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Need help deciding what shocks to get


robert.b.west

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I have the 450 shocks on there now but I would like to get something that is meant for it. The 450's are just too stiff through the small rough stuff. I only weigh 140lbs. I was thinking about a set of works but have no clue what I should get. I ride mostly dunes (90%) and ride fast trails every once in a while (10%). I want something that will help riding over the truck ruts at the dunes but also be good for jumping. I would like something that is adjustable and have no problem spending $500-$600 if necessary. I also have +2+1 wicked arms. Help me out guys.

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I have the 450 shocks on there now but I would like to get something that is meant for it. The 450's are just too stiff through the small rough stuff. I only weigh 140lbs. I was thinking about a set of works but have no clue what I should get. I ride mostly dunes (90%) and ride fast trails every once in a while (10%). I want something that will help riding over the truck ruts at the dunes but also be good for jumping. I would like something that is adjustable and have no problem spending $500-$600 if necessary. I also have +2+1 wicked arms. Help me out guys.

 

If you mostly ride dunes... I would go for a set of dual rate shocks. If your budget is 500-600, look for a set of used Elka's or Axis. They are the cream of the crop, in ATV shocks. Reservoirs aren't necessary for most people, but if you go on LONG rides, it might be worth the extra investment. Reservoirs keep the nitrogen and oil separated, and reduce fade as the shocks heat up.

 

If you are unfamiliar with how shocks work, lemme give you a quick run down. Shocks are filled with a thin oil, typically 3-10wt, depending on the manufacturer, and pressurized with nitrogen. The reason for a reservoir, PRIMARILY, is to seperate the oil and nitrogen. This is done with what's called a "nitrogen bladder". Literally it's a plastic balloon inside the reservoir that expands with nitrogen pressure. This keeps the oil in the shock under a consistent pressure, giving you smoother dampening. No air bubbles means a constant viscosity. The dual rate spring setup works by using two springs. The top spring is typically a significantly lighter spring rate. This helps with the light choppy stuff. As that spring collapses it engages the "primary spring", which is a stiffer spring rate, thus giving you more dampening for jumping, or hard riding.

 

Hope I helped.

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If you mostly ride dunes... I would go for a set of dual rate shocks. If your budget is 500-600, look for a set of used Elka's or Axis. They are the cream of the crop, in ATV shocks. Reservoirs aren't necessary for most people, but if you go on LONG rides, it might be worth the extra investment. Reservoirs keep the nitrogen and oil separated, and reduce fade as the shocks heat up.

 

If you are unfamiliar with how shocks work, lemme give you a quick run down. Shocks are filled with a thin oil, typically 3-10wt, depending on the manufacturer, and pressurized with nitrogen. The reason for a reservoir, PRIMARILY, is to seperate the oil and nitrogen. This is done with what's called a "nitrogen bladder". Literally it's a plastic balloon inside the reservoir that expands with nitrogen pressure. This keeps the oil in the shock under a consistent pressure, giving you smoother dampening. No air bubbles means a constant viscosity. The dual rate spring setup works by using two springs. The top spring is typically a significantly lighter spring rate. This helps with the light choppy stuff. As that spring collapses it engages the "primary spring", which is a stiffer spring rate, thus giving you more dampening for jumping, or hard riding.

 

Hope I helped.

 

Should I stay away from Works shocks? It looks like I could get a new pair of dual rates with rezzys for like $500 on ebay. Or would I be better off waiting for some used elkas. I would really like to be able to adjust compression rebound and preload.

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Should I stay away from Works shocks? It looks like I could get a new pair of dual rates with rezzys for like $500 on ebay. Or would I be better off waiting for some used elkas. I would really like to be able to adjust compression rebound and preload.

I don't know that I would spend 500 bucks on Works. I would wait, and spend 600 or so on some Elka, or Axis. Personally, I would run Axis shocks, but they are pricier.

 

Also, if you have a shock that is set up right for you, and your type of riding, the compression, and rebound adjustments are a waste. Preload is only really beneficial if you plan on gaining or losing a bunch of weight... :rotflmao: It's always nice to have those options, but you are going to have to pay for em.

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I don't know that I would spend 500 bucks on Works. I would wait, and spend 600 or so on some Elka, or Axis. Personally, I would run Axis shocks, but they are pricier.

 

Also, if you have a shock that is set up right for you, and your type of riding, the compression, and rebound adjustments are a waste. Preload is only really beneficial if you plan on gaining or losing a bunch of weight... :rotflmao: It's always nice to have those options, but you are going to have to pay for em.

 

I agree with Matt on this. Save up and get some better end shocks. They will be worth it in the long run.

 

I have had Works and didnt like them from day one. Tried many of times to get them to revavle them the right way and they couldnt get it right. Went with Elka and has been right sense day 1.

 

I have two bikes with the elka pogo's and they work just great. I have two other bikes with the elka dune series shocks and they are cream of the crop for dunes. Dont let friends ride your bike because they will not want to get off!

 

As Matt said above. If your an aggressive rider. I would look at getting shocks with Rez's for the added cooling effect. My Work Pro series shocks would fad after 30 mins of riding. Get off and the shocks got HOT. I can ride very aggressive with my elks and get off and they are still cold after the ride.

 

But dont get me wrong. You if you can find a great deal on some works that are not the Pogo's and have compression adj and/or rebound. I would jump on them. Then ride them and see what you like and dont like. PM Matt and talk to him about getting them revavled/sprung for your riding and you will never look back. Well you will and say why the HELL did it take me so long to have done this!!!

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If they are setup a little heavy for you, then you can contact Ohlins and get the correct main spring. I bought a set of Elkas that were setup for a 160lb rider. I contacted Elka and they sent me two new main springs to get them setup for 225lbs. It cost me an additional $100 bucks for the additional springs from Elka. That set of Ohlins is a really good deal considering you usually can't find a set of front shocks alone for that price. If I was looking for shocks, I wouldn't hesitate any longer.

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