Yeah, I think I will try to save some money and just go with standard a-arms and standard shocks. The only thing I am concerned about is the +2. I like having the wider front end, especially on a raptor(top heavy). Here's a question about zero preload shocks. They don't take away ground clearence, right? They just lower the riding height? What are some disadvantages of having zero preload? I know ridley gave some good examples. Anymore? Thanks again for all the replies.

 

I use PEP ZPS large volume reservoir front shocks and PEP ZPS Dual Rate large volume reservoirs in the rear. These shocks have adjustable compression and rebound both front and rear. I use these shocks because of the wide variety of track conditions that I have to adjust for. I ride not only MX, but also Freestyle, Stadium and TTs in competitive situations as well as beach and woods riding for fun and practice. These shocks can be adjusted for dampening, ride height and spring rate all within the one shock. The term 'Long Travel Shock' is a misnomer. They really should be called 'Long Shock' or 'Short Shock.' Whether long or short the shock can be made to have the same wheel travel. The difference is that the long shock, because of where it is mounted, has lower leverage ratio and it will improve turning by reducing chassis roll. A long travel system includes wheel travel of 10 inches or more, and typically has a long shock that is 17 inches or longer on most front ends. The ZPS system excel in turning, whoops and jumps. They have been used by champions for many years not just to compete but to WIN. They are proven both in MX with 5 championships in a row, Stadium Racing with 6 championships in a row, and in TT where they have helped to win the last 8 championships in a row. The reason that someone would be interested in a long travel system is to improve wheel travel and stability. The length of the shock will depend on the chassis geometry and where the shock towers are located. Basically most Walsh, Laeger, and LSR chassis would run a 18.5 to 19 inch long shock. Some bikes will not accept a 19 inch shock. Again it depends on the chassis. Mine run between a 18.5 and 18.75 length front shock.

In the end we all get what we pay for. PEP front shocks like mine run $1650 and the rears are $1045. The turn around time is typically four to six weeks on these shocks.

I wonder where the rumors of ZPS not doing well on jumps come from. I would consider myself a fairly confident jumper and I wouldn't use anything else. Also it seems that it would be difficult to dispute the proven quality and reliability of the PEP ZPS shocks when looking at wins.

A lot of times people feel a need to justify their equipment and want to be sure that they made the right decision so they dis other products. I know that a lot of people think that they don't need the 'best' for their type of riding, but they have no idea how much better of a rider they can be on really stellar equipment.

 

Thanks for all of the information! I'm more happy to have a long travel ZPS setup on the way now that I have another person to tell me that it is best. I know I don't have the most expensive setup but should be good enough for me. You can't ask for toooo much when you only have $600 in the front shocks and they are 19" Ohlins with a TCS ZPS setup. I guess maybe I'm just good at finding good deals like that or I have some nice business friends, or maybe both [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] Thanks again - Zack

 

Ridley, since I know you have experience with the Cannons do you have any info on what the best A-arms for them would be considering leverage ratios? I'm very interested. Thanks - Zack

 

Actually my statistics came straight from Wayne at PEP when I spoke with him today.

I don't feel the need to justify my post, nor the need to challenge your testing.

I do think that you are misinformed to some degree and further feel that you have some good information although some of your reasoning is not accurate.

As for me, I know what works for me and what I feel is the best setup for me.

I wish you well.

 

OK, thanks Ridley. A friend of mine said the Laeger felt sweet when he rode it too but he also commented that the design needed extra maintenence. I'll check into it and see if anyone else has more info. Thanks - Zack

 

I'm the type to sacrafice a little performance to do a little less work and a lower chance of problems and not being able to ride at all. Any opinions on the Gibson arms? That was my plan so far... thanks again for the info. - Zack

 

LOL on the jig and the twist throttle... Amen to both.

Yeah, they are quite bendy, which is one thing I like about them - the look different - not just another A-arm that is straight and look like a triangle. They have to provide a little more clearance in the middle of the arm with that setup too. They seem to know what they are up to and it is probably the arms I will end up with. They look too darn good to not get [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img] lol ...

Got a pic of your 450 setup? just interested.

 

Cool deal. Why don't you make me up a prototype Cannondale set of arms and then I'll post pics so every Cannondale rider on the net can see them and come running to buy them from you. Sound good? lmao ...

Sounds like you have a lot going on. What shop/company is it you are owning or working for up there in Ashtabula. I'm from not far from there and was just wondering. Thanks - Zack

 

ridley, sounds like you've got some good ideas for some a-arms. Maybe I will have to wait until you get your company going before I buy some from somewhere else. I wish I had your experience with quads. That sounds like it would be pretty cool to test quads and shocks and what not. I am not very good with picking suspension items and was wondering if you had any ideas about what to run on a raptor? any experience with them? thanks.