If you go back me and the others had a huge conversation about this (i know it's alot of forum) but if you search my posts you'll see it. Yes, you need a full rebuild. But it's wayy easier to make a split ring from mild steel (bend and then crimp) or nylon and push it over the shaft and will for all intents and purposes work the same. This requires you to just screw the air can off which takes 1 min or so. One guys did this with a steel ring! Most of us have no problem with the 42.5 shocks.
Thanks, that's what i was puzzled about. I could get a 165x45 shock, wich is undoubtedly too much.
Are you European ?
Well, i was not asked but i feel addressed, too
Yes, i am european (German, for further jokes).
But i think it's more about what you want to make out of this bike. If you want a tourer/trailbike, there is indeed no use for a lockout.
But for me, i want a marathon jetbike. I dont want the the suspension to bump when i stand up in the pedals to zoom up an asphalt road or when racing a finish line sprint. I know, that won't make a major difference to my finishing time, but i hate that bumpy feeling. For me, the rear suspension is primarily to enable seated (=efficient) pedaling on easy trails or grass strips. Second, to make downhill riding feel safer.
Do non-european riders use lockouts on UCI marathon races? I don't know.
Anyway. I've ordered the same Fox shock wich is used by most users here. I'll see if i can live without a lockout.