How to Find the Right Coil Spring for your MTB Coil Shock

Switching from an air shock to a coil shock on your mountain bike for the first time is fun! BUT it's also tricky finding the right coil spring for your weight and bike setup.
In this video, Mike explains how to read a coil shock's markings and gives you 3 methods of finding the spring rate best suited for you and your bike.
⚙️SHOP MTB Shocks - thelostco.com/...
⚙️SHOP Coil Springs - thelostco.com/...
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The Lost Co.
Bellingham, WA
360-306-8827
www.thelostco.com
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#ridelost
#mountainbike
#coilshock

[@TheLostCo]

Did you enjoy finding your spring rate? Or did you think it was a pain in the butt?? 🤔

[@Calfa2x]

Too much fiddling and work for marginal gains, not my cup of tea so I'll stick to air.

[@snowboardwa7560]

Good video. Just got a new bike and went back to coil. Have bottomed it out a couple of times. Tuned spring calculator suggests a 25-50lbs increase from what I’m running now which makes sense.

[@BurningEmu]

Wait, what do I do with the bottom out bumper again?

[@Sophibigback]

TF Tuned was pretty much spot on with the spring rate that I had to get for the amount of SAG I wanted on my bike.

[@PowderRider23]

What's the wheel travel in the TF Tuned calculator ?

[@adamelida19]

Bottom line: go see Mike or call Lost Co to get the correct spring. I bought a marzocchi Bomber CR with Fox SLS spring from these guys. Mike set it up and took all the worries and work out of it. So just to go to your local shop and get it right. Since riding my set up I spent a week or so tweaking with compression and rebound and now I only make slight adjustments for summer vs winter riding. So worth it. Thanks Lost Co guys

[@jamesstuart402]

6:03 the computer is not plugged in but he's still using it

[@mr.kneeslider]

Hey... its wifi ;-)

[@fazza2104]

@@mr.kneeslider do you know what WiFi is

[@mr.kneeslider]

@@fazza2104 yeah..... its when you have 3 wires, you take one away... then you have wireless

[@kurbaniak]

@@fazza2104this guy doesn’t have a power cord, so good luck with WiFi

[@anewperspective247]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge, and putting all this effort into your content.

[@benhunt501]

this guy saves the day every time! anything i need to know about my bike is solved plus more from this channel!

[@adamwysong2739]

So I did everything backwards. Spent all night bashing my head into my laptop trying to figure this sh*t out, found your website and ordered a spring this morning. One of my buddies just sent me the link to this video. Boy I wish I had found this sooner, but hey, you still got my business! My spring shipped this morning. I’ll likely be a return customer in the very near future😂 But, all that being said, great video and thanks for dumbing it down for the noob here.

[@mborowski2010]

Great video. You answered every question I had about this subject. Now I'm confident that I am educated enough to buy the proper spring.

[@tuffytoys9707]

Wow! thanks for making this video. I found it more informative than GMBN and other Coil shock Videos also the calculator was a great help.

[@jasonhawkins808]

Thank you! This really helped getting a coil PROPERLY setup on my bike.

[@ronnie72justbeagoodperson38]

Yes I run coil shocks on the rear of my 03 Azonic Saber . And It came with the Romic .( which came on the used frame ).It has a 650lb × 2.43 spring and I am only 5'7"-160lbs. Without even trying to set the sag formula , im sure the spring isn't the correct rate for me know ,after watching your cool info show. So now Im going to hit the calculator and most likely buy a progressive shock that will suit my size . And I will take ANY advice you may throw my way . great video , great info, great channel. Stay cool brother.

[@Rhn..js2]

2:36 super true. I’m only 65kg but run a 450 lb spring on my enduro rig

[@lewisatkinson7277]

Best vid i've seen on coil shocks. Period! Thanks man.

[@camwells9726]

Just brought a frame that comes with a coil , this video is very helpful for a first up coil owner

[@AirJerVids]

Thanks so much! Best expansion I've seen on choosing the right coil shock!

[@johndavidson402]

Yeah did that and then called y'all and talked to Alex and decided to go one higher on the spring rate that was recommended for me, because on the type of riding I like to do mostly. Thanks

[@Philoniousmonk]

Btw...these guys are amazing...best bike shop on the globe.

[@Auspices1349]

Thanks! I happen to have a 2019 Devinci Troy as well, so this video let me know exactly what I need for spring rate.

[@jamiemtb]

This was on a few days ago. And it back on again. Mike we seen you, to many times now. 😂

[@TheLostCo]

Haha we wanted to make an editing correction that we caught when we uploaded the video Sunday. Easier to do it now rather than later 😎

[@KRRR-MTB]

(For those light riders) This is perfect for me i have the same bike but i weight 132 lb, currently im riding 450, and i feel like i have to put a lot of more effort than my old airshock, specially on jumps and lifting the bike. I should use a 350lbs spring

[@cjones7692ify]

Dude good job with this video. Very helpful and educational

[@craigaguilar3932]

Thanks for always putting up great content! This video explained a lot. 🤙🏽

[@silver_surfer88]

Thank you, really helpful, your channel needs to blow up

[@lemonsqueezy8549]

If you have an air spring installed, you can calculate the force needed based on the air pressure you set it up to. You need to measure the piston diameter tho, or get some technical drawings from the manufacturer.

[@BryonWilliams88]

Thanks dog the website link was great. And your always adding value

[@PHAM_mtb]

Super helpful just like your other video on tuning the Grip2 fork. Thanks dude. Also, I really like your cable-less iMac and the artifical typing haha. "And the Oscar goes to...!"

[@jankulozic401]

Informative and entertaining without sacrificing info, great video as usual.

[@weekendmountainbiker9457]

Well, that's clear as mud. 🤤 You did a great job explaining the Fibonacci progression. Seriously though, nice job👍

[@claritean]

that bumper trick is what i was loooking for

[@nikitazaycev8636]

Damn that wireless imac looks really good

[@josedavalos1223]

Hi, How do you choose the correct progressive spring weight?. I normally use 400 lb x 65mm linear spring on my 230x65mm coil shock 28-30% sag. For example some brands spring show MRP 400+ x65mm, others show DCO 350-400lb x 65, others CANE CREEK 400-488x65 and I get confused, I'm not sure if those are the correct weight o should I chose the next range with more weight. Thankyou.

[@emillime7943]

i just bought a marzocchi bomber cr and this video was helpfull

[@wootang1113]

The commencal is like a 1 to 10 I bottom out every time with a 600# spring.

[@aidankase4274]

Hey Mike i was just wondering is it possible that you coud do a basic setup video on the dpx2. there is just so much going on and it would be helpful to get a baseline to start friom, your 36 grip 2 video is great btw

[@williamcoady5492]

Thanks so much for the help! I am looking for a new coil and this helps heaps👍🏻

[@SmakerJAK]

Quick question for anyone who can help. I need to change the spring my bike came with as I’m pretty light for my height. Current spring is 450x2.80. The manufacturer calculator says I need 350ibs spring. Does the 2.80 stay the same? Is that just the value I need for that particular sock? Thanks in advance

[@robmastin7964]

Awesome video very informative and no B.S. but still entertaining too. Much appreciated xxx

[@polishguywithhardtospellna8227]

I only run air, will rarely swap bikes after recent purchase, could never justify buying extra springs "cause i gained few kg" or cause I carry a lot while in the mountains......so i clicked this video

[@papawhisky5794]

If you use a 550 rated spring, what progressive rated spring should o be using, 500-610 or 550-670? Cheers

[@SamDWilliams]

I used the tf tuned website and the rate they gave me was 150lbs to light.

[@philipp26_s60]

It was so helpful thx mate

[@Naaambo]

will a marzocchi bomber cr 205x65mm trunnion fit a cane creek valt progressive spring 65mm 141mm free length? will I also need spring adapters?!

[@RAI_D]

Hi can I use Fox SLS 300lbs 200 x 2.4 coil spring on a shock that is 200 x 2.0 ? with 140mm rear travel.

[@thim8009]

Would love to run a progressive spring on my stumpjumper, but no one makes a 650 pound spring, ya ya ya I know I need to shed some pounds but it is what it is.

[@Happy_Shopper]

very helpful. big thanks

[@BushmanCanuck]

Love my Sprindex!

[@edmundpohpiah6923]

Wait so for example my shock travel is 2.25 inches so i must go for a higher number like 2.5 inches?

[@akjdhfkqwrhetkjanfvkkkresae]

Depends on how the brand measures it. With fox they say a 2.25 free stroke spring works with a shock stroke of 2.25 or less. I assume there's a bit of leeway in that measurement.

[@jayrogers3578]

Spring for rider weight and valve for riding conditions. You should not use a stiffer spring to prevent bottoming out. what you need is more low speed compression if you are bottoming out on big hits, and more high speed compression if you are bottoming out on sharp edges. If you are near the end range of you shock adjustment and still bottoming the internal valving is not aggressive enough. using a spring that is too stiff will just result in poor traction and a bouncy ride.

[@Chaseracer]

This is motocross logic and I love it 🙌🏻

[@flemming_j_]

DAMN!, i want that, a battery operated IMac 😂

[@sonnyfung5135]

LOL

[@lukewilson9828]

bahahahaha

[@brauljo]

What would happen if different lengths of spring than is designed for the shock is used? Given that they fit and other than length and proportional weight, are the same.

[@MadDawgMTB]

such a helpful video. thank you!

[@Naaambo]

Do I have to purchase hardware when purchasing the rear coil shock to mount on my bike? Looking into purchasing the bomber cr because my fox x2 keeps squelching!!

[@TheLostCo]

Hey Danilo! You could use the mounting hardware from your Fox X2, but it also sounds like your X2 just needs a rebuild to make it sound brand new again! Popping the mounting hardware out of your old shock and into your new one is something you can do by hand, so you don't have to worry about buying a new tool for it. -Tor

[@Naaambo]

@@TheLostCo The x2 has made that noise three times in one year and got it serviced all three times!!!

[@lanternlisam]

hello I have a canyon sender cf 7.0 2019, I want to change to a coil shock, right now it has a RockShox Vivid R2C air

[@creece1]

What happens if you use the spring which has a higher free stroke than stock spring ?

[@darvinblack7599]

0:12 actually that Fox Van RC, oooooh, sorry, I mean Marzocchi CR has a valve. At the bottom of the piggyback, for nitrogen.

[@FearlessCranks]

Still lost. I have a sprindex that can adjust the coil spring rate its 350-380mm and 65mm stroke. Its a 2022 rocky mountain altitude that I bought from pinkbike. I am still not sure how to find the right spring rate. My weight is 144 lbs and I like to take on jumps drops and ride aggressively ie focus on bike park and dh trails. The area around is mostly trail bike territory. So sometimes want to compensate that too. Please someone help me to get right setup 😅

[@gotinsumbe]

you deserve more views

[@enzoscycles9576]

Hello, I just got a Santa Cruz Megatower with the Rockshox Super Delux Select with 160MM of travel. I would like to still the Red Color Spring, which spring will I need buy?

[@Zetler]

I thought I like coil until I watched this video. I have so much anxiety about choosing the right spring rate now.

[@TheLostCo]

Might just be safer to stick to air! 😂 -Tor

[@michaelevans6205]

So its common for people who are more freeride and jump line focused to want a stiffer set up for bottom out protection ? I always kinda felt everything i rode should be a bit stiffer. would one of the main cons of this be a rougher trail riding ?

[@TheLostCo]

Every rider prefers a slightly different setup! However, the 28-32% sag range generally works excellent for all humans riding mountain bikes that aren't competing in Rampage. However, if you just prefer a more stiff and supportive feel, then that's just how you like it and how you should set up your suspension! -Mike

[@AirJerVids]

Great info bud!

[@Jaxonfan2167]

Watching this i figure out what spring i needed

[@dabooge]

I have a cane creek 200x57mm is there a compatible fox shox coil shock. Im not seeing anything at 200mm

[@sixties00]

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

[@menpodalo2455]

Does cane creek progressive spring fit to fox DHX2 2022 without using clip adapter? Thank admin for feedback

[@bisforbroke4233]

I want a progressive mrp spring on my fox coil, run a 400x2.80 and it seems too firm off the top end and bottoms out a little easy

[@AussieLakoseljac]

What size spring for Marzocchi bomber cr

[@markluke1000]

Hi, im using bomber cr 350x2.80 coil but im bottoming out, im 78kg. What best coil spring that can handle drops nd jumps 400 or 450?

[@DavidKing-wk1ws]

I want to use coil springs to dampen my 4 stroke motor vibration on the motor mount. Trying to make the Cadillac of motorised bicycle rides :)

[@evo5349]

E-bikes require a heavier spring rate for the motor and battery and the orange springs sag out after 6 months but they are light and look good.

[@stephenstrassen1135]

im a heavy guy and i own a proflex k2 4000 and want to upgrade the shock to heavy me any ideas? what weight id need for a heavy 140kg guy i dont ride aggressive and dont like it saggy but damped

[@MuhammadAamir-pw2tv]

Hi I just enjoyed your video Amazingly explained Can you please tell me which Spring will be fit for my Motorbike for proper sage and jumping recoils My bike has a long dirt bike like monoshock but its spring is too soft not working properly My body weight is 62 kg My monoshock total length 15 Inches and spring length is 8 Inches with 9 Coil loops having 10mm coild external diameter but its too soft and when I sit its sags 1 feet to ground too soft

[@skippyyoung7872]

Awesome video! Thanks!

[@joegill4448]

how do you find out your rear weal travel i cant find it ?

[@The.JZA.]

I bough a Commencal Meta Power SX Race 2 weeks ago and it has a RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate rear shock. It came with a 450lb spring on the XL frame size. The TF Tuned website suggests 495lb at 33% sag or 529 at 28% sag. I havent noticed the shock bottoming out but I suppose it has that bottom out bumper so it would probably soften the blow a bit. I'll probably buy one of the 500lb red RockShox springs at some point but it seems to be running fine for now. How much lighter are the red springs compared to the black ones? Or is it simply colour?

[@strykeplaysmcjohnpickhypix1205]

@TheLostCo can you make a video about spring rate and all that stuff for coil forks/front suspension also?

[@strykeplaysmcjohnpickhypix1205]

Front suspension that has a coil/spring inside instead of air

[@fatbikearcticnomad2122]

How can I replace my 500lb/inch coil for a 750lb/inch coil for a 184x44 rear coil shock? I just want to change out the coil not the actual shock. Is there a way to purchase a 750lb/inch coil for a 184x44 rear suspension? I’m 300 lbs also….I appreciate the help man. Thanks!!

[@fatbikearcticnomad2122]

I don’t ride aggressive at all and only ride green or blue trails or just ride on the road.

[@roroaries1]

great info!

[@timfreeman2603]

Where can I find Marzocchi chart of spring stroke that works with 210x50mm Marzocchi shock? Website is vacant?

[@TheLostCo]

Hey Tim! We have a page on our website dedicated to spring fitment for Fox/Marzocchi shocks: thelostco.com/pages/fox-spring-fitment There are instructions on that page that let you know how to use the TLG (total length) measurements along with stroke to find the right spring for your shock. You can always just contact us for help as well and we can walk you through all of that stuff 👍 -Mike

[@matthewfojtik994]

I have a question, I have an upcoming race and someone is willing to give me a Santa Cruz v10 for it, fully kitted out with the reserve rims and kashima everything. He weights about 180 and has the spring for his weight but here is the problem, I weigh 115. Without getting another spring can I adjust it to work better for me(doesn’t have to be perfect) or do I have no chance in getting it to work.

[@Proranis]

thanks a lot for the video, i just bought my first downhill bike and i realised my spring is 100 pounds to high

[@TheLostCo]

At least that is an easy fix now!

[@y2kinmortal]

Has anyone added a coil shock to a stumpjumper Evo expert 2021? I planing to add it . Any suggestions

[@weathdone]

hello thanx for vid.. curious i have Fox DHx2 factory fox shock with 400x3.00 and im bottoming out alot and i only weigh 125 pounds with gear?? seems like it should be good for someone as tiny as me?? is it just my shitty landings on jumps? i dont case often and even without casing i still seem to bottom out especially on big drops.. please lmk your thoughts... thanx ,man

[@ethansdad8728]

Hello guys quick question right here, i have a specialized enduro s-works 2018 and i want to put a rockshox vivid r2c on it as a rear shock (200x57mm) with a bikeyoke and so im using the spring calculator but i dont get the part where they ask for the wheel travel. Does anybody know how much it is for my bike? and does anybody know if such a setup (vivid r2c with a bikeyoke) works on such a bike?

[@TheLostCo]

Howdy! Please email this question to us at [e-mail] and we'll be happy to help 😎👍 -Mike

[@The.JZA.]

I'm 110kg with riding gear and I have a 2019 Stumpjumper Comp Carbon 29 wih 140mm (50mm shock stroke) of rear travel. Ive seen others running coil and I know that the Stumpy has a progressive leverage ratio so I'm considering getting a Fox DHX2 to match the 36 Factory Grip 2 I bought recently however when I check the spring calculator it tells me I need a 750lb/inch spring rate for my weight and leverage ratio. Unfortunately the Fox SLS Springs only come in rates up to 700Lb and I cant even find one of the regular black springs in a 750lb rate. I would really prefer the orange SLS spring because of the weight savings and also I just think it looks cool and would tie into some of the other orange bits I have on my bike. Any help?

[@thegrommechanic6265]

buy a float x2 bud. it's kashima

[@Shralps]

​@@thegrommechanic6265How's this helpful?

[@connors3807]

How do u work out wheels travel? Or if anyone ones a 275 mega can u till me what u would use

[@zoomzoomgt]

On the Marin website it says 450 lbs coil spring rate for rider at 230lbs. But when putting in numbers on the calculator is says i need a coil rate at 550 coil rate at 28% sag.....soooo what do I do? Stock coil rate for size M is 400lbs coil spring rate. based on their website. Since bike size is usually based on riders height. Not based on riders weight. So if the calculator is saying i need mid 500's coil spring rate, I'm under forked? Looking at the Marin rift zone carbon xr with 130 rear travel for reference

[@TheLostCo]

Always refer to manufacturer recommended spring rates first (if one exists). Calculators just use some math and theory to lead you to a somewhat decent starting point. If the manufacturer has a spring rate chart for their bikes, that generally means they physically checked sag with riders of different weights. -Mike

[@zoomzoomgt]

@TheLostCo updated comment. Sorry. If i got a bike that is the correct size. & coil that is provided stock on thier bikes. & Is not rated for my weight. I doubt they would swap out for the correct spring at the bike dealer (if they even have 1 in stock that is) and since coils are rare imo shops wouldn't have them in stock. unless you talk to the manufacturer.

[@zoomzoomgt]

@@TheLostCo sorry after more research. based on the calculator sag at 28% recommend spring rate at sag is 96 lbs (rider weight 230lbs , shock travel 125 and rear wheel travel 125 = to 96 lbs. however marin website is still confusing. since it says at rider at 230 lbs says 450 coil.

[@jack91522]

What is the disadvantages of replacing a linear spring with a progressive spring ?

[@bentoth2494]

Anybody know what to do with an older fox (I think) shock it’s a 165mm x 40mm and I want a more plush spring so what spring inner diameter???

[@LYFJV]

Cool info. Just got a used 2016 DB recoil 29er that has a DNM burner rcp2. I can't read the spring rating because its worn off. I'm sure im heavier than the previous rider and the pedal bob is pretty noticeable. I dont have an owners Manuel for the bike or shock so I don't have much info about those numbers you mentioned. Im considering a new coil or a new shock upgrade possibly. Progressive coil sounds nice too. Mostly trailriding and stiffer might help me pedal longer with less fatigue but I am interested in stepping up my riding to include drops and jumps full send. I have a Manitou marvel 120mm on the front. I don't even know the travel of the bike on the rear lol. Any help?

[@Skipperjames]

Guys I have a 2013 demo 8 fsr. She has a rockshox vivid coil. The spring is a 500lb by 3.75. I am 77kgs. I just bought the bike. Do you think this spring will be ok??

[@TheLostCo]

If you give us a call or email, we can help get your spring rate dialed in! [phone] // [e-mail]

[@Thomas_wi1son]

Can I change springs for instance if I get a marzocchi shock can I put a fox sring on that

[@zosdkpmfksdmfkmsdd]

yes

[@TheLostCo]

In this scenario, yes. Fox makes Marzocchi so those are the same. However, outside of that you need to pay attention to the spring's inner diameter. Some brand's springs just will not fit on certain other due to the inner diameters being too small or too large. -Mike

[@RacerKob]

I have a DVO Jade coil on my YT Tues now, size is 10.5x3.5 and I'm having a heck of a time finding a lightweight spring that is long enough to work on it. Pretty much looks like the standard Fox steel spring is the only one that fits. 😞

[@al-vz8cn]

There is the sprindex spring it fits the jade coil and you get multiple spring rates

[@justinwbohner]

Shockcraft advanced is the best spring rate calculator. Why do you measure sag with full weight? When going down hill you will be in attack position on an incline. A 30% sag the way you do it will turn into a 20% sag on an actual ride. Add preload to stop bottom out is not right. Choose spring from mass and lr. Choose sag from kinematics and riding style. Use HSC damping adjustment to control bottom out.

[@MoleratMagee]

Love this guy

[@LarryRichelli]

I am so confused because my shock spring says 500lb 210mm x 55mm. I understand the 500lb but how do I find the correct replacement because most of them say like 500x2.5-2.75" Stroke. Can someone please help me with this cuz I am kinda new to all this. I just want like a Fox spring for my ebike.

[@TheLostCo]

Great question! Some manufacturers label this with metric, some imperial. A quick conversion should help you find what you need. Please give us a call or shoot us an email if you have any other questions. [phone] // [e-mail]

[@BellyUpFishGarage]

Any idea where I could find a 900-1100lb spring rate spring for a 6.5” shock?

[@TheLostCo]

I might suggest you consider running an air shock, but please reach out to our sales guys and they will help get you squared away. [phone] // [e-mail]

[@RoachDogggJR]

is there still springs for 160 travel dhx 5.0 somewhere? need a 400 pound

[@TheLostCo]

All Fox springs still fit your shock 🙂🤘 You will just need to measure the minimum and maximum spring length that will fit my measuring the distance between the upper and lower spring perches. If you need help with this, shoot us an email at [e-mail] and we'll lend assistance! -Mike

[@ewanhutchison9918]

how do i know my wheel travel

[@wiktorwisniewski5748]

When I stretch my coil suspension seatpost spring little bit. Will it be harder to compress ?

[@justgo4033]

What if you weigh 240 lbs and the 550 lbs spring ( the stiffest one they make ) is not enough .