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Saw on faceache this morning that Avalanche will soon be available in the UK. I've had two sets of 36s and a DHX sorted by them before. It wasn't cheap but the difference was amazing.
Do we know any more about this news? When might it be? Who's behind it? I'd imagine in would be a well established independent suspension tuner who's take up something like this.
If I hadn't seen your posting history I would have said it was a stealth add 😆
Could just be a partnership to get the stuff in and out, but I guess it's all built to a formula so a case of putting the bits in the right order based on the spec sheet. Sorted my original 34's for less than a Pike and from the bounces I've had on others certainly no worse. Highly reccomended as an option for fine tuning.
Wonder if, whoever it is, will be at the bike show to chat about it?
That's great news, I love my Avy stuff. Stendec has a history of servicing their shocks so I wonder if it will be them?
Facebook has mentioned someone called Dave if that helps narrow it down.
Dave Garland is the Stendec guy so it sounds like it could be them.
Nik O'Brian lovely Dave used to service stuff in UK in the past now it's official 🙂
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Steve Edwards
Steve Edwards Dave who?
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Nik O'Brian
Nik O'Brian Stendec's Dave Garland
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Steve Edwards
Steve Edwards Cheers.
Probably from the page you read
I heard great things about DAVE and stendec but he would never reply to an e mail regards upgrades or mods that I wanted doing?
Seems it's not Dave. Could it be Loco?
Hope it is.. 😀
But of a coup for Jake
I need to get my avy ssd shock serviced and stendec seem to be off for the summer
Are you sure it's him?
Well Sprung Suspension bought the domain name just over a week ago so id assume it's def them.....
https://who.is/whois/avalanchesuspension.co.uk
That would be great news, I bought a Yari over a Lyrik with a view to get an Avalanche damper and FOD isn't far for me, I prefer to talk to people face to face about stuff like that.
This is only going to end badly for my bank balance.....
Cunning bit of detective work. I've not used him myself but I assume he must be more than capable if he's being trusted with the avalanche name.
This is great news - I'd been looking into an Ohlins TTX because it's a more refined design than the DHX2 - it's not the same like most people think. The CCDB and the X2 rely on the valves for the main compression duties, whilst most other shocks are a monotube design that rely on the shims of the main piston with any adjusters being there for fine tuning.
The TTX is a halfway house
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^^^ That, is nothing like an X2.
it's a twin tube design but it relies on the main pistons, with the valves being there for fine tuning. Why is this good? Because it results in less spiking and a more refined switch from low speed to high speed compression paths - more support in the midrange allowing the high speed compression to be run lower, allowing the shock to blow off more.
As that article points out http://www.vitalmtb.com/product/guide/Rear-Shocks,35/hlins/TTX,12627#product-reviews/1385/expand the oil has three potential paths to take during compression.
Unfortunately, when I asked Ohlins whether they could tune me a shock for my bike - their answer was basically "we don't give a shit, talk to specialised". As if Specialized will tune me a shock for their main rival - Ohlins do not give a **** about the MTB world, they've got some products that were bankrolled by Specialized but beyond that - they don't care.
Turns out, Avalanche took note and have a modification that effectively turns it into a TTX.....and I'll get proper support hopefully when it comes to getting it right for my bike. So Craig is going to get my money now.
That's quite interesting regarding valves.
If I'm thinking correctly FOX X2 and CCDB Air have
Main piston compression shim valve (appears to be a light shim), A high speed compression poppet valve with bleed shim, high speed rebound poppet valve with bleed shim, low speed compression metering needle valve and a low speed rebound metering needle valve.
The TTX however has.
A main piston compression shim stack, a rebound metering needle and I assume rebound shim stack. Low speed compression metering needle bleed valve, high speed compression adjustable valve (unsure what type this is).
Is this in affect saying that shim stacks if appropriately tuned perform better than metering needles and poppet valves?
Also I find it pretty cool that the CCDB Inline has individual poppet valves for HSC, LSC and HSR in such a small package only the LSR is a metering needle.
Is this in affect saying that shim stacks if appropriately tuned perform better than metering needles and poppet valves?
Yup.
But I'm no suspension expert/fluid dynamics person - however a valve or bleed port is always going to offer the same level of oil flow, in spite of the shaft velocity isn't it? Someone educate me!!!!! Where as shims can be tuned so that the compression curve is progressive/regressive - finer control.
The way I've read it as well, is that the Ohlins shock effectively has three points - low, mid and high speed that can be tuned. Whilst, the standard CCDB and X2 only have two points really.
The Ohlins shock is cool, shame Ohlins don't give a damn - and won't partner with someone like TF Tuned in the UK.
You can get the Ohlins for any bike now unless I'm mistaken?
https://www.ohlins.com/product/ttx22muniversal/
The Ohlins shock is cool, shame Ohlins don't give a damn - and won't partner with someone like TF Tuned in the UK.
TF were looking into it. I got chatting to a chap who worked for them when I was at FOD a few weeks ago and he was pretty confident that they were going to take them on as a supplier and UK service centre. Hopefully that will be true...I'll probably get my TTX serviced in the winter when it's not being used as much. Shame it's a ball age to get it serviced as it seems pretty bloody good to me.
You can get the Ohlins for any bike now unless I'm mistaken?
They are, you can even buy them directly from their site - but it still has a limited adjustment range like the Specialized model and Ohlins couldn't be bothered to tell me whether the shocks you can order from them are a "one size fits all" type of shock - or whether they have different valving setups for different bikes. I don't want a shock with 7 clicks of rebound adjustment unless it's actually been setup for my weight/bike.
On that basis I won't buy one unless TF Tuned are going to start working on them.
They are, you can even buy them directly from their site - but it still has a limited adjustment range like the Specialized model and Ohlins couldn't be bothered to tell me whether the shocks you can order from them are a "one size fits all" type of shock - or whether they have different valving setups for different bikes. I don't want a shock with 7 clicks of rebound adjustment unless it's actually been setup for my weight/bike.On that basis I won't buy one unless TF Tuned are going to start working on them.
You want a elevensix then. Nothing else (maybe a FastSuspension holy grail might?) has the fine range of adjustment that shock has.
How much are we talking for an avalanche upgrade on say, a monarch then? Ballpark?
I think my DHX was about £250. Pretty sure my Fox 36 cartridges were about the same each. Ballpark of course. And the fork cartridge was mail order, didn't even include a service.
950 quid Rick - versus 750 for a DHX2 with the avalanche mod - or a custom valved TTX if TF Tuned start doing them.
Are you in the know, ridden it or the Holy Grail? My Brain BSOD's when I think about spending 950 on a shock.
I had a elevensix on my nomad. Its a beast of a shock, I would still own it now if it would have fit on my Mondraker Dune, it was just too big for the opening though.
What you are getting is a shock with two totally independent compression circuits that can be set up for whatever feel you want, e.g. one super plush for DH and one firmer for climbing. It also gets any updates fitted when its serviced and can be made to fit on any bike for iirc just the cost of the parts.
Its so good I think I am going to buy another one for my Transition Patrol.
What about one of avalanche's shock offerings? I'm not sure how they compare with the shocks you are looking at, but they will build it to your requirements.
I imagine it would be cheaper than the others and soon you'll be able to have it modified and maintained right here in the UK.
With regard to the cost, I suspect the Avalanche products will have at least the VAT added to the US price, if not import duty, too. Though I'd love o be proved wrong.
I got a dhx with a blown piggyback for 50 quiver and then got avvy to SSV it for another 200 including postage, obvs Brexit now makes that more expensive
Avalanche damper getting fitted to my monarch next week. Canny wait.
Nobeerinthefridge - Member
Avalanche damper getting fitted to my monarch next week. Canny wait.
Is this being done in the UK? I can't wait either.
Love to know how the monarch upgrade goes. Mine has a horrible two set feel to it at the moment which I though was the air spring balancing but Craig seems to think it might be the calving in the monarch damper. I assume the new UK bod will have the kit and the skills to tell me which it is. No point putting a £250 damper in a shit air can.
Unfortunately, when I asked Ohlins whether they could tune me a shock for my bike
lol, did you really ask them that?
Jake is at the WCs as a mechanic for Caty Kurd at the moment
Has there been an official announcement from Sprung?
lol, did you really ask them that?
Well, whether they would do it. They could of course - but they wont. Why sell a shock as universal, put the ohlins brand name to it and then offer a product that is less tunable than your competitors such as Cane Creek and Fox whilst offering nothing in the way of various stock tunes like BOS and Rock Shox do? Aswer - they don't care. They are going to sell shocks to muppets because of the ohlins name - off the back of Specialized funding - and make a bit of cash out of that - that will be all there is to their venture into the MTB market.
Although I know someone who knows the Ohlins tech over at Specialzied UK - so I probably could get it done if I wanted.
Any news on this yet? Anyone know any more?
Onzadog - MemberAny news on this yet? Anyone know any more?
Keep checking the site I guess, it'll be all over social media too when it's ready to launch.
I've got an avalanche tuned RP23 with the boost valve replaced with a shim stack; it works great & really suits my bike (Nicolai Helius AM). However, the modification cost coupled with the shipping costs + various taxes makes it too expensive for what you get. Mine also blew an internal seal within a few weeks and sending it back was unfeasible.
Like others have mentioned - I could never get in touch with Stendec (never answered phone & never answered emails) so I spoke with Loco. I sent it off and spoke with Simon who told me that this modification is actually very easy & something he can also do. He fixes the seal, gave it a service & it's back to feeling great. Loco - highly recommended.
This was in my Book of Face feed this morning:
FOR RELEASE FRIDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER
Sprung Suspension Workshop bring Avalanche Suspension Products to the UK
Avalanche have long been known for their finesse when it comes to tuning and modifying suspension parts, with 40 years of experience and some of the best suspension brains in the business.
Sprung Suspension Workshop only opened earlier this year, but as the brainchild of Jake Ireland, formerly of Dirt and MBUK, and having worked with various bike companies on suspension design, the business has been growing rapidly and has been putting itself well and truly on the map.
Jake Ireland, of Sprung Suspension Workshop says:
“I’m super stoked to have Avalanche on board at Sprung. The thinking behind the products is very much in line with the way we ride in the UK – with a big emphasis on the downhills, but with the climbs very much still a part of riding for us. Removing the pedalling biased valving from shocks and replacing it with a system that pedals just as well, but has a huge improvement on the descents makes a lot of sense to us. The product range is huge - we’ll be implementing it slowly to make sure our quality record stays at the incredibly high level it’s at now. Come and get sprung!”
Craig Seekins of Avalanche Downhill Racing says:
“We are very proud to have developed a relationship with Jake, he will definitely represent us at a level that we know will live up to the quality and performance you have come to expect from Avalanche. Now our products, modifications and service will be available to the UK, a welcome addition for our customers and his.“
The Avalanche range will be fully available in the UK by around December, however the Rockshox Monarch Plus shock upgrade is already available, and the Fox CTD, Float X, X2, and Rockshox Monarch upgrades will be available soon.
We have created a dedicated Avalanche website for the UK, which is now live at www.avalanchesuspension.co.uk
Although the press release gives the necessary information for you, please get in contact so we can provide you with some unique content for your media.
Contact:
Jake Ireland – Sprung Suspension Workshop
jake@sprungsuspension.com
+44 (0)1594 800910
Craig Seekins
craig@avalanchedownhillracing.com
+1 860-537-4306
Website link will be up soon!
Awesome.
Jake has my monarch for avalanche upgrade, hopefully get it back in the next few days. He was astounded when told him about this thread!.
I'll have to send mine off and asking what's causing the "lump" in the travel. If it's the air spring, I guess there's little that can be done. If it's the damping then I might get a shock that works!
Previous avalanche upgreads have been awesome.
'Lump' feeling could be oil flow issue created by shim stack?.
My issues with Monarch plus were -
-Feels harsh descending with 200 psi
-any less, it feels wallowy climbing
-even with rebound wound right off, when I launch off drops, bike wants to kick me off the front
-rear really sits up in travel, especially in really steep stuff
-a good 12-15mm of travel left on shaft whatever way I set it up.
I tried numerous configurations of bands in the pos chamber, didn't really get anywhere.
Mine isn't too bad apart for this lump. I get to around 15% travel and it lets go for a couple of mm before working again. I've assumed so far, that it was the transfer simple between the two air chambers but if it's damping, it's easier to fix.
Wonder if avalanche UK will join in this thread. Looks like there's some potential customers here already.
Just waiting on Jake getting back to me, I'll let you know how it rides.
He was astounded when told him about this thread!.
What, that it was the worst kept secret since we all knew from looking at who owned the domain name?
That someone was actually that interested/motivated to check that out mate!
No prices for replacement fork dampers yet... (please be reasonable, please be reasonable...)
Sprung serviced and upgraded my rct3 pike with the Adreani tuning kit last month! The fork is absolutely awesome now! Great guys! My monarch plus is now due a service so I will book it in for an avalanche upgrade whilst I'm at it.
Sprung posted a pic on their Instagram today of the first monarch they'd done before it got sent out. Possibly yours no beer?
I think so, they posted it today!
First proper ride today, monarch with Avalanche upgrade.
Suitably impressed.
The shock now does what I wanted it to do, nice and supple, very reactive to small bumps, holds up when climbing, and feels bottomless descending. ****in awesome!.
Thanks so much to Jake at sprung suspension, and best of luck with the new venture.
Rode lots of the enduro tracks at Ae today, still buzzing....
Thread resurrection....
A big thumbs up to Jake for doing a fantastic job getting my Avy DHX air back into tip top condition. Been running an AVy fork and shock for close to 3 years, and I'll be looking to get anopther fork converted soon, so it's good to have a UK Avalanche service centre now. Jake comes across as a top bloke too, and is as helpful and chatty on the phone as Craig at Avalanche HQ is. 😀
Does he have prices yet?
emailed him got nothing back
Yetiman, how much was service on your act rear shock, my avvy dhx LSC dial has got very stiff lately !
I didn't ask about upgrade costs, but if you're after some info it's best to call rather than emailing, or ask via his Facebook page.
Kimbers - I was £95 for a full service, seals etc, which is the same price as a standard Fox air shock.
IIRC I was 200 quid for a service and Avalanche damper installation and set up.
Really glad I stumbled on this thread. Was thinking of a DB inline on my Process but after the advice on here decided not too.
Now going down the route of a Monarch Plus with Avalanche tune.
on a side note can anyone explain how the rebound dial and lever are re-worked? I've read the description and tech notes but can't get my head around it.
As far as I can tell (though I don't own one) the rebound assembly isn't changed a great deal other than that the HSR is re-shimmed to your weight/terrain/frame and then the LSR adjuster is now more effective, although the mechanism doesn't change.
The main difference seems to be that they rip the LSC needle adjuster out and substitute it for a preloaded poppet valve and then repurpose the three position adjuster to control the preload on the valve. Again they then custom tune the shim stack like the rebound to suit your weight/terrain/frame. The 3-pos adjuster then dictates the transition to the shim stack.
The custom valving on it's own would probably make a decent difference and I imagine the compression assembly change makes it even better. Certainly everyone seems happy with his work.