Throw shocks away,Hard Tail Struts!
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 290
Likes: 0
From: Methuen, MA
I love these guys commenting on the harsh ride. Have you guys rode on a rigid bike? I have 12K on my struts and only once did I get caught off-guard by a bump that threw me off the seat. Ask people that do ride rigids and many will say that the ride is not nearly as bad as people think. I have done 500 mile trips on a few occasions and never thought "damn I want my shocks back" if he is considering rigid struts he obviously isn't looking for a couch on wheels.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
Likes: 494
From: Richmond, VA
I love these guys commenting on the harsh ride. Have you guys rode on a rigid bike? I have 12K on my struts and only once did I get caught off-guard by a bump that threw me off the seat. Ask people that do ride rigids and many will say that the ride is not nearly as bad as people think. I have done 500 mile trips on a few occasions and never thought "damn I want my shocks back" if he is considering rigid struts he obviously isn't looking for a couch on wheels.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,642
Likes: 48
From: Ogden, UT
I have ridden enough hard tails to appreciate shocks, thank you very much.
I certainly get the impression based on how the OP asked the question, he has no experience riding a hard tail, not a bad place to be and stay in my opinion.
I certainly get the impression based on how the OP asked the question, he has no experience riding a hard tail, not a bad place to be and stay in my opinion.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 273
Likes: 3
From: West Haven, CT
I don't see the point of removing your shocks and putting solid struts on.
I did see a cool V-rod this past weekend with some airshocks that when he parked it he slammed the thing to the ground and did not have to use his side stand.
I did see a cool V-rod this past weekend with some airshocks that when he parked it he slammed the thing to the ground and did not have to use his side stand.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
I love these guys commenting on the harsh ride. Have you guys rode on a rigid bike? I have 12K on my struts and only once did I get caught off-guard by a bump that threw me off the seat. Ask people that do ride rigids and many will say that the ride is not nearly as bad as people think. I have done 500 mile trips on a few occasions and never thought "damn I want my shocks back" if he is considering rigid struts he obviously isn't looking for a couch on wheels.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 184
Likes: 2
From: Illinois
I rode a rigid Triumph for years and still have a 1946 HD (with a stock sprung seat post).
This pictured bike isn't a rigid, it is a swingarm frame with struts where the shocks should be.
It makes no sense to me. I can't really recommend riding rigid, because to me it hurts.
Fact is though, doing this is just faking something.
Just my opinion - do what you want.
This pictured bike isn't a rigid, it is a swingarm frame with struts where the shocks should be.
It makes no sense to me. I can't really recommend riding rigid, because to me it hurts.
Fact is though, doing this is just faking something.
Just my opinion - do what you want.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 11,483
Likes: 39
From: Passaic County, NJ
Thanks for that comment above, just seems like everyone has to go by that cookie cut look with no origanility! One said I should just go buy a rigid, but why? The really good part about me replacing the shocks is that if I dont like it I can always trade it back to shocks and not try to find someone to buy the rigid who isnt afraid of hitting a bumb on the road?
Originally Posted by SC-Longhair;8502776[U
]Ed, if you want a rigid...build a rigid. [/U]Don't just slap a couple of rods in a place and call it a day. If you don't have the proper know-how (...I don't either), then seek out a pro that does.
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 754
Likes: 2
From: New Bern, NC
If you have ever ridden a hard tail or a bike with struts, then you would appreciate what a good set of shocks are all about. If they aren't much, I'd suggest you invest in a set. Then you'll understand.