My Hagon 2810's finally came in yesterday. Here is my review:
Ordering:
Wherever you decide to buy these shocks I recommend you call the order in. They will ask basic things like, how much do you weigh, how tall, type of riding, etc.... From what I was told this is done so that when they put the shocks together at Hagon in Cali, they set it up personally for you. How nice of them!!
First Appearance:
The look of the shocks in terms of quality and finish look excellent. I ordered black springs on a black body and the paint (or is it powder coat?) they used looks like it will take scratching and the abuse I will throw at them quite well. The blue logo on the shocks is just a sticker so that will be removed, unless Hagon wants to give me money to advertise on my bike? Other than the shocks and the cam adjuster tool, there was nothing else in the box.
Installation:
It took me 15 minutes to remove the original shocks and install the new ones. Easy as 1-2-3. Take one side off at a time by unscrewing the bolts. The bolts and washers that are already on the bike really only keep the shocks from sliding off. The grommets at the ends of the shocks slip over two metal "axles" for a lack of a better term and that is what is keeping them fixed on the bike. The shocks are not under pressure so when you slide them towards you nothing will go flying or pinch your finger. I recommend using a rubber mallot to gently tap them if they don't slide off easily. I just put the smallest of dabs of grease on each mounting point before sliding the new shocks in place. Tighten the bolts to 28Nm.
Settings:
They say the shocks are shipped at the softest setting and it was true. These shocks have three cam ring settings and I started off putting it right in the middle. I have left the dampening in the middle as well. That is how it was shipped to me. I'll play with them once I start doing some more agressive riding in the mountains and load up my camping gear.
First Ride:
I noticed that once I sat on the bike it felt to me to be at the same height as I had the on the stock set. I immediately noticed that the springs did not sag/give as much as the stock when I first put my fat ass on the bike. For the record I am 6'1" and 218lbs (last I checked...which was this morning).
The best way I can describe the ride experience would be to say it was solid and I felt like I had more control. Obviously the bike did not bounce around as much on uneven pavement or inperfections in the road. I did feel more "planted" on the road which made me feel more comfortable. I took the bike on my usual 35 mile test route. It was all pavement and consists of back roads. In the curves on twisty roads I felt like I had more control. The bike did not seem to want to hop as much and it actually felt like I had a better grip to the road surface. I don't know why, but that is how it felt to me. I also noticed that same feeling when making turns at intersections. For some reason this seems to have translated into my steering as well and the front of the bike felt slightly more planted. The new found confidence allowed me to ride a bit more agressive, granted I will not push it until I have more saddle time down.
One note that I did not expect. I never had any issues with fork dive or front end trouble (other than hitting a turn hard and feeling a bit shaky which seems to have subsided greatly with the new Hagons). After riding a few miles and enjoying the more solid feel to the back of the bike I did notice the front end characteristics more. Not that they are bad, but now I can feel the difference if that makes sense? Perhaps because the rear handling characteristics of the bike was always on my mind? Either way it is not a bad thing but I will continue to ride for a while before I decide if I want to upgrade the front with progressive springs.
Conclusion:
Glad I did this upgrade. One of the easiest things to do, not too expensive and you will see and notice immediate results.
