Is an $1100 coil shock really worth it? High Low Ep 5

Is a $1100 EXT Storia V3 coil shock that much better than an air shock?
The first 1,000 people to use the link or my code evansmtbsaga will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare: skl.sh/evansmtbsaga04221
Credit to Donut Media & Pinkbike for the inspiration behind this mega series.
Links to the parts seen in this video (affiliate links):
Polygon Siskiu D5 (red one) - bikesonline-usa.sjv.io/7m64dQ
Polygon Siskiu D7 (yellow bike, my main) - bikesonline-usa.sjv.io/b3Bv3k
SRAM Monarch Plus RC3 - amzn.to/3O75wxW
Eyelet Bushing Tool - amzn.to/3riKF1b
Feedback Bike Stand - amzn.to/3NZtuLP
Shock Pump - amzn.to/3uuUGdA
5" Bench Vice - amzn.to/3EbTW0c
Soft Vise Jaws - amzn.to/3KFRvpa
AC Delco Brushless Electric Ratchet - amzn.to/3xlaqSg
Buy me a coffee support has ended, thank you for everyone for the support! If you'd like to support the channel, consider becoming a channel member for sneak previews and exclusive access.
For business inquiries: [e-mail]
If you'd like to send me something for a future video idea:
Evan's MTB Saga
PO Box 6498
Goodyear, AZ 85338

[@EvansMTBSaga]

The first 1,000 people to use the link or my code EvansMTBSaga will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare: skl.sh/evansmtbsaga04221

[@user-ek8eb5em7l]

Isn't Siskiu 5 rear suspension travel 120mm how did you update with coil suspension

[@EvansMTBSaga]

@@user-ek8eb5em7l brands make coil shocks 190x45

[@MTBSeb]

This is absolutely the series PinkBike SHOULD have done! Great videos man!

[@morganwilliams2863]

But how else could they advertise overpriced components and make people feel inadequate???

[@bob-qf4hl]

i feel like they just did it more for fun but yeah this is a better representation of what people would normally get

[@eugene44569]

Surprised pinkbike downgrades the yari to a 150 dollar china fork but kept the shock

[@MTBSeb]

@@eugene44569 the whole thing was a joke. Why not spend the money on getting stuff serviced? Seems like someone in the office wanted to see how bad the cheap parts were and shoehorned it into that series

[@Sebfish]

Truueeee

[@pauls1128]

Key points you neglected to mention: - coil shocks require less maintenance due to fewer seals (coil vs air spring) and ultimately can be cheaper to own; - setup is NOT more difficult as you just select the coil based on weight and riding style, in fact, EXT will do it for you using a survey when you buy new, damper adjustments are the same and most manufactuers will give you suggested settings for the spring rate; - not all frames are well suited to coil shocks;

[@mtbboy1993]

yes, all correct. about the frames: yes clearance is an issue with some frames, some won't fit the coils, some won't fit beefier coils.

[@AntonKhomutenko]

It isn't correct. The air spring service is super easy, and you do not even need to do it in a 50-hour service. The most tricky (and leaky) part is the damper. Which is the same. Ok. Not the same but it differs depending on brand and model, but not coil/air.

[@pauls1128]

@@AntonKhomutenko , it is correct. A coil shock simply has fewer seals and parts to service.

[@tcv4]

The nice thing about air shocks is the damper is less likely to ingest dirt or moisture as it's internal.

[@pauls1128]

@@tcv4 so is the damper in a coil shock.

[@MazdaMiata-gt8kw]

loving this series, you’re doing a great job with it evan!

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Thanks Miata!!

[@ThunderStruckMTB]

You're doing a really good job with this series. Very realistic of what experienced riders will do either way depending on their wants and budget.

[@heathnortonflag]

Not sure how you climbed 25,000 feet to the top of South Mountain. ;) Great video. These are so much better than the Pink Bike version. It really gives me some insight as to what upgrades really make a difference.

[@dylan-5287]

Soon as I heard that I was all wtf?? USA doesn't have anything close to that lol.

[@gxplore]

🤦

[@dougsrosen]

Short term suspension isn't a huge issue, but on any sustained course the more forgiving the suspension the less wear on the body and rider. Everything in biking is a trade off. Love the series Evan.

[@kevinhodgins9071]

Really great series Evan! Another class video. Giving great insight into value for $ parts! Happy Tuesday ☕️

[@parthgoyal8642]

It is confirmed that he watches Dount Media

[@diegocamacho282]

Great videos Evan still tuned for the series on what’s next keep up the good work

[@Frorideism]

Worth it and worth it.. What else are you going to do with the money? I mean you could save up, pay for stuff for your kids, college tuition, almost a used car, or some overpriced sofa that your wife tells you that you "need". Or! You get a bling rear shock (With performance way higher than your riding abilities) to impress your mtb buddies. The choice is obvious.

[@GabrielDias-tf1ig]

Yeah, the rear shock for sure

[@joxcr277]

Evan, I love your videos, best thing to watch on the down time down in the field!

[@alexanderto9778]

Love what you’re doing. Super stoked to know that you are a fellow nurse. Keep it up.

[@thebigoutside9623]

This series is so fun to watch! Great video!

[@air-craft1063]

I personally believe that you should have got both air shock or both coil shock to make it a fair test

[@kmmui9671]

I second to this. The Fox Float DPX2 would be a great comparison to the Rockshock Monarch+

[@nebnollock5198]

@@kmmui9671 you can get the dpx2 performance elite for stupid cheap if you look around since it's an oem only shock and there's left overs as brands switch to the new float x. I got mine brand new for £280 which is cheaper then one of these monarchs.

[@senorgampo2542]

EXT air shock Coming soon...

[@grimaceg1253]

This current series is awesome and funny! I bought my son a 2021 D5 and its been fun upgrading it.

[@sumsaudi]

Absolute fire as usual Evan, STILL SERIOUSLY HYPED FOR NEXT EPISODE

[@Tumid1]

The correct way to tighten bolts/nuts is to use the torque wrench on the nut. You won't get a true reading by using it on the bolt.

[@celzolsen8988]

I want to understand what you mean but I have no clue

[@Tumid1]

@@celzolsen8988 When he tightened the shock mounting bolts he put the torque wrench on the bolt. The correct method is to hold the bolt with an allen key & tighten the the nut with a socket mounted on a torque wrench...tighten the nut into the bolt.

[@celzolsen8988]

@@Tumid1 wat...... isn't the bolt and the nut the same thing if they are stuck to each other 100%?

[@quentinnine9441]

@@celzolsen8988 No, not really. I understand why you would think that, but there can be differences due to the length of the bolt - it "twists" a bit, like a torsion bar. As a result, the applied torque doesn't "stay".

[@slimsqde7397]

@@quentinnine9441 to support this more it is also rubbing against the frame so some of the torque applied is turning into friction against the frame rather then into tightening the bolt

[@purplegarage05]

Really love the way you did this series. I think I actually prefer the look of the low bike with the fork that matches the frame color lol

[@GokkunGuru]

Another solid video. Good coverage of the coil shock. The performance seemed incomparable but yes, the setup looked rough and buying second hand is a wild card. Carbon rims next? Can't wait! Was curious what your day job was. Thanks!

[@lumberjack8261]

Its like hi/low from donut but for bikes instead of cars i absolutely love it

[@richardtallman8082]

Pumped to have met you and looking forward to your next release on Hi/Low Bike Challenge. Thanks for the tip on the Z2 Bomber. My son made the adjustment. 👊🏼

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Hey Richard, sorry the video got delayed! Tomorrow is the plan. Glad you made the adjustment on the Bomber!

[@wilmernordman6268]

I really gotta make sure that i subscribe to you because i've both stripped out my cranks and have had my bike fall of the car! Both felt terrible and i dont wanna experience that ever again, so subscribe to Evan!!!!

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Haha dude that's a bummer! Thanks for the support dude!!

[@youbickbiking3084]

almost 30k! keep up the great work brother

[@AverageGuyBicycleMechanic]

This was great! I love the practicality of it. Sure the coil is better but $800 better? You nailed it!

[@hangingwiththehendys]

Good work! Enjoyed the reviewage!

[@mertcan4560]

OH MY GOD I'VE JUST DISCOVERED YOUR CHANNEL AND I LOVE YOUR CONTENT I NEEDED THIS FOR MY BUDGET MOUNTAIN BIKE 😭

[@B1KER]

I'll say when I first started riding with my EXT I didn't think it was very poppy. However, some adjustments to the compression and it was just as poppy as my air shock. Overall, I'd pay the money for it and not even question it. More-over, it's made me not want to buy a bike that can't run a coil. I'm completely sold.

[@bjjbiker1817]

I love your siskiu D5 videos bro!!!

[@caseys_cozy_garage]

6:39 made me snort and laugh 😂

[@t_to_the_homschen7270]

The "what's that? How much die you spend?" Gets me every time🤣

[@charpayn1915]

I just switched to a coil last week and I don't think that I can ever go back haha

[@FISHYY_MTB]

“OoOOoOOooOhH kashima! :O”

[@matthewhetherington8062]

Love your videos keep it up

[@benjomupas76]

Nc work man! You have a new subscriber! Cheers

[@MountianbikeG]

Wow those two extra springs sure are cool. I'd bet whomever sold them to you is a real shredder.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Haha thanks for sending them so fast! They didn't fit, I was so bummed! That white one would've looked so cool

[@Sebfish]

Quote of the century: Ooo kashima!

[@justsomeone9876]

man this series is gonna explode in popularity

[@grindnba2kmobile]

Now I'm your new fan 💥

[@Michael-zy9ie]

These videos make my day

[@wyaspence]

Would love to see you ride another coil shock, I love mine.

[@codeN1NE]

Yeahhhhhh i love the low setup.

[@shepardlivingston2371]

Love the videos!

[@danilovillanueva1476]

Wow amazing vidio keep it going

[@rhyeonjoplo464]

100% better than pink bike, nice video man hope you gain more subs so you can buy more parts and upload more

[@BT_Motorized]

LOL this reminds me of Hi low on donut media😂

[@DrCrimp-sg5pb]

DVO Topaz is the perfect shock to still have an air shock but with that coil feel. Would be cool to have a review on it

[@nickrossi7454]

We really need to realize how good Evan is doing with this series, so far every test he has gone above and beyond to give us fair results!

[@Ashleymtb]

Evan man where do you get your money your spending so much money but still it’s entertaining and we all learn something from cheap vs expensive your videos are really good keep up the good work

[@NoTeMetasConPou]

this is the donut media of bikes

[@aaa_aaaaaaaaaa]

I like the donut style vids

[@beastmodebodie480]

Your videos are awesome

[@BowzKnows]

I LOVE the feel of my DHX2 coil... my bike feels so planted compared to the X2 I had on before! Definitely worth the upgrade IMO!

[@broxy55]

I had issues with the same RS Monarch Plus, and I came across a used EXT Storia, the PO had the same bike as mine, so tuned. Yes!!! Worth it! Actually, I bought the whole frame minus the broken rear end, which I'm using since it is a better fit. As far as set-up, once you have the right spring to achieve the desired sag, it's not much different to set up the compression and rebound. I don't have to faff around with air anymore.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Oh dude no way! Same shocks as this video haha!! I'm sending the EXT off tomorrow for service and tuning, should be back by the end of the series!

[@broxy55]

@@EvansMTBSaga Have it tuned for the bike as well if you can. Good luck! The Storia has been awesome on my Pole Evolink! My Monarch had what appeared to be a clunk when in the open position, and a full rebuild didn't solve it.

[@dtolios]

Don't know if available for your Siskiu D and coil, but the way to go for much easier setup and resistance to bottoming out alike, is a progressive and adjustable coil spring from Sprindex.

[@antoniosanillan2155]

Buenisimo Evan!! Vamos con un video en español!!

[@danilovillanueva1476]

Nice videos upgrading

[@ohi_4401]

donutmedia but in bikes :DD even the same music. love it

[@mranderson3927]

I had the Monarch RC3 on my Banshee, and yes I had it rebuilt multiple times. Swapped it out for a Fox DHX2, what a revelation, coil every time for me.

[@JuAnXo0666]

I love your videos bro. And also, I know that buy used is risky, I recently bought a used and I broke it after two rides, I was so sad because I save money for a long time for get my first full suspension (and I bought it used because the new are too expensive). Sometimes people is not honest at all. I hope you can repair the shock, regards from a Mexican fan!

[@MrPacobolo]

Big question any one needs to a answer before you swap to coil is wether your frame suspension design is designed to accommodate a coil. Many suspension curves are designed around the progressive nature of an air spring, particularly in shorter travel bikes. This may account for why the EXT worked well in the bumps and traction department with the polygon, but not in the drop test. This is also where the EXT custom tuning really comes to the fore as they use that to deal with the linear draw backs of a coil.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

You explained that perfectly. Going to have EXT tune it for the Polygon when I send it off

[@JIBBING_1980S]

i love coil, simple to maintain. i was and used to air shock, but my friend keeps asking me to try using coil, and yes im not regreting it , i use öhlins. So perfect

[@donnkarlo1]

Nice video my fellow Rider/nurse

[@djambush360]

0:34 This is not an extra oil reservoir, it's a gas filled chamber (nitrogen) to were the oil can expand when it's getting hotter. This equals the pressure inside the shock. 1:07 Time to use a Titan spring. This test lacks of reason. You can also buy air-shocks for over 1000$. A compairson between low and high airshock and low and high coilshock would make morte sense. In the end you can use a coilshock even when there's no oil in it. An airshock without air ends in walking home (or you have always a spare shock in your pocket).

[@TheButlerNZ]

I LOVE my RC3. Fitted perfectly on my ol 2010 Giant Faith, Easy to keep an eye on as the O-Ring drops off the end of the well printed piston if it gets a little low on air.. and I have added air 2-3 times in as many years it has been on there.. about time I did it's 1st service, very little oil leakage.. Ok I'm not abusing the Faith as it was designed (I'm a 54yo mediocre MTB'er) but it survives 1m drop to flat etc and still feels plush. It came unboxed from a US dealer, I'm guessing it was an upgrade offcast of a new bike as it was in mint condition, yet cost about $140 US delivered to NZ. (Ok, Just before Covid like the bike) That bushing tool looks soo much easier than the bolt and socket set I use... 5:16 to be fair, if the video is the actual climb for the RC#... it appears it was left on low compression where High is an almost lockout (but thats what I love... "Almost" means it still deflects those roots/rocks you can't avoid on the often smooth climbs. I'm looking to retro a Morse cable so I can change the compression at a flick from the handle bars... Maybe at the same time I make a hydraulic trigger for my dropper...

[@dariorseventyeight]

"Pro-tip" for the Air Shock: set the lever to firm for a firmer ride when climbing ;)

[@SugmaNatsu]

Why does it feel like I'm watching a Donut Media high low video lol

[@Digthenride]

Quality and quantity keep it up!

[@mtbboy1993]

The EXT Storia v3 is great shock, I have one. But mine has spherical bearings so the shock can tilt. Less stiction. I did not find the shock to be hard to set up. Buy i dont know how yours feels. Mine felt great. But I see you defenitly was satesfied with the rough stuff. I have the Ext Era fork too, but there is a v2 version out. Also air shock coming soon.

[@bentoth2494]

@@thiosemicarbizidebenzoylal2921 rockshox and fox both have amazing coil shocks out as well 🥴

[@felixfam0481]

@@thiosemicarbizidebenzoylal2921 the best dmm coil shock isn't even really comparable to the ext. The dnm has less adjustments, no lockout lever, no way to internally tune it, weights more, and you can't get it tuned to suit your bikes suspension. I personally have a rockshox super deluxe coil and I love it, it is expensive yes but worth it to me.

[@felixfam0481]

@@thiosemicarbizidebenzoylal2921 the website only says compression and rebound, it doesn't even show if it's high or low speed for either one. The ext has low speed and high speed rebound/ compression. Plus there isn't even a lockout lever on the dnm which is quite ridiculous. When ordering an ext shock you also get the option to get the damping shaft/shims and the spring built to your specific suspension on your bike, which means you can run a coil on a bike that is not meant to have one. So yes it's really not comparable

[@felixfam0481]

@@thiosemicarbizidebenzoylal2921 I respect opinion. I do agree with things being overpriced but I personally like different adjustments so its worth the waste to me

[@mtbboy1993]

@@bentoth2494 I've not tried those, but I read stuff from ppl who havr they preffered the EXT.

[@beneadesmtb]

The monarch plus was also unlocked, so you're guaranteed "pedal bob" as you weirdly called it, if you'd of switched it into climb mode for the climb, you'll of found that there is next to no squish, just enough to stop them harder hits sending the flex somewhere else on the bike.

[@danieljames4584]

Me installing bushings, hammer 😂😂😂

[@dav1drad722]

evan , for the budget bike you should've gotten a Bomber Cr Coil rear shock , and painted the coil red so it matches the color scheme

[@lukemasters7498]

do u think u can make a video on how u adjusted the spring shock

[@faris55045]

didnt know ure a nurse !!!!!! respect!!!

[@jamesweldon8118]

I woulda liked to see a Marzoci coil on the low

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I would've, but there's not a Marzocchi that fits the D5

[@redinho1994]

@@EvansMTBSaga What's the shock size on the Siskiu D5? 190x51mm aka 7.5x2.0"?

[@AORNova]

@@redinho1994 Yeah... it's old style imperial. Not many fit, but older coil shocks like DHX2 can. My Firebird is 8.5 x 2.5 and it's real hard to find modern shocks for it. Probably why he had to jump for a Monarch

[@myaccount4400]

On one of those hill bikes having that 300$ one would 100% sell your bike quicker ...I mean that 1100$ one just look cheap with that spring and don't think it add any spring action value that much either

[@kobejohnson1567]

this is basically donut media for mtb

[@jlj547]

You deserve a million subscribers, atleast

[@eugene44569]

Will there be a contact point episode like pedals grips and handlebar stem.

[@germainvandenbossche487]

Now you just have to change the frame !

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I agree! Stay tuned

[@neocactus8754]

Like the berm preak t-shirt

[@kevinbloxom8013]

Nice video Evan. like the POV on SOMO

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Oh hey Kevin!! I got my Garbaruk cassette and chain ring! And pulley wheels for the derailleur. Have you raced since White Tanks?

[@kevinbloxom8013]

@@EvansMTBSaga I saw the pulley wheels on the last video they look good. I haven’t got to do any more races after the White Tanks race and I ended up buying a Fox 32 SC fork and Haven’t had a chance to ride.

[@lukaqarsaulidze1500]

How can iget channel membership, mine doesn't have the join button next to the subscribe button

[@user-tb3sx9lu8v]

Thank you for these distinctive videos and Wago to communicate well in the future

[@pabloriverahicks582]

I love your videos

[@user-ym6tg1ve7g]

entertaining as usual

[@javi3_14]

i have this exact bike lol the low is still high for me lmao

[@adonov1]

Could it be a idea to put a marzocchi bomber cr coil shock on the low bike? Marzocchi claims its easy to set up and now you know what coil you need and what about coil in the front like the push damper conversion kit? Or a marzocchi Z1 coil (well idk if its possible to put such a long fork on a trail bike)

[@hardmtnbiker]

I think most people would agree that an air shock is better for the average mountain biker. If you’re bike came with a nice coil shock and it’s the right Spring Rate for your riding style and weight then consider yourself very lucky. But an air shock will be easier to adjust and get set up properly for the average person.

[@karl_okohan]

That high bike shock is worth more than my bike

[@ianiscaratti4924]

I bought a used ext storia from a 95kg speci enduro (very progressive kinematic) rider. With the new coil it isn't even much cheaper than a new one... Now I bought a custom to my bike (linear single pivot) ext and the difference is noticable.

[@ianiscaratti4924]

plus your compareson is a bit infair. you say the downside is the hassle and instalation but you'll get it custom tuned with bushings already if not bought used so no hassle it is already 99% setup right.

[@louisalter9918]

This is like donut media but bike edition

[@RubenMerani_Official]

what is a dew bushing and where do i get them from?

[@ardwivedi16]

I feel so bad using a $8 coil with only preload adjustment on my 90s mtb after seeing the $1100 coil shock

[@jadereyes8768]

Got the idea from donut media nice

[@marcgallant5270]

You owe it to yourself to get the vorsprung tractive upgrade on the monarch plus! Do it :D makes for great content too!!!

[@BrandonMeyer1641]

“I have thirty thousand dollars in credit card debt”🎵

[@karlokozjak4018]

Some HighLow vibes

[@adissonwatleyMTB123]

“Hey so there’s this great new shock I found and I think you gonna like it,” “Really?? How much does it weigh?” “Well that’s the thing it’s actually a pound heavier.

[@almighty-_-6681]

reminds me of high low on donut media