what exactly do I need?

[goofballz14]

alrighty. I am pretty new to the whole mountain biking world, and am trying to build a bike. I bought a 2002 k2 Launch 4.0 with aftermarket FOX Vanilla R fork, and a rear Fox vanilla float shock. Apparently the kid who installed all the parts is a moron, and instead of putting spacers on the steering tube, just hack sawed it, and now its too short (getting a Marzocchi JR T) the problem is, he installed rear shock by apparently just MacGyvering it on. According to the bike shop I talked to at least (Venture sports, Avon, CO) They told me I need a mounting hardware kit, and that if I ordered it online, it might cost like $150 bucks and that I'd probably have to order it from K2. the only thing I have been able to find is this http://www.cyclingforums.com/store/p...g-Hrdware.html It says it fits FOX shocks. and its like $15. Was the bike shop just retarded? or is this not what I need? I intend on riding this bike pretty hard, and dont want to kill myself by having a shock installed incorrectly. I added some pictures that I hope might help figure out what I need or dont need. Thanks.

[Polandspring88]

That shop is full of sh!t. To figure out what size hardware you need do the following:

1. Determine what size bolt you have, the two typical sizes are M6 or M8
2. Measure the inside dimension between the frame mounts (or shock mounts for the rear).

Just order the hardware corresponding to those two numbers. Simple as that. The cheaper aluminum "hat" type hardware should cost you less than $20 total for both eyelets. Getting a 3 piece steel set up is a little more costly at ~$50 total. While you are at it I'd replace the eyelet bushings too, save yourself some trouble down the line. Those should run $2.50 a piece. Can be removed/installed using sockets.

I would recommend against putting a Jr. T on that bike. Will probably screw up the geometry and put more stress on the headtube than what it was designed for.

[goofballz14]

I went and talked to another bike shop, one that actually knew a little more information, and knew what they were talking about. They told me I need new "bushings". Does anyone know where I can find them?

[sanjuro]

A shop will contact Fox, specify the frame and the shock, and in their fitment charts, will tell you the correct bushing kit.

To save you some trouble, don't call Fox yourself. They will hang up on you when you are not affiliated with a shop.

Frankly, even though I wouldn't do this myself, I would do what PolandSpring88 recommended.

I believe the shock was misinstalled in the first place. If any of the holes are not perfectly round, you will not be able to get a proper fit for any shock. So you might as well save your cash and make your own DIY bushing kit.

[Colonel Angus]

To save you some trouble, don't call Fox yourself. They will hang up on you when you are not affiliated with a shop.

You're full of BS.

I call Fox all the time and order parts. You can just ask them to open an account for you. I call them often for tech support also. As long as you have some idea of what you are talking about they will try and help you.

[sanjuro]

You're full of BS.

I call Fox all the time and order parts. You can just ask them to open an account for you. I call them often for tech support also. As long as you have some idea of what you are talking about they will try and help you.

Hmm. Ok, I didn't know that. I've only called them as a shop employee and they have hung up on me when I didn't have our customer number.

P.S. What's the chances of a person who just bought a 2002 K2 full-sus being able to convince Fox they know what they are talking about?

[Colonel Angus]

P.S. What's the chances of a person who just bought a 2002 K2 full-sus being able to convince Fox they know what they are talking about?

Chances are great. IF he takes an accurate measurement of the width and diameter of the bushings or spacers he needs. The guys at Fox have nothing else to go on but the info you give them. They can't be expected to memorize the hundreds of shock/bolt/bushing/spacer combinations on the hundreds of bikes that use Fox shocks.