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The rpl shock on my bros old full Susser has failed internally. He doesn't want to spend much and doesn't need rear suspension anyhow.I thought about temporarily bodging a solid link in place of the shock and was wondering if anyone had done this and how successfully? Could I get away with simple hardwood strut or would it have to be metal?your advice experiences much appreciated.
I've seen someone do it (not in person, may even have been on here) as a temporary bodge but not sure how it would work long term. Are the seatstays and chainstays, and the mounting points for the shock going to be sufficiently strong to absorb all the energy that the shock itself is designed to absorb and cushion?
Good point ..he rides gently but guess it could be a problem
Could you try filling the can with liquid? 😀
I wouldn't put a rigid strut there but if the shock is dead, can you fill it with foam or rubber? Even just a load of polystyrene beads from a beanbag.
What a clever idea re filling the air sleeve..doubt the damping would be too sophisticated though! Perhaps I'll try squirting in a load of silicone ..?
Bloke I rode with many moons ago replaced his with 2 metal plates on a very early Trek OLCV Y bike. He didn't ride it very often or hard as he was a committed roadie, I suspect that's the only reason he didn't die in a ball of flame and molten plastic.
If it's designed to take a shock that can be locked out and your bro is a lightweight and softcore rider, it'd probably be OK, but not a risk I'd take for the reasons above.
Topeak used to do a shock pump that doubled as a rigid replacement for "emergency" use.
I don't know if they are still available