[andyrob@netspace.net]

I ride an Element MSL 2011, and after recently blowing the propedal switch off my Fox float RL, I am looking at upgrading the shock. Initially, I tried to fit a 2013 Fox CTD shock, but the increased height and width of the head of the shock meant that it doesn’t actually fit on the bike..
So, then I started looking for a 2012 RP23, but they are proving to be scarce- I’m after the XV factory model with BV, “L” settings on the Velocity and rebound tunes and 175 on the boost valve…
As a backup, I’m looking at the RS Monarch RT3- so does anyone have any info on issues mounting this on a Element msl and what the tune should be set at?
Thanks

 

[RMB-PM]

Hi,
You are right, the new LV (large volume) eyelets on the CTD shocks don't fit the MSL frame. BUT, Fox makes CTD shocks with normal eyelets and XV sleeves, which accomplish the same thing, but at a 60g penalty.

Alternatively, you can run a Monarch, and the best tune we found was MM3 HV. This is also the tune that Tyler Moreland from Sram chose for his personal MSL, so there's your 3rd party validation!

 

[Woodsy]

Hi,

Alternatively, you can run a Monarch, and the best tune we found was MM3 HV. This is also the tune that Tyler Moreland from Sram chose for his personal MSL, so there's your 3rd party validation!

I have basically the same question but for the RSL 26er. Is the tune going to be the same as the MSL or somewhat different?? Specifically I'm looking at a Monarch 4.2 someone's selling cheap here.

(I'm wanting to convert MSL down to RSL, and to my surprise I haven't found anyone interested in trading shocks & links, for what seems like the more common desire to go up in travel from RSL to MSL!)

Thanks for any help

 

[rockyuphill]

The 26" 2011 Team RSL frame used a 6.5" x 1.5" Fox RP23 with a High Volume sleeve,Medium rebound tune, Low velocity tune and a Boost Valve tune of 225.

The 26" 2011 MSL frame has the 7.5" x 2" RP23 with the High Volume sleeve, Low rebound tune, Low Velocity Tune, and Boost Valve Tune of 175.

So those differences can be compared to the Monarch tuning that RMB-PM described for the MSL.. If you're buying a used shock, you likely want to budget for a major shock service that includes the proper valving.

 

[Woodsy]

The 26" 2011 Team RSL frame used a 6.5" x 1.5" Fox RP23 with a High Volume sleeve,Medium rebound tune, Low velocity tune and a Boost Valve tune of 225.

The 26" 2011 MSL frame has the 7.5" x 2" RP23 with the High Volume sleeve, Low rebound tune, Low Velocity Tune, and Boost Valve Tune of 175.

So those differences can be compared to the Monarch tuning that RMB-PM described for the MSL.. If you're buying a used shock, you likely want to budget for a major shock service that includes the proper valving.

Thanks for the details! And for reminding me about budgeting for SERVICE plus tuning... easy to forget