Replace the shock - which shock fits your bike?
Do you want to replace the shock on your bike but aren't sure which one fits? Then you've come to the right place.
When replacing a shock, several important dimensions and standards must be correct. The eye-to-eye length, stroke, and appropriate shock bushings are particularly crucial.
In this guide, we'll show you step by step how to find the right shock and avoid purchasing the wrong one.
- Check the eye-to-eye length
- Determine the shock stroke
- Check the serial number
- Measure the bushing width
- Check manufacturer compatibility
1. Eye-to-eye length & stroke – the most important dimensions
The most important factors when replacing a shock are:
- Shock eye-to-eye length
- Shock stroke
These dimensions must match those of the originally installed shock.
👉 If these values are incorrect, the suspension geometry will change and the shock may not fit the frame correctly.
2. Find the dimensions using the serial number
The easiest way to find the correct specifications is by using the shock's serial number.
Depending on the manufacturer, it can be found in different places:
- RockShox → usually on the back
- Fox → also on the shock body, depending on the model
RockShox: https://trailhead.rockshox.com/de
Fox: https://tech.ridefox.com/register
There you can enter the serial number and immediately get:
- Eye-to-eye length
- Shock stroke
- Model information
👉 This ensures that the specifications are correct.
3. Measure the shock manually
If no serial number data is available, you can also measure the shock manually.
Measure the eye-to-eye length
The eye-to-eye length is measured from the center of one shock eyelet to the center of the other.
In the example:
- 210 mm eye-to-eye length
Measure the hub
The stroke describes how far the shock compresses.
The piston rod is measured.
In the example:
- 55 mm stroke
With the eye-to-eye length + stroke, you can filter our shop directly for compatible shocks.
4. Choose the right shock bushings
Shock bushings are a frequently underestimated issue.
These depend on the frame and are therefore normally not included with the shock.
👉 Therefore, it is recommended to remove the old shock and measure the dimensions directly.
Important bushing dimensions
- Bushing width
- Inner diameter
In the example:
- 22.2 mm width
- 8 mm inner diameter
Other possible inner diameters:
- 6 mm
- 10 mm
5. Check manufacturer compatibility
Not every bushing fits every shock.
Compatible with each other:
- RockShox ↔ Suntour
- Fox ↔ Marzocchi
Not compatible:
- RockShox bushings ↔ Fox shocks
If you install another shock from the same manufacturer, you can often simply continue using the old bushing.
To do this, the bushing only needs to be pressed out and pressed into the new shock.
Filter shocks by compatibility
With this information, you can easily filter in our shop:
- Shock stroke
- Eye-to-eye length
👉 This immediately displays all compatible models.
https://www.raaad.de/collections/dampfer-1
Typical mistakes when buying a shock
- ❌ Incorrect eye-to-eye length
- ❌ Incorrect stroke
- ❌ Bushings not checked
- ❌ Manufacturer compatibility ignored
Conclusion
If the eye-to-eye length, stroke, and bushings match, you will quickly find the right shock.
Most dimensions can be determined particularly easily using the serial number - alternatively, you can also measure the shock manually.
This helps you avoid costly mistakes and quickly find the right shock for your bike.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at any time:
📩 info@raaad.de