Aftermarket suspension service products

[popcorn_skollie]

Those of you with marzocchi components know that getting it serviced is not easy to do in South Africa.

Since my folks are visiting family in Sydney I figured its a good idea to have Australian agents send my dad a seal kit for my 66 to bring home.

 

Whilst googling I stumbled accross a few companies who manufacture compatable seal kits for all the big names in mountain bike suspension. Particularly Racing Bros, Enduro and SKF. They dont strike me as chinese specials either.

I've also noticed that many bike stores in the states, uk and australia use these products regularly when servicing forks etc. Instead of the kits supplied by suspension manufacturers themselves.

 

My question is if any SA based LBS might be using any of these. Maybe even without us knowing? or are we hellbent on original parts only?

 

Read up long enough and you'll notice that some of these guys are using these kits exclusively for years. Many reviews mention the improvements made to seal kits over their original counterparts. There are also many user based raves about the products aswell. It is a mixed bag though. Not everyone is happy. But some people are also complaining about original parts too. So, any experience? Thoughts?

 

http://www.enduroforkseals.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/end_on_pike.jpghttp://probikes.cl/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Enduro-Seals-01.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/ilPvcPI.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/GvGG8wl.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/dTtOHaB.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/LJ3vy2G.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/IilVCAu.jpg

[David Marshall]

I regularly use Enduro kits and they are fine.  Can't say if they are better or worse than the OEM ones so I am guided by price or customer preference.  Rushsport Cycling in PMB supply.

[MeridaHFS]

I'm of the opinion that it's always a good idea to try alternatives. What's the worse that could happen? You lose some fluid and air on a shock and have to replace with OEM kit? Surely it won't fall apart just due to aftermarket seal kits being used.

 

Worth a shot

[popcorn_skollie]

I regularly use Enduro kits and they are fine.  Can't say if they are better or worse than the OEM ones so I am guided by price or customer preference.  Rushsport Cycling in PMB supply.

 

This is good to know. If they are importing Enduro seals for customers with Rockshox and Fox. Surely they can bring in a couple marzocchi and manitou kits aswell

[Skylark]

SKF are supposed to be good and apparently the oem for some a fox seals

[droo]

What's the worse that could happen?

 

 

Unlikely with Enduro seals though, they're pretty decent. I've been using them on my VAN for ages with no issues.

 

Those SKF racing seals are great if you've got bottomless pockets and a personal mechanic, but they're only designed to last one race so not really practical for the average weekend warrior.

 

I don't have any experience with Racing Bros, so can't comment on them.

[droo]

This is good to know. If they are importing Enduro seals for customers with Rockshox and Fox. Surely they can bring in a couple marzocchi and manitou kits aswell

 

They do. I've always got stock too.

 

SKF are supposed to be good and apparently the oem for some a fox seals

 

Same manufacturer, different product. See my comment above.

[Vangar]

IMG_20141211_133722.jpg

 

Unlikely with Enduro seals though, they're pretty decent. I've been using them on my VAN for ages with no issues.

 

Those SKF racing seals are great if you've got bottomless pockets and a personal mechanic, but they're only designed to last one race so not really practical for the average weekend warrior.

 

I don't have any experience with Racing Bros, so can't comment on them.

 

 

Isnt the stanchion wear a Fox design feature?   On a related note, where can one get rear shock service kit's online? My Ario on my old bike needs a service and just can justify paying R1000 for it.

[popcorn_skollie]

I've always got stock too.

 

Do you have seal kits for these 2 forks?

 

http://ep1.pinkbike.org/p4pb7448039/p4pb7448039.jpg

Manitou Sherman 32mm stanchion (not sure of year)

 

 

http://www.sicklines.com/gallery/data/562/Marzocchi_66_SL_1_ATA_angle.jpg

Mazoccchi Bomber 66 SL ATA (2007) 35 mm stanchion

[droo]

Isnt the stanchion wear a Fox design feature?   On a related note, where can one get rear shock service kit's online? My Ario on my old bike needs a service and just can justify paying R1000 for it.

 

Nope, it's a feature of forks that don't get serviced often enough. Got a collection of dead RS, Manitou and Marzo forks here that'll make your eyes water. Fox does win though.

 

As for the Ario kit, PM me your shipping details and I'll send you one.

[droo]

Do you have seal kits for these 2 forks?

 

http://ep1.pinkbike.org/p4pb7448039/p4pb7448039.jpg

Manitou Sherman 32mm stanchion (not sure of year)

 

 

http://www.sicklines.com/gallery/data/562/Marzocchi_66_SL_1_ATA_angle.jpg

Mazoccchi Bomber 66 SL ATA (2007) 35 mm stanchion

 

Yes to both. I've even got an OEM set for the Marz.

[CAAD4]

Black stanchions in 2007? Way ahead of their time these guys...

[Vangar]

Nope, it's a feature of forks that don't get serviced often enough. Got a collection of dead RS, Manitou and Marzo forks here that'll make your eyes water. Fox does win though.

 

As for the Ario kit, PM me your shipping details and I'll send you one.

Drop you are a legend. Will do.