Converting Your Mountain Bike From An Air Shock To A Coil Shock

[@Larpy1933]

Not to put anybody down; Doddy is a phenomenally effective presenter. I suggest doubling his salary and simply letting him loose to nerd out full-time (hopefully making lots of videos if the crews can keep up). This tech stuff is golden. I get more out of this than 20 typical mountain bike videos. Thanks Doddy and thanks for great videography and tight editing (the latter really shows).

[@pallusubaru]

I can't wait till we come full circle on wheels too, "...the new 26" bikes are so light and nimble" LOL

Well, just waiting for my new bike to arrive, since the previous one broke after 15 years. Many of these new technologies are totally new to me, and although i definitely went for a 29er, i didn't let myself convinced on 1x drivetrains. Everybody told me how great and "big range" they are, but i sat down and calculated all the speeds and gear ratios... I'm sure 1x is great for people who live in the mountains, but i like riding everywhere, from flat tarmac to the steepest technical climbs, and i'm happy i found a good XC bike with a 2x12 system. We'll see, but i have a strong feeling that i chose wisely.

@@thehenr I agree. 3x is good too on cheaper bikes, it offers good range without expensive components

[@Panslapper]

@ I think you did. Its not the trend that matters, its the purpose.

@@Panslapper True. The bad thing is, it's sometimes hard to find the perfect thing for the purpose when trends are going in the other direction.

@@thehenr Yeah, it's a pain in the ass when you can't get the front chainrings off from the crank. Impossible to clean, let alone change them if they got worn. I had a 3x9 on my previous bike with a Deore crankset, and it was already good enough for a good quality riding and easy maintenance. Although, i admit i barely ever used the smallest chainring, only on very steep yet very long climbs. Which are rare here. Anyway, all this technology put into modern bikes is so fascinating to me. Strong derailleurs, suspension, brakes, large wheels and wide tyres, etc... I've ridden quite low end bikes my whole life, even on the craziest terrain. I can't wait to see what has changed in the past 15 years :D

[@mick35w]

Doddy’s videos are always really interesting, brilliant presenter

[@Conservative_East]

Watching this owning only a hardtail

[@artoutlawphoto]

converting your pocket from 500€ to 0€

[@jdavis417]

If you consider that you'd likely want to lose about half of the "sprung weight" that you gain from the "unsprung weight", it get's a bit more pricey?!?! ;)

[@robociock]

New trend: 2021 all bikes will have coils so you have to sell ur just bought bike for a new one 😂

[@evo5349]

I went to coil last year on my YT pro race and what a difference converted the Fox 36 and fox DHX2 spent a bit on springs and wouldn't go back to air, to much stiction. Now running 2020 Specialized Kenovo expert and took off the rear coil and put the Fox DHX2 as wanted high speed compression a lot better so converted forks to HSC internals lots off feel in the wet British forests.

[@p199a]

great video, would be cool if u can show how rebound and compression damping works with this cut out model shocks

[@Pienimusta]

Absolutely love air for my type of trail riding. Most of time is spent on flat or uphill, so having infnite adjustment on fly for compression is superb. Bike climbs like hardtail, except it has more traction at rear.

[@Panslapper]

..the coil is a bit of a lady shock...

[@TheDennisRobb]

Coil for downhill and E-Bikes. Air for everything else. Simple and standard. Manufactures should also have a free spring swap based on rider weight when you purchase a new bike with coil shocks.

[@davidbishop3374]

My Levo was built with a Fox air shock. With the combination of my weight and the weight of the bike it was constantly bottoming out, even when over pressuring the shock. I changed to a custom designed Push shock, and the difference is phenomenal. A coil shock definitely is heavier and needs to be custom produced, but on a heavier bike it will perform better.

[@neildaniel8232]

Last time I went in there to drop my shock off for a service I got old off for playing with that RC truck, it took so long to get served I started building a course out of the display stuff!! To be fair the guy serving me did say it was a pretty good course but that I should know better, I'm nearly 40 FFS!!

[@rajgill7576]

Yea man traxxas slash, that little trucks a $500 toy haha

[@DasWauto]

30% of 210mm is 63mm, not 15mm. That 15mm figure probably represents 30% of the usable stroke of the shock, which in this case would be 50mm. I’d suggest it might be easier to just measure the length of the spring before and when you’re sat on the bike to get your sag measurement, rather than eyeballing the eye to eye measurement on a ruler or tape measure.

[@the.bryce.maxwell]

Suggestion: To eliminate variables, perhaps compare air to coil shocks with an air fork and then air to coil shocks with the coil fork. In most cases, people less likely to buy an entirely new suspension set-up front and rear. Would be informative to know how a coil shock feels with an air fork, and so on. Great video and keep up the good work. Looking forward to the progressive coil and the Sprindex video.

[@mikedamisch]

Can't wait to see the comparision video!

[@villimagg]

More like this please. Informative much. Go Doddy!

[@niteryder50]

Most modern coil shocks have compression and climb switch so is no difference to air going up hills. Air has more pop for jumps but coil charges through rough stuff way better.

[@fotokonradjanicki]

great to see more videos on coil shox and forks. Forget the weight difference, xc bikes need to be 9kg, trail bikes can be more. They just need to work

[@KapitanPisoar1]

Trail riders converting to coil while DH riders are moving to Air :D

[@JJ_MTB_15]

Coil, then the market goes air, now theyre back selling you coil

[@isthisnametaken978]

Just like how they're selling back 1x. Watch them in the future selling back 26 inch wheels and tires marketing them as "stronger" and "more agile".

[@MrCharlesPoulin]

Welcome to the bike industry. What can we sell for you today ?

[@jonnoMoto]

@@MrCharlesPoulin suspension stems

[@donataskazilionis3081]

Customer, please bend over

[@wammo12345]

Yup! Each new generation thinks it invented sex. The only real problem most of us mortals will have with 26" tyres is finding quality ones in that size LOL. 26" wheels are lighter, stronger and turn side to side more rapidly.

[@stevek8829]

Some motorcycles have coil with air shocks. The coil does most of the work but you can add air to taste or need as the situation requires. Adjustable preload on springs has also been common on motorcycles for many years.

[@donbenincasa7442]

Awesome info...wish you would have explained the frame design differences a bit more. Cheers

[@lxwvandenberg]

I threw a 2021 DHX2 on my Yeti SB5... Best upgrade yet!

[@Multipotentialitis]

So my air shock blew out a few weeks ago, I have a 2019 reign 2 and if there is an area I've been lacking in, its rear suspension. Finally bit the bullet and bought a DVO Jade coil with a 650lb spring. The reign is transformed and dare I say....climbs better too?????!!!

[@ShoneDaddy]

Tiger Biker can you be more detailed in what it did to the feel of the bike. Like what small nuances have you noticed? Is it less poppy? Harder to jump?

[@Multipotentialitis]

@@ShoneDaddy for me, the issue with the reigns stock suspension was my weight and how much force/body weight was over the rear and going through it, always bottoming out even with 3tokens and pumping it way up. One significant difference is the way it feels when your going high speed through chunk. The coil will be more linear through its travel due to the spring but as mentioned I put a 650lb spring on here to make it as stiff as possible for pedaling, also I'm 215+ with gear so another reason for a higher spring weight. But my scope of descriptive words is lacking right now trying to think of how to explain it. So through the chunk, the air shock felt like it was being pushed into the travel and kinda compacting. So the shock wouldn't extend back out fully before the next bump making it feel like it wasn't doing much and just being chattery. Now it's like I'm planted through this chunk and can not worry about pushing through the bike as well as maybe plowing through stuff otherwise unplowable haha. I'm sorry this is a horrible review, I've only ridden it 4times on some hardcore trails. But it is a full pound heavier and I do feel that slightly on the jumps. Back end just needs a little more coercion to get up, nothing that effects normal jumps, just bunny hop situations

[@MaplePanda04]

Tiger Biker Sounds like you could have also sped up your rebound a little bit if the shock wasn’t able to re-extend after impact.

[@Multipotentialitis]

@@MaplePanda04 haha yea that's the caveat, too much rebound and I'd get bucked forward in jumps, great for keeping wheel on ground but it didnt fit with my particular riding style. And that's kinda plow through everything haha...

[@mattcucci5490]

The feel of a coil shock doesn't change with elevation.

[@bisforbroke4233]

Matt Cucci never thought of that one

[@mulisha0351]

the rebound also doesnt speed up as it gets hot

[@mtbasher]

@@mulisha0351 While the coil spring does not stiffen or soften with temperature, the flow of oil inside the damper does change with the outside temperature. It's simple, oil viscosity determines that damping will always change when temperature does.

[@rajgill7576]

@@mtbasher there are oils as well as oil additives to mitigate this. Its a lot less change vs the air pressure dilemma

[@bachelorsuite7066]

How does atmospheric pressure effect the internal pressure?

[@geemail369]

Nice guide, °thx°! Now i'm _really_ looking forward to the follow up! p.s.: What did u put in the trunk of your car to have it hanging *_SO_* low? (Are you the kind of nerd to bring ALL your tools, visiting a bike shop?!) 😅

[@pennybridgefreeriders]

I changed from air to coil both back and front, if u wanna keep the playfullness, just put a harder spring on there. The sag is not really a ”must have 30%” if u dont want to bottom out go up 50-100lbs/in on your spring! Bike will be playfull and stay high in travel. And dont forgett that puting a coil on the back will change the balance between front and back that u’ve spent hours and hours to perfect! Thats my two cents.

[@alfredfeuerstein9517]

Best haircut in the business! 😝

[@pierrebroccoli.9396]

Wasn't sure about what I was going to end up with on my Slash but I went for a cheap option of throwing a MegNeg can on the existing Air Shock -talk about improved small bump compliance and traction. Very happy with the MegNeg and sticking to Air. Night and day difference to stock air on the rear. Yes there is coil but for general all mountain riding - still think Air is the way to go but initially, my stock shock was stiff off the top. Now it's very subtle and it sits better in the mid stroke. Interesting video non the less and it will be interesting to see how Doddy feels on the Coil vs Air setups.

[@kyleslater5245]

A lot more coils are coming with lockout switches though. You mentioned that as unlikely. But that’s not as much the case as it was 2 years ago.

[@mcdonoughnicra]

The comment that coil shocks are not adjustable, this is inaccurate. I just bought an Ohlins 200mm travel shock that has 3 adjustable modes. 1:Full squish 2: medium for cross country or enduro 3: lock out for hill climbs.

[@cliffsangelsphotography]

Very informative vid, guys! GMBN Tech is the best compared to the others! Can you guys go over the different brands of shocks and coil converted forks (Fox, Cane Creak, Push, DVO, etc). I'm building up my Ripmo Mk2, and I'd like to know my options in the market

[@vieuxacadian9455]

I have had coils shocks since FS first came out . Now I run air and its proving great .

[@go8663]

All brands should consider letting us choose more parts of the bike when shopping on their websites. Lately its given me anxiety.

[@SomeIdiot983]

My first mtn bike had a coil that was meant for someone twice my weight. I had ridden it for a year before i even noticed. At first I thought it was the lockout that didn't work. Luckily the guy at my local bike shop was paying attention and got me an appropriate coil. I'm triggered all over again after watching this.

[@briw4647]

My haro extreme mtb was originally coil shock. I replaced to air after a number of years. However, I then replaced it to coil shock again, all be it, a much more modern coil shock. I get better riding with the coil. I must add, I'm a tall larger rider

[@oz8402]

So if there are pros and cons for both type of shocks why not make a hybrid between the two. Great video by the way very informative.

[@brad1908]

I asked for this video, gmbn delivered. Top marks thank you!

[@pauldjerassi620]

As usual a great video from you Doddy you must be the number 1 tech guy on FB these days you always make the impossible look easy THANKS PD IRC,

[@cosmicheretic8129]

Looking forward to the comparison. I just ordered a coil for my e-bike where weight doesn't matter. The extra grip for the techy climbs shock full open at speed should be great!

[@d5sturbed]

didn't know that 30% percent should be based on eye to eye.. I always thought its the same concept with air suspension, I was measuring 30% from the stroke of my dhx2.. thanks GMBN!

[@jacksondaniels8169]

All of my FS bikes since 1995 has been coil.. GT RTS2, Specialized FSR Limited Edition M2, Specialized FSR BIGHIT.

[@Jdem9]

I got a coil for my kona process 153, it was the best thing that I bought for it, I love it.

[@chrisc8020]

I am here looking for the same thing for my 153. What did you buy??

[@Windband1]

People can't just say coil is best. ALL depends on your susp kinematics!! If your bike is linear, a coil will be crap! Not just any bike can run a coil.

[@Raketstol]

Good information, hope there is a equally thorough report regarding coil assisted fork shocks in the making.

[@migueljohnson432]

Love that dog :-) Thanks to Dody for another very informative video. Never finish learning new things...

[@rudolphruiz4009]

Great job Doddy, your the best

[@logankurtz1933]

Pretty sure the dhx2 comes stock with a climb switch or atlease a firm/open switch it doesn’t lock out completely but then again I didn’t spend $4000 for a hardtail

[@Geordo1960]

Doddy could you please make another video where you try these out with the coil on front and back and tell us what you think?

[@thomasphilyaw8593]

Air all the way! Coil might be good for downhill, but all around riding I'm sticking with air.

[@nolboo_korea]

11:14 good question

[@ruvimtrofimovich]

Doddy is the goat tbh

[@DaveMustaine.]

I definitely prefer coil shocks. If the coil is stuck and rusty, you can pull it off by using an angle grinder! 👌

[@melwalshmtb9121]

My stumpjumper evo comp would probably looks sick as a coil bike with a DHX2😍

[@Superrun357]

great relevant and useful as always from GMBNtech👏

[@charyenne]

take a drink every time he says "spring"

[@bertrathkin4298]

Cool video, Doddy! I'm looking forward to the ride test. I'd give coil a try, but my concern is that it would make my already on the heavy side Kona Process 153 CR 27.5 a little too much to pedal around on 2+ hour rides.

[@the_spanner_ch7mp]

Very interesting and insightful video Doddy . Goes to get a spring fitted and gets spring forks too ,lucky man Doddy ;) Great stuff #GMBNTech

[@rantingwrench]

You should talk to PUSH and see if they can set you up on an ElevenSix. All of the benefits of coil with none of the downsides (besides weight I guess)... and price!

[@1taifi]

THis would be interesting to follow... thank you Doddy!

[@kenopsia9013]

I just got a specialized big hit with 210mm of travel front and back, I’m terrified of braking it

[@Zohar-Modifier]

Air Rear Front Coil :)

[@LS4830]

Great video doddy 🔥👊

[@paulgeraghty6041]

Alternatively avoid the hassle servicing and do the right thing and buy a hardtail...

[@bisforbroke4233]

Paul Geraghty , I like where this is going

[@rustynugget2288]

or be like most mountain bikers and have both

[@Fulgur98]

When testing products and their differences you should only change the thing you're testing. That way you know it's that making the difference and not the other thing you're changing. In this case the front suspension too. This came up at the end of the video.

[@travismercy9113]

You guys at gmbn should try and ride some of the local tracks near by silverfish probably some of the best tracks in south wales

[@Muddyfox47]

coil for DH, air for everything else - Simple! :D

[@mtbboy1993]

no, I won't go back to air, no more adjusting pressure, cus of massive pressure change from day to day or from few hours during the ride. temps and pressures can change rapidly or slowly, and it varies from country to country, season, and how mild the winter is.

[@hugh6025]

@@mtbboy1993 sounds like you had a shit air shock

[@cwalt74]

yep, if youre only riding up hill best stay with an air shock

[@TheTomppaa]

I’m confused. In the video they told that sag should be 30 % and the length was 210 mm. Then they told sag should be 15 mm. Or is the stroke length that they are calculating the sag?

[@netposerx]

Doddy, those Vans are nice!

[@rocketappliantist4969]

Nice B7 Avant

[@ryangriffiths2290]

Orange color, sold!

[@th_js]

Can't wait to see more of this!

[@johnf3326]

Why cant it be possible to have the best of both worlds and have an air spring that can mimic a coil spring? Either by clever mechanical pivot/lever setup or some electronic control of internal valving

[@TK-OK]

Progressive spring hard to beat

[@Mark1Stelios]

I love the new word Doddy coined "stiction", I guess it means sticky friction 😜

[@dataanalyst5704]

New ?

[@Mark1Stelios]

@@dataanalyst5704 I didn't know this was an actual word, as I hadn't heard it before. It sounded like a made up word. You live and learn.

[@frsknsld]

This caught my attention. I’ve been thinking about putting a coil on my bike.

[@Windband1]

All depends on your susp kinematics!

[@frsknsld]

Windband1 you don’t say? I know people have put coil on the bike I have. It works. Just thought I’d let the limeys tell me more.

[@Windband1]

@@frsknsld That's good if people have tried it. It's about what Doddy was saying about if a bike is too linear etc. As long as your bike is progressive it'll be fine.

[@reynaldorivera7641]

I have fox racing coil, (same one he showed in the vid, with custom built suspension

[@Geordo1960]

Doddy Looks like your estate could use a little bit more suspension in back lol.

[@adammoonface]

Hi Doddy - I'm considering an A4 Avant next. Can you get your bike in the boot without taking the wheels off? Or had you already put them back on before the camera rolled?

[@Panslapper]

Doddy rocking some tasty Vans .

[@DaStuntChannel]

Nice, I'll get my hands on some air shocks now :)

[@rupedog]

Even on coil, u should set sag in ur normal riding gear, including water etc..., might thus be a touch soft given it was bang on in ya civvies

[@rupedog]

....yeh, but that Traxxis Slash RC short course truck....😎😎😎

[@i-am-vonnegut]

Does anyone know why we don't use a hybrid... Essentially an air can at lower pressures supported by a lighter coil.?

[@henry06x]

Is there a way to figure out what coil spring weight you need based on your current spring? Or do you need all of them and to change them till you find the perfect spring? The one on my DH bike I think is too light.

[@rubenvor]

Very informative. After watching the video, definitely not going for coil.

[@sixties00]

Hey, will a foxshox spring fit on a DVO Jade?? Generally what spring brands fit on DVO Jade?

[@m1chaelsc]

Deemax wheels lookin sharp 🤙

[@zac-ee3544]

the coil shock looks very good thats why it is worth the money

[@Verybadbiker]

and here I am dreaming of an air shock fork but I guess my shitty coil fork is now a thing

[@piggymito]

I feel validated as a mountain biker now I know Doddy has the same car as me! 😂

[@nickwatkins5227]

Thanks Doddy very interesting 🤔

[@simonchaddock3694]

What about the forks too

[@stipezoranic7873]

i want to replace my air shock to coil shock, i have fox float RP23 but i don’t know which coil shock will fit?

[@NathanCosgrove97]

hahah nice work Doddy trying to be neutral. We all know you love your air shocks. :P Coil for me always. So predictable and smooth.

[@hassebir]

That sag math was bonkers! How did you get the 15mm af sag needed. Its clearly not 30% of the 210mm eye to eye. No its 30% of the STROKE of the shock that was not even mentioned! Come on!..... sorry rant over......

[@mikee8244]

I know, confusing folks. 30% of 210mm ain't 15mm , it's more like 63mm. And besides, like you say surely you work it out from total stroke length. Unless it's different for coils?🤷‍♂️ after all this man works for fox. I've only ever had air. My dilemma is fox36 or lyrik ultimates. I'd like to try a quality coil set up though for fun, just to see what it is like.

[@lux-3001]

Oh no, it was not mentioned. Now the people of instant gratification generation will have to do some thinking on their own... Disaster!

[@Dude-Smellmyhelmet]

@@lux-3001 My god! A guy who has common sense called out some misinformation given by someone who is supposed to be the expert. Now the sensitive bitches have to make sarcastic attempts to insult the guy. Catastrophe!

[@ur2slob724]

New Trend 31inch wheels! Cause 29 isn’t big enough 😂😂😂😂 27.5 for life yewwww

[@ianiscaratti4924]

but intend bc say theyr hover air damper is as smooth as a coil shock...

[@rajgill7576]

Would you go for a good air shock that has a "brain" intertia valve? Or a coil shock if you wanted comfort

[@hedemalmcarl]

Kind Shock has some coil shocks with lockout

[@Mario-vx1lz]

hold on maybe im stupid but i thought 30% of 210mm is 63mm not 15mm like the guy from fox said

[@TrailBikeMike]

Mario 210mm is the eye to eye length. You need sag at 30% of the stroke length which I assume was 50mm in this case.

[@Mario-vx1lz]

@@TrailBikeMike yeah i understand it was me bring stupid, the eye to eye length was just a point to measure from