Stratos Helix Pro

Serial Midget · Mar 26, 2003

I do not have any experience with the model you mention but I had huge issues with their customer service when I ordered my XC-Pro a few years back. It took me MANY weeks just to get an honest answer from them as to when it would ship. I must have heard "it's shipping out tomorrow" at least a dozen times. The only hold up seemed to be an L valve required for my Boulton rear triangle and a minor spacing issue that was easily sovled with OTC bushings. I think it was 6 weeks or more for delivery - I was promised 3 to 5 days when I placed my order.

The shock itself is flawless... :thumb:

but the bad customer service issues are burned into my brain. :angry:

Serial Midget · Mar 26, 2003

Originally posted by powderboy
One tip there Midget... for all our sakes, change your Avatar. I can't tell what's up with that half-naked fat lady and her little buddy, Tatu, but it just grosses me out...

Ah... my work here is done.

dhmtbj · Mar 26, 2003

I had one on my ellsworth isis and was very impressed by it. It was a 4 inch bike and the rear sucked up everything up nicely. I'd say go for it :thumb:

sub6 · Mar 26, 2003

CS would be the thing keeping me away from them.

There's a scary/interesting thread about a recent Stratos experience on the DH/FR board on MTBR, might still be on the first page.

That thread pretty much seals my decision to NEVER give them any of my money. Even the go-ride guys are admitting that it's a garbage company.

sub6 · Mar 27, 2003

jeez man - get a Romic or something!! Go-Ride has been a long-time supporter of Stratos. I'm not sure you'll get an unbiased opinion from him, to be perfectly frank.

Seriously, do you really want to support a company that treats SO many of it's customers like ****? I dunno if you've followed the great number of Stratos horror stories that have been posted on MTBR for the past year or so, but it's truly scary how bad they are.

Send the $$$$ to somebody who cares about you. Avalanche comes to mind (talk about customer service, that guy redefines the term) but an Avy might be overkill for that bike. I'd go with a Romic if you feel the same way, and don't wanna deal with all the adjustment of a 5th/Swinger.

The Helix is kinda old-tech anyway, that thing has been around for YEARS. Romic, Avy, and SPV/Curnutt style shocks are really the new wave of technology, you might as well get on board.....

SwisSlesS · Mar 27, 2003

Stratos are great shocks, go for it.

Matt D · Mar 27, 2003

I've had one on my bike for more than a year now, it does its job very well. The lockout is very nice to have on long road climbs.

I've never had an issue with them and I've dealt with them about a dozen times. I've always had quick responses (within 24 hours) from emails, which is something that you can't say about every company.

I also had an XC Pro, like that as well. They had quick turnaround too. I wore out the bushings and they sent me 4 at no charge, not even for shipping.

I'd gladly buy their product again and I hope them the best with the El Jefe.

auntesther · Mar 28, 2003

my very recent experience with Stratos:

starting about October sent regualr emails, all of which were returned within hours ( provided they were open), answered the TONS of questions I had with no problems. Very patient.
Ordered 3 shocks ( work at a shop) and they gave me a projected shipping date. I inquired on that date if they were gonna be going out. They informed me 2 of the 3 had already been shipped 4 days earlier and the 3rd was going out as scheduled. First 2 arrived 8 days ago.
I have owned a Helix pro. I had one for 2 years. Never an ounce of trouble, very reliable and worked much better than any Fox's I have owned as well as a RS Supr Deluxe.
Have had to deal with them on occasion for the past 2+ years and never had any problems. I have heard of people having problems but not me and I have liked their products.

Your choice but I have no problem buying from them

Kornphlake · Apr 2, 2003

I've got a 500 lb spring on my bike, it's too stiff for my weight so I'll be getting a new spring as soon as I can find time during the week to head up to SLC (it'd be cool to work at go-ride but it's inconvenient to have to go in during the week to buy anything there) anyhoo if you want my progressive spring to try out it's yours, Scott swears that the fox and progressive springs are close enough that they can be used as substitutes. I just am not sure what the stroke on your shock is, mine's a 2.25", kinda oddball for a fox, but it may work well enough to give you a ball park feel without having to pay for a new spring or a new shock.

When I talked to Scott about his 2 Step he mentioned the helix shock and said something about it not being the most reliable but he said they are just about the cheapest shock you can get and they seem to be the best shock for the 2 Step. Might want to have a good heart to heart with him and get the real story.

sub6 · Apr 5, 2003

more of Stratos' first-class customer service "at work:"
http://www.ridemonkey.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=48814

UnabikeR · Apr 5, 2003

The Stratos Helix Pro isn't anywhere near as difficult to set up as a 5th, however because of Stratos' hit-and-miss quality control and non-exsistant customer service I'd avoid them like the plague. I had an extremely bad experience with them a year ago and it doesn't seem like anything's changed at Stratos since then (except of course constant employee turn-overs).

Serial Midget · Apr 5, 2003

I think as long as you have your eyes open and you think it is the best shock for you then buy what you want. My shock has performed flawlessy and I could not be happier with it.

However... I paid full bore retail + 25 for the L valve and 90 to drill out and insert one bushing. By the time I was done I was pretty near $600.00 - for that kind of money the customer service I received was a disgrace.

My advice is ride their ass and get it in writing!!!

On another note... before the shock was installed and I was giving it the once over touchy feelie bit, the workmanship and finish detail were awesome. I had the same feeling I did with my first king headset. Nice. :thumb:

Serial Midget · Apr 5, 2003

Originally posted by Serial Midget
However... I paid full bore retail + 25 for the L valve and 90 to drill out and insert one bushing. By the time I was done I was pretty near $600.00 - for that kind of money the customer service I received was a disgrace.

OK. I lied... I just dug out the receipt and it says $465.00. Still for that kind of money the customer service should have been better. :monkey:

FlipSide · Apr 5, 2003

Romic doesn't make a 7 7/8x2.25 shock...so you can't fit one on the 2Step.

Stratos Helix Pro

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