Rear shocks question

[KeithB]

In general, do the rear shocks have springs built in, or are they just shocks?

The forks have springs and shocks inside as a rule?

Thanks

[Gummiente]

Springs are an integral part of both front forks and rear shock absorbers. Rear shocks work by slowing down or "damping" the rear swingarm movement when you hit a bump by utilising a hydraulic cylinder and piston. The springs are used to return the suspension to its original height once the bump has been passed over. The shock again slows down the speed of the suspension movement so that you only get one compression/extension cycle per bump. Without the springs, the shock would stay compressed as it would have no means of returning to its original length. Without the shock, the springs would keep compressing and extending indefinitely with nothing to slow them down - kind of like that "politically correct season's greetings" thread.

Front forks work essentially the same as rear shocks except that the springs are concealed inside the fork tubes instead of being wrapped around the outside. The forks also have a hydraulic cylinder inside the body that functions in the same manner as the rear shock - it compresses under control during a bump, then extends back to its original length under control once the bump is passed.

[KeithB]

Thanks for the info Mike