Anyone run rigid struts? I just put them on I haven't really noticed a difference from the stock shocks on the 48, only when I go over a bridge, but my main question is the ones that do run them have you guys let any out of that rear tire for a little cushion, does it work?

 

I run rigid struts on mine all the time, I only put my shocks back on if I'm going on a week long vacation on the bike. No need to let air out of the back tire, not worth it for the safety risk and improper tire wear.

 

If you can't notice any difference between shocks and struts, then....either you have really smooth, well maintained roads there.......or......, you aren't very perceptive.
I use struts about 1/2 of the time, depending on what I'm doing and where I plan on going. But I can certainly notice the difference, even from my 11" shocks.
But to answer your question, I have never let air out of my tires to act as a "shock", and I don't expect that I ever will.

 

I don't run struts, but how the hell can you go tell the differance? Come around were I live and you will know you don't have shocks LOL!

 

If Im not mistaken the shocks on the 48 are listed as having something like 1.63" of travel and in reality it may be less. They're fairly harsh. When I added a spring seat it helped the ride quality a good bit. So much so that Im considering ditching the shocks for struts as well.

 

I ride rigid 100% of the time...i know what you mean when you say you really cant tell the difference. mostly because the stock shocks blow. there is indeed a difference in the ride but its not a whole lot..