Got a question about shocks

[un-kola]

I have a neighbor who is getting into mtb'ng and bought a '98 Spec.FSR.from a co-worker of his.This bike is the one where the top and down tube come together in kind of a monocoque set-up.The shock and swinglink look like aftermarket parts.The shock is a Helix and has a schrader valve stem,with a coil-over spring.My neighbor came over and asked if he could borrow a shock pump.When he tried to use it though,the lower shock bolt would not let him access the schrader valve without taking out the bolt.When I looked at it for him,I seem to remember a lot of shocks in that era being nitrogen charged.So my question to anybody who's familiar with Helix shocks from 10+ years ago is if this is a nitrogen charged coil-over shock or if this shock is just a biatch to pump up.Any info would be much appreciated.- Lloyd

[pastamon]

I'm pretty sure that the nitrogen charging is not done via Schrader valve. I can't remember whether a Stratos Helix is nitrogen charged, but I am fairly sure that the Schrader valve is for air and not nitrogen. Most nitrogen-charging was done at the factory or by factory service centers, not by the bike riders/owners themselves.

[Blue Rat]

They aren't nitrogen charged ... pretty decent shock, extremely reliable and simple mechanically, from what I remember. I think the "Big Red S" sued them out of business so you're on your own for maintenance (no company support).

[DBD]

I ran the Helix Pro (next model up) for years with no problems and the valve is for air assist. If it is hard to reach you can try removing the shock and spinning it 180 so the valve is on the other side.

[un-kola]

Thanks guys for the replys.DBD,I thought of that too,unfortunately the top shock bolt would also be in the way.Thanks anyways.- Lloyd