Float angled shock valve, linkage interference, and inverted shock - ? and rant

[SchralphMacchio]

So apparently the new angled air valve on the Fox Floats can interfere with older linkages that have different travel settings (mounting positions). PSA!

Any issues if I run the shock upside down?

Now, here is the history and rant:
I had an RP2 on my Norco Fluid (FSR linkage w two travel settings) that, one morning, leaked profusely (like several ounces of oil on my kitchen floor randomly appeared). I went to LBS and told the tech about all of the oil on my floor and he did a standard suspension service. When I got the bike back I immediately noticed some issues: tech told me he set it to 110 PSI but it was actually set to 50, they didn't replace the travel indicating O-ring, the bushing was not replaced properly so the suspension was rattling. And then I went riding and noticed the Propedal switch didn't work! Shouldn't they have checked to see that the Propedal service was working? I brought it in and at that point they told me I needed a new shock, and they never offered to give a refund on the original suspension service.

LBS sold me a Fox Float CTD for $220 under Fox's replacement program ... after several weeks due to Interbike going on and having trouble getting a quote and order placed. I think they chucked or sent my RP2 back to Fox, not sure. I wish I hadn't agreed to that service!

Drive my bike with the CTD to the trailhead and test out the response of the shock in the parking lot, "SNAP!" There goes the air valve! The linkage arm, where the short travel setting comes in, snapped off the air valve of the shock! Argh, wouldn't the LBS have checked for clearance issues?

Now the LBS is telling me they are going to get me another one and mount it upside down. Apart from having to reach impractically far for my controls (or get off the bike) ... any issues I should be concerned with? I don't think they make the RP23 anymore with the straight valve, so this seems like my only recourse.

I'm wondering if I should have just taken back my old shock, asked for a refund, and sent it to PUSH. Not sure how that would have compared to getting the replacement CTD, and I'm not even sure if the shop still has my old shock.

This LBS seems incompetent ... the management blamed a staff member and did not take ownership for things like lack of checklists or their own need to improve tech training.

WWMD? Run the CTD upside down or try to get my RP2 back and send it to PUSH?

[iscariot]

You can run a shock in either orientation, it makes no difference.

[creaky fossil]

Any issues if I run the shock upside down?

not from a function perspective, suspension system doesn't care whether schrader is at the sky end or the earth end

Now, here is the history and rant:
I had an RP2 on my Norco Fluid (FSR linkage w two travel settings) that, one morning, leaked profusely (like several ounces of oil on my kitchen floor randomly appeared). I went to LBS and told the tech about all of the oil on my floor and he did a standard suspension service. When I got the bike back I immediately noticed some issues: tech told me he set it to 110 PSI but it was actually set to 50, they didn't replace the travel indicating O-ring, the bushing was not replaced properly so the suspension was rattling. And then I went riding and noticed the Propedal switch didn't work! Shouldn't they have checked to see that the Propedal service was working? I brought it in and at that point they told me I needed a new shock, and they never offered to give a refund on the original suspension service.

maybe just not use that shop again, at least not for suspension matters

servicing RP shocks is easy, there are a handful of videos on youtube that walk you though it, Mike Levy's from pinkbike is a good one. you'd think a shop employee could do the service by following a video like Mike's, but my experience is that bike shops vary in their technological skills or focus on suspension matters. I don't think every shop is run by, or staffed by, someone who is a master mechanic and master troubleshooter. country small town doctors, not neurosurgeons who specialize in tumors of the lumbar spine.

[joetron]

Yeah, if a rear shock is leaking enough oil to drip on the floor, the damper is totally kaput and it needs to go to a service center for complete rebuild. The normal shop rear shock air can service wont do shit and very few shops will have the tools, parts and nitrogen charger for the IFP.

All in all, there are a bunch of red flags warning you to avoid this shop in the future.

[SchralphMacchio]

thanks guys -
what about usability ... with the controls by the BB, is that a major PITA or will I get used to it?

Thankfully upgrading from a 2-setting shock to a 3-setting shock, I might be switching less frequently if the trail setting is pretty well dialed for the rolling XC sections and only going into Open on technical or burly sections.

[joetron]

You'll be fine. I spent 90% of my time in Trail setting on my CTD. I used Descend for only the roughest/no pedaling or wet and slippery trails where I wanted a bunch of squishy, usable traction.

[stuckathuntermtn]

Doesn't the Monarch have a rotating air valve? If you really need to access the controls a lot, you could sell the Fox and swap on of those in there, maybe. That, or just leave it open.
It seems like maybe some shops/mechanics are clueless about suspension. Had some retard not be able to replace the bushing in my Kona and lie about it. Missoula Bicycle Works. Spandex-clad road and xc racers.

[SchralphMacchio]

Yeah I am ditching my LBS in favor of a shop that is 45 minute drive away, but at the bottom of the more awesome singletrack out here (camp tamarancho)