Öhlins...dirt/mud/dust covers
 

Was a bit sceptical about how well they might fit (and then work).
But true to Öhlins quality...they fit and seal beautifully.
Fingers crossed I can stretch out the time between rebuilds...

Will this work in a similar inverted strut?

these never seemed to catch on in the offroad world... i used to run a few lizard skins products on my mountain bike that worked very similar. i know they've had these for the car world for quite some time as well.
https://www.lizardskins.com/product-..._protector&v=0

i believe the main consensus against them was that they tend to trap dirt, debris, and moisture within the assembly, which doesn't exactly exacerbate wear(compared to a non-protected shock), but doesn't cut down wear enough to justify the product.

my impression is that it's led to being a 'feel good' product that has no significant mechanical benefit...

You could be right...
I'm really just going off the advice that the builder of the dampers gave me to try and extend the intervals between servicing the units (he also said to regularly take off the protectors give the dampers exposed areas a surface clean too) .... so fingers crossed.

I've had Eibach Spring Covers on my MCS since day 1. They work really, really well.

Great at keeping dirt, grime, OPR and everything else out. Especially if you have torrington bearings or thrust sheets

so, was i wrong? have the shocks required less maintenance with these?

So far so good... but it's been very dry here, meaning that it has pretty much only been dust and dry dirt/grime. Haven't yet seen how well they work at keeping mud and slosh away from the sliding bits!
Ive also been a bit anal about the nice gold bits, so have protected them with thick clear acrylic to try and absorb rock strikes. (Sad, I admit )

FWIW - My shocks were rebuilt 2 years ago (I've owned them for 4 years now). During the 2 year rebuild service, MCS commented how well the shocks were and really the front shaft guide had some wear but "Could go another year or 2 probably". We ended up replacing the front guides anyways because the shock was apart. With a McPherson strut, these will see wear regardless but I think keeping dirt out helps 100%

Considering dirt and grime could get on the shaft and potentially compromise the seal and accelerate wear, yeah I think these justify the cost when we're talking about $1000/rebuild cycle.