Air vs Coil

[Sci Teach]

I'm looking into a rear shock to replace the Sid XC that came on my bike. There are plenty of great choices. One question that I keep getting back to...is there going to be a big difference in performance for the weight/price penalty of going coil as opposed to air? I'm a 200 lb rider.

Anyone got an opinion that thy would like to share?

[AA]

I am also 200 lbs and recently got a new bike with a coil shock. My previous FS bike was air. The coil is much smoother (easier to get the shock started on the small bumps) and I have yet to bottom out the coil. The air gives a much harsher feel. I think the biggest difference is my rear wheel seems to hook up much better on loose tecnical climbs.

Maintenance wise I would get the air shock re-built every 6 months. I'm hoping the coil is going to be much more reliable. The weight penalty isnt much when you think about it (~1 lb I'm guessing) unless you are an expert class XC racer it wont really matter at all.

I have a coil(vanilla) on the Klein but I also have the original air(float). The coil is better on the big hits and uphill loose traction or roots. The air is quicker off the line, better uphill on firm trails and carrys speed through corners.
I am going to try the coil with stable platform tech. (propedal). If it performs as the Manufacturer describes it will bring the best of both types.


we shall see


bill

[C.P.]

' Haven't heard this subject in a while...it's been a forum subject before though...

http://www.nemba.org/yabbse/index.php?board=10;action=display;threadid=730;sta rt=0/

My opinions are based solely on riding style. My previous experience of blowing air shocks (hitting drops etc) and the fact that I weigh 215 led me to coil - it is a good match - again based on my personal experience....I currently have a 5th element coil shock - it has "stable platform valving" which helps to eliminate the bobbing associated with crappy pedaling form, all while absorbing the largest hits without bottoming - and it works as marketed!

However, A few improvements and models of air shocks that I've never tried have become available since the time that I was blowing air shocks. Ones that come to mind - 5th element air or any of those nice fox shocks could be nice options.

I can say this, so far the coil option has been nicer to ride on (more supple), and a little heavier (if that's a consideration), but most of all very reliable. AA makes a good point too, an air shock will need to be serviced regularly (seals etc) depending on how much use it gets...

So mark one more vote for coil...

C.P.

[MMcG]

I'm looking into a rear shock to replace the Sid XC that came on my bike. There are plenty of great choices. One question that I keep getting back to...is there going to be a big difference in performance for the weight/price penalty of going coil as opposed to air? I'm a 200 lb rider.

Anyone got an opinion that thy would like to share?


What kind of bike are you riding? This could play a factor in which type of shock to replace the Sid XC with.

That is one of the drawbacks of the bike I ride.......the Balfa Belair with it's unique shock mounting design.....makes it pretty difficult to run anything but an air shock in it. I recently tried to install a Vanilla R with Propedal on it, but it didn't fit inside the shock mount that runs a bit inside of the top tube. Happy to report that the shock should work awesome on justbill's ride though!

There is a guy out in Utah at Go-Ride.com that recently installed a Stratos Helix coil/air assist shock on his Belair and I'm waiting on feedback from him on what size shock he got and how he was able to set it up.

Good luck.

Mark