Stroke length reduction...

[ArEm7]

heheh, no this isn't a naughty thread.
So I'm considering getting a Gemini frame with Manitou fork to shave ohhh 6 pounds or so off my current build. The problem is that the frame comes with a Fox RC. If i'm upgrading frame, I want to get a sweet shock.

So now the question... Stock shock size is 7.875" x 2.25". I would like to get a Swinger 4-way coil but they only make them in 7.875" x 2.0". Is this a problem? I'm pretty sure I've heard this will work, but will I lose some travel? Gemini stock travel is 5, 6, or 7". I would go 5th Element, but it's about $100 more usually.

[trail worker]

figure out the leverage ratio,then times it by shock stroke.
the ratio with stock shock would go like this:
(for the 7 inch setting)
7(amount of travel) divided by 2.25(stroke)=3.11:1 ratio

now,you'll be using a 2 inch stroke shock,so you go 2.0(stroke of new shock) times 3.11(leverage ratio)=6.22 inches of travel.
so you'd be losing around .8 inches of travel in the largest travel setting(and around the same for the smaller settings).this decrease in travel is also dependant on how accurately cannondale measures the travel of their frames.
for example:norco used to advertise some of their bikes as having 5.5 inches of travel,but when you actually look at the numbers the bikes only really had 5.25...they just rounded the number up to give it a nice sounding number.i wouldn't doubt that cannondale did the same thing,although the opposite could be said(could have within a 1/4 inch more travel than advertised).if the former was the case it would work to you're benefit,meaning you would be losing less travel than originally though.

in short,yes,you will lose travel.

[ArEm7]

Ahhh yes. So it appears that it's 170mm travel which is 6.69" which is 5.95" under a 2.0" stroke. That's getting a little low for my liking. I guess I'll have to spring for a 5th if I get a Gemini. Thanks for the help.

[switch]

If it's a 2004 Fox RC, it'll probably ride pretty good.

[corey@nsmb.com]

I'm demoing a 2004 RMX..which came with 2 rear shocks.A Swinger 4 Way and a Pro Pedal RC.

I've run both and can tell you I am more happy with the feel of the Fox on it.

It pedals just as well and has better small bump performance.

Something to think about.

[ReCkLeSs RiDeR]

yea the new pro pedal fox's feel very nice Imo