Hi,

I wish to replace the rear shock on my 59 plate xt660z.

I have upgraded the front end with YZ and kept the standard 300mm travel.
I weigh 75kg without kit and ride 50/50 on off road. Off road stuff is the trails in Southwest and trips to Wales.

I have read many threads on the subject and appreciated the different opinions based largely on budget and usage.

I have contacted a local supplier who lists all makes of rear shock. I have asked for a shock for off road use that has the standard amount of travel offered by the original Sachs shock. This is to balance the bike front to rear the best i can. He has contacted Wilbers and Halgon who have told him they dont have anything suitable and all shocks have reduced travel to aid road use. He suspects the same response from Nitron, Ohlins etc.

I dont have a set budget and with in reason will pay whats needed to achieve what i want to.

My confusion lies in the manufacturers response saying they have nothing suitable for off road use and they suggest sticking with standard??

I threads i have read have reasonable reviews for ohlins and Nitron so are they running older versions before they reduced the stroke length.

Please advice me on which shock is going to be the best and which is the best value for money?

many thanks