Stumpjumper 2008 Shock replacement / options

[tunsis]

I'm slowly updating / refreshing bits of my Stumpjumper and am wondering what I can do with the rear shock.

Bike is 2008 Stumpy S-Works with a Specialized AFR with Brain.

To service the Brain shocks they have to be removed and sent to Melbourne and it costs $200-$300. Seems alot of hassle for a 6 year old shock so am thinking that maybe it would be better to replace it entirely with something newer.

Options seem limited though as Specialised do these in a funny 184 x 44 size.

The perfect candidate is a Cane Creek Db Inline as it has the right length however however it has a fat can body with a slightly larger diameter (52mm) than the existing AFR shock which has at its widest point a diameter of 48mm.

I'm thinking that this will fit into the shock mounting but with a very tight clearance to the seat tube, and am not sure how much the shock moves around under compression with the Specialised linkage? Its completely vertically mounted so am thinking / hoping it doesnt move at all?

Attached image shows the current AFR shock in the frame. They have the same body as a Fox RP23 but with diff. internals.

My bike is semi in bits ATM so I have done a fully deflated shock under full compression test.

Any thoughts appreciated.

 

[wavike]

An option:
Specifications for Monarch RT3
Weight 215g
Damping External rebound, 3 position compression (Open/Pedal/Lock)
Configurations 152 X 31, 165x38, 184x44, 190x51, 200x51, 200x57, 216x63

 

[tunsis]

I'm assuming a RT3 would be an upgrade over the original AFR with Brain?

 

[yuley95]

I'm assuming a RT3 would be an upgrade over the original AFR with Brain?

Yes.

As an aside, do you use the brain inertia valve much or turn it right down so it's hardly noticeable?

That would be the only difference but the advancement in shock tech would probably leave it for dead anyway

 

[SummitFever]

Something to also consider is that these are really a 190x50mm shock with a 6mm internal spacer to reduce travel and shorten the shock. If you want to get away from expensive $$$ services, then get a Monarch. If you can't get a Monarch in 184mm then buy a 190mm and install a DIY spacer yourself. You may find it hard to get a 184mm but there are often good deals on ebay for new 190mm shocks.

 

[beardi]

I replaced a triad on my 08 stumpy with a similar vintage rp2 off a giant trance x. Same shock size and the tune was a big improvement. Gotta be a heap of those lying around by now

 

[tunsis]

>As an aside, do you use the brain inertia valve much or turn it right down so it's hardly noticeable?

I just used it as the guide said - 3 clicks from full firm

cool thanks all for the input - seems to be much more options than I had thought. Always a good thing.

I've got a bit more testing to do to see if the a DB Inline will fit but otherwise I'll keep an eye out for a RP23 or RT3.