This is an example of standard travel vintage bike, in this case a 1973 Maico. Notice that the mounts for the shock on the swingarm are only slightly forward of the axle, giving it very nearly a 1:1 leverage ratio. This means that for every inch of upward motion of the wheel, the shocks are using about an inch of stroke. It’s this era of bike that the Classic Slimlines are made.
This 1976 Maico gives you an idea of what a “post-vintage”, long-travel rear end looks like. Note that the shocks are slightly laid down, and that the lower shock mounts are almost at the halfway mark up the swingarm. This type of geometry yields leverage ratios of 2+:1, and would require a shock with a stiffer spring and different valving than the Classic Slimline (something we’re looking into for the future).
Q: My bike originally came with a 13 inch eye-to-eye shock, but the shortest you offer is 13.5 inches. Will it work on my bike without messing with the handling?
A: It would change it so little, you’d barely notice it. I fact, a lot of these vintage bikes actually had a bit too much rake anyway, so the slight reduction in slack could actually help.
Q: My bike originally came with a 14.5 inch eye-to-eye shock, but the longest you offer is 14.25 inches. Will it work?
A: Yep… a quarter inch is nothing you’d really notice, and chances are good that you could easily drop the forks .25 inch to maintain the current geometry.
Q: I have a 1973 CZ (or other like-type bike), but it has an aftermarket, long-travel swingarm from back in the day. Since it’s a 1973, will the Classic Slimlines still work?
A: Nope. Those kinds of swingarms were made to try and modify standard travel bikes to be competitive with the long travel designs that came in the mid 1970s.
Q: Do the Classic Slimlines come with springs, and do I have a choice of spring rates?
A: Yes, and no. Because vintage bikes have nearly identical rear geometries, we load it with springs designed to support rider weights of around 165-250 pounds, when used in conjunction with the preload ring. If over time we find that we need to offer additional rates, we will.