Is the new generation Specialized FSR Design Defective?

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Is the new generation Specialized FSR Design Defective?
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flag ryan83
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Posted: Sep 1, 2015 at 12:50 Quote
Here's the long-short of it.

After some discussions with the good folks on this here website regarding the design of the latest Specialized rear suspension design I decided to do some digging. Many contend that the fixed-yolk design causes premature shock failure. To clarify, the yolk (piece connected to the bottom of the shock) forces side-loading impact disproportionately and therefore causes the internal seals to break.

I asked Specialized via Twitter and here was the response:

‏@ryanbcolorado Aug 28
@theMasterLink Some claim that the current FSR (stumpy/enduro) with fixed yolk causes shock premature shock failure. Your thoughts on this?

‏@theMasterLink Aug 28
@ryanbcolorado We have had a positive experience with most manufactures using our shock

Not satisfied with this I did some more digging and asked Push Industries. For those unfamiliar Push is a top-knotch suspension tuning and manufacturing specialist located in Colorado. Here's the question and response from Darren, the founder:

Me: Hello. I had a question regarding my 2015 Specialized Enduro. It seems there are some concerns regarding the suspension design that cause premature failure of the rear shock. Have you noticed any issues of premature wear in this or similar fixed-yolk designs? I have had my CC DBinline fail and CC sent me a new one no questions asked. I'm just wondering if this is going to be a recurring issue?? Thank you so much for your insight.

Push: We are aware of the side loading created with some of the applications for the Enduro 29/650 and were very mindful of that in our design of ELEVENSIX and have no concerns. We can assure you that a custom built ELEVENSIX will not only be durable, but also unlock the true potential of that bike by offering a significant increase in performance!

Let me know if you have any other questions,

He obviously "pushed" the direct question aside but his response is indicative of a regular issue. Yes Darren, I'd love to buy an Elevensix but having just dropped a small fortune on 2 Specialzed bikes (my enduro and wife's stumpy) the bike fund is a bit low!

I wanted to start this post as a way to gather data from other sources. I'm still digging and would welcome additional data points.
flag MX298
Posted: Sep 2, 2015 at 7:45 Quote
So my two boys ride specialized , back door deal (not a fan boy of specialized). Let me make that clear . . . . Just what I get deals on for now. Anyway both race Enduro's and down hill at the top level of the local scene. We have blown every charger damper in our pikes and boxxers so Avalanche cartridges in pikes and no rockshox for downhill. . . . . . And the rear, the demo has and ohlins! Best shock period. My younger son races an Enduro EVO for downhill and it too came with an Ohlins. Did I say "best shock period". He also uses that shock on his 650b Enduro, we have tried fox's, Cane Creeks. . . Etc but nothing come close to a ohlins. Period! We have never had a shock fail from side load issue's, I could see it. We have more of an issue with the susp. Curve not working with air shocks on the Enduro's. Specialized is a big company, kinda like the government. So things aren't always easy when dealing with them but their bike are good.
flag willfox747
O+
Posted: Sep 29, 2015 at 18:54 Quote
I think the biggest issue here is the inline had a bad design on their first batch. So the bladder would get punctured easily due to interior hardware. According to CC they have fixed this issue, but that remains to be seen. As for FSR, the clevis may cause side loading, but I will say that unless you are a 300 lbs guy it shouldn't be an issue with shocks. Just make sure when the time comes to service your suspension when needed.
flag Npenitenti
Posted: Oct 17, 2015 at 4:22 Quote
MX298 wrote:
So my two boys ride specialized , back door deal (not a fan boy of specialized). Let me make that clear . . . . Just what I get deals on for now. Anyway both race Enduro's and down hill at the top level of the local scene. We have blown every charger damper in our pikes and boxxers so Avalanche cartridges in pikes and no rockshox for downhill. . . . . . And the rear, the demo has and ohlins! Best shock period. My younger son races an Enduro EVO for downhill and it too came with an Ohlins. Did I say "best shock period". He also uses that shock on his 650b Enduro, we have tried fox's, Cane Creeks. . . Etc but nothing come close to a ohlins. Period! We have never had a shock fail from side load issue's, I could see it. We have more of an issue with the susp. Curve not working with air shocks on the Enduro's. Specialized is a big company, kinda like the government. So things aren't always easy when dealing with them but their bike are good.

a test ride enduro came through my shop with the ohlins can and holy shit that thing is butter, I think maybe the "premature seal wear"Madder on the fox cans and brain systems is because the cans that come oem on the lower/mid range special-ed bikes blow...heh but on a serious note, they are gimmicky as hell. all hail the swedes Beer
flag DavidSA
O+
Posted: Oct 17, 2015 at 16:41 Quote
The Ohlins STX air shock was designed with the additional side loads of the Enduro taken into consideration.
I destroyed a CCDBCS on last year's SW Enduro and so did my buddy on the identical bike.
My Ohlins on this year's bike has been completely flawless so far.

Cheers,
-D
flag pumptrack
Posted: Oct 17, 2015 at 17:23 Quote
What do you except for specialized crap
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