T_S_P that makes for very interesting reading, and confirms some of the tales I've read/heard about especially where Ohlins is concerned. As I said in an earlier post, I had the paint flake off a front Ohlins shock on a BMW R1100S after only 9 months' use. Contacted Ohlins retailer who really weren't interested in helping out - they reckoned that riding the bike through winter, and not being cleaned properly was the cause. Funny how the OEM BMW one was nigh on spotless after 34000 miles - and that the front shock on an R11S is very well protected from the elements.
The Nitron shock, on removing it from the bike, looks like it's almost new - the finish on it is superb.
Nitron's courier should be here this afternoon to pick my shock up so next week I'll be waiting for the news on what Nitron are to do with it. As to their customer service, I did a bit of ringing around various places getting info from other manufacturers but Nitron really impressed me with their willingness to help out, and they were the only one who asked detailed questions about my bike/riding style/weight etc to ensure the shock was built correctly for me. I also needed the shock within 10 days (their lead times were up to 3 weeks at the time) and they went the extra mile to get it out to me.