Thanks for that.  I'll have a look.

Fred

ok - here goes! Doubtless this will generate some replies.....

The "usual suspects" suppliers will most likely be selling Armstrong
or Whitehead shocks as "pattern" oil filled replacements.
Both are perfectly good, though they may not quite last as long as
the originals. You pays your money and makes your choice I suppose.

As for gas vs. oil - well, first off, it should be borne in mind
that, generally, people are fitting gas shocks to replace knackered
oil ones, an it's no surprise that they are "much better". Gas shocks
are fine as a replacement if that's what you want, but they are only
"necessary" if you are going off road, at speed, for extended periods,
i.e. in circumstances where it is possible that oil in standard shocks
may boil, or least get hot enough to seep past/blow the seals.

So, unless you are going to enter a Comp. Safari or live in the
Austrailian Outback or Sahara etc, I'd suggest that standard shocks are
fine for 99% of users, either replacement or Genuine by your choice.

Tin helmet donned.

Richard