Submitted by
Eli
a Weekend Warrior
from Pawcatuck,CT, USA Date Reviewed: January 22, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Free from a friend
Strengths:
Plush stiction-free travel, easy to assemble and dissamble, adjustability, and excellent customer service from Cane Creek.
Weaknesses:
None really.
Similar Products Used:
Older Fox AVA air.
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Super-V, Marz. Bomber front fork, 5 inches suspension travel front and rear.
Bottom Line:
i would reccomend this shock to anyone looking for a simple, reliable, well-performing shock. It has excellent adjustability (adjustable air volume) and is simple enough for the 'average Joe' bike mechanic to assemble and dissasmeble.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbia City, Indiana Date Reviewed: September 25, 2006
Favorite Trail:
anything with jumps
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$9.00
Purchased At:
price paid for two parts I needed
Strengths:
Easy to rebuild. Great help and support from Cane Creek. Very easy to set-up. Excellent feel. Can take 2-4 ft drops without blowout.
This rear shock works far better than the SID rear that was on it. It feels as though I have more travel than before. This shock has been out for a while but still is worth it's price new. Mine came with the bike when I bought it. I works great on my frame. Don't waste your money buying a shock with a lockout. This thing rocks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nevin Rallis
a Cross Country Rider
from Windham, Maine, USA Date Reviewed: May 22, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Bradbury Mountain
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
stock parts
Strengths:
Works awesomly on my bike. hardly ever get pedal bob or any movement while pedaling on roads
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
a cheap coil shock
Bike Setup:
leader 626S XT cranks and rear deraileur manitou minute 3
Bottom Line:
This shock is awesome. I had to put it on my frame because it was mail ordered and I figured I would test its weight against my realy old coil shock. It was like a feather and a brick. On the trail the difference is just as great. It sucks up the big pumps and lets you pedal efficiently.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dave
a Cross Country Rider
from pojoaque Date Reviewed: January 24, 2006
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Cane Creek
Strengths:
Reliable, user servicable, very limited sag or bob, air volume adjustability to change compression rate (progressive or linear), plush action over the entire stroke, great shock!
Weaknesses:
Damping controls not terribly consistent but I find the shock near perfect with no damping knobs nearly all the way out anyway.
Similar Products Used:
Fox Float, Progressive 5th Element
Bottom Line:
This is a follow-up review after several years of use. This remains my favorite shock of all time. I have rebuilt it with new air seals once in three years. When the seals did start going it was very gradual so there was no sudden failure; just subtle reminders of some pressure loss after a few rides let me know I needed to rebuild.
After dealing with poor performing Fox shox and Fox's virtually nonexistent customer service, this shock and the excellent support from Cane Creek have been a very welcome surprise. The Cane Creek shock changed the performance of my Titus Racer X from mediocre (with the original Fox Float R) to excellent.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Singapore Date Reviewed: February 8, 2005
Favorite Trail:
bukit Timah
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Initial/small bump travel stitchion.
No messy oil leaks.
Great range of adjustability (damping, spring rate)
Light.
Weaknesses:
Bottoms out at stock volume and recommended pressure setting.
Compression damping almost negilgible.
A customer support that would not reply to repeated simple email enquiries.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Coupe Deluxe
Giant NRS
Bike Setup:
1997 GT LTS 2
Bottom Line:
I got this shock to retrofit my LTS because of its many adjustability, especially the compression damping which was absent in the stock rock shox. Changing the spring rate was also easier with air than turning the coil spring. I did not like the lack of small bump sensitivity but big bump response was good, except for the tendency to bottom out. I weigh 84kg and had to run the AD 12 at 210 PSI to reduce the bottoming out, this however caused the shock to lose 50 psi after 1 lap of technical XC. Tried changing the volume setting which required a special socket spanner head. I tried contacting the technical support since there was no information on their website. 2 emails in 3 weeks, I still haven't even got an acknowledgement reply. Com'on, you guys at Cane Creek can do better. I blew my total air cartridges and the EKOsport guys got a replacement sent down to singapore in a week. As it is I cannot run the bike to its full potential. Was seriously considering a Cloud 9 upgrade for my Giant NRS but having experienced Cane Creek INEXISTENT customer support, I would probably look elsewhere.
3 chillis for the shock performance till now. 1 chilli for the "spectacular" customer support I got.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Larry
a Cross Country Rider
from Palo Alto, CA USA Date Reviewed: August 24, 2004
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Reed's Cyclery, San Jose, CA
Strengths:
After thousands of miles of cross country riding since my last post here in 2001, I am STILL way impressed with this shock. I hardly ever have to add air. I haven't had any troubles, and it is still supple as ever!
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Fox, AD-10
Bike Setup:
Sub 21 pound Ellsworth Truth
Bottom Line:
Don't know if it's still available since I built up my bike over three years ago, but I never had the need or desire to switch to anything else since. Yes, I know I have reviewed this shock here before, but that was over three years ago, and I thought you guys might like a long term usage report.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
scott
a Weekend Warrior
from chandler, az, usa Date Reviewed: May 11, 2004
Favorite Trail:
holbert
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$175.00
Purchased At:
landis cyclery
Strengths:
I rebuild myself, light, easy setup, price
Weaknesses:
none yet
Similar Products Used:
stratos xc
Bike Setup:
trek y-33
Bottom Line:
Cane Creek will give you 50$ off if you trade in any old shock- check there website for details. I liked the fact that i can rebuild myself so i bought it. Feels great- my old stratos had a lockout so i was disappionted that the ad-12 did not. But when i set it up and rode it i never felt the need for the lockout. Very comfortable and easy to setup- i recommend it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pat
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, Ca. USA Date Reviewed: April 12, 2004
Favorite Trail:
SoCal
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$175.00
Purchased At:
Cane Creek Direct
Strengths:
Easy to install and set up
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
FOX RL
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight XL; XT Disc; Rock Shox Duke XC 100
Bottom Line:
Smoooth..easy set up. My Fox died. Shock set up to -10 lbs body weight air pressure, neutral dampening and rebound. Shock soaks up everything with no pedal feedback and no need for lock-out. Great customer service from Malcomb at CC.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Bristol, CT Date Reviewed: April 10, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
eBay-used
Strengths:
Low maintainence.
Weaknesses:
Rebound function stinks. Air is NOT a good dampening medium!!
Similar Products Used:
Fox FLOAT RC rear, Rock Shox SID XC rear
Bike Setup:
GIANT NRS
Bottom Line:
Afetr riding the CC AD-12 for 3 months last Fall, I ended up sending my worn out Rock Shox SID XC back to RS for rebuilding. The Cane Creek simply stunk. I could not find a setting that would deliver the same plush ride with minimal bob that the stock RS shock had. I tried all three air volume settings, and every combination of air pressure and dampening adjustment possible to no avail. The shock either packs up, or is way to firm. For $175 to rebuild the RS SID, it is worth it if I get another 1 1/2 years from it. Maybe for the NRS it is not a good application, but some people say they are getting good results. I didn't.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from New Mexico Date Reviewed: November 12, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Northside Trail
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Cane Creek direct
Strengths:
Plush. Plush. Plush. Shocks do not get any plusher than this. And, the increased stroke (34mm) vs. my rock shox coil (25mm) makes a huge difference. I have not had ANY leakage AT ALL. I only have to adjust my pressure every 3 months or so, even though I am an aggressive rider. Changes in damping actually change the action of the shock. Amazing! Contrary to advertising, Rock shox and Fox don't actually have any adjustments. Probably not the lightest, but definitely light. I'm no weight geek, but those of you who are will appreciate the performance/weight ratio.
Weaknesses:
Haven't found any yet.
Similar Products Used:
RS coil over, Fox, SID air
Bike Setup:
Schwinn Homegrown carbon URT full suspension
Bottom Line:
In the suspension world, you don't always get what you pay for. Aggressive cross country riders will appreciate this shock for its performance and adjustability. Period. If you're a hucker, stay with a coil.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dave
a Cross Country Rider
from pojoaque, nm Date Reviewed: September 19, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$190.00
Purchased At:
cane creek
Strengths:
not much sag or bobbing, nice cush on larger hits, customer servicable is great but so far i haven't had to do much. it's great to be able to change the air volume (spring rate)
Weaknesses:
heavier than advertised (weights 16 g more than fox float R), i can't tell much difference with the damping settings but I haven't worried too much about it because I seem to like the ride regardless of the damping settings. Air damping generally provides less consistent damping characteristics than oil because it is a compressible gas, rather than an incompressible fluid (oil).
Similar Products Used:
Fox Float R, vanilla, and earlier models
Bike Setup:
Titus Racer X
Bottom Line:
For me, this shock is far superior to the Fox Float R. It outperforms it in every situation. Plus, it has less sag and bob so I get about 30% greater effective travel from my bike than with a Fox Float. I changed it to the larger air volume setting and really like it that way and appreciate that I can change it myself. I also really appreciate the fact that the shock is fully customer servicable. I got tired of always having to send shocks to Fox, getting charged for their design flaws, and suffering down time as well.
A little heavier than advertised, but so am I!
Kudos to Cane Creek for this shock!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Greenville, Oh Date Reviewed: June 7, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Ebay, what a deal!
Strengths:
smoothness
Weaknesses:
Difficult to dial in, tough fit in my Idrive
Similar Products Used:
Stock RST
Bike Setup:
GT Idrive, Marz, Cane creek, Mostly stock
Bottom Line:
Great upgrade from the stock spring. Much smoother, but taking a while to make adjustments to a good setting. Was a tight fit into my Idrive frame.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from Magalia Calif Date Reviewed: March 16, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Tahoe Rim Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Came with frame
Strengths:
Light, plush,
Weaknesses:
leaks, loses rebound control
Similar Products Used:
SID XC, never a problem, flaw less
Bike Setup:
TURNER 02, SID SL, hayes,
Bottom Line:
This shock looks good at first glance. But after some use it starts show its true colors. After only 30 days of use it no longer holds air for an entire ride and has completly lost all rebound control.I called Cane Creek and the guy who answered phone didn't even let me finish explaining the problem before he started asking me my address.I guess that he has heard of this problem before. Its been a little over a week now and still no replacement shock yet, I hope it will be in soon as I'm a bit tired of pumping up the shock 3 or 4 times a ride. Not to mention the the lack of rebound control.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
gearhead natureboy
a Weekend Warrior
from Eugene, OR, USA Date Reviewed: December 17, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Hospital Hill
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$240.00
Purchased At:
speedgoat
Strengths:
Light, adjustable, fits my bike (barely). Climbs well/well damped at timme, but at the major expense of bump eating performance.
Weaknesses:
Unreliable. Leaks. Bottoms too easily
This replaced my sid XC on my GT idrive (the sid worked flawlessly for 16 months, then leaked) The first shock leaked air on the first ride and would not hold air for more than 1 hour. CC shipped out a new shock, which I had in 1 week. This shock worked OK, but would bottom WAY too easily. If I pumped up the pressure to prevent bottoming, then the sag was not right. If I cranked down the compression damping, then it was harsh. It began leaking air, meaning I had to top it off each ride and sometimes mid ride. Then one day, on a hop, It blew in 2 pieces (it was V shaped afterwards). CC sent me the third shock. this one worked better, but the damping continually changes during rides. the back end of the bike feels weak, and I dare not drop more than 2 feet because it will bottom. I put an old fox vanilla from my wife's older GT with a heavier spring on the rear, and this setup is way better.
Similar Products Used:
Sid XC, Fox float, Fox vanilla and vanilla R
Bike Setup:
GT i Drive 2.0
Bottom Line:
I really wanted to like this shock. Cane creek has the best customer service and makes some good products, but for my bike, this is not one of them. Too unreliable, with mediocre bump-eating performance. I can't deal with this air shock biz. A cheap coil blows it away. I am sticking with coils.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bobo D. Clown
a
from east jabib Date Reviewed: October 31, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Bike Setup:
Jamis Dakar
Bottom Line:
Just a quick follow up. I blew out the AD-12 doing only agressive XC. Sent it into Cane Creek and they had it back to me w/ a seal kit free of charge and w/in 2 weeks. Its a pretty sweet shock but I've moved onto FR/DH so e mail me if you want an awesome deal on a 6 month old AD-12.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sundog
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TX Date Reviewed: October 12, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
local g.fisher shop
Strengths:
External rebound and damping controls
Weaknesses:
I've had this rebuilt TWICE IN ONE YEAR.
Bike Setup:
Sugar
Bottom Line:
I've had this shock REBUILT TWICE IN ONE YEAR! The local guy has resealed this twice so far.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jorge V
a Cross Country Rider
from oklahoma city,ok Date Reviewed: October 11, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Turkey mountain Tulsa
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
budget bikes, okc.
Strengths:
all strengths
Weaknesses:
no weaknessess
Similar Products Used:
ad-10, fox vanilla.
Bike Setup:
shock was bought for a gt xcr4000 but the frame cracked and now it's on a jamis dakar sport.
Bottom Line:
I installed this shock on my xcr 4000 even before ratings were available for it. The shock was and still is awesome. When I installed it on the Jamis dakar all I had to do was change the spacers and it still going on even with no service done to it yet. No pressure loss, still looks and feels brand new. I was gonna buy a fox float with lockout for the 2002 gt xcr 1.0 frame gt sent me but after reading up on all the reviews on the ad-12 as well as all my rides on it I decided to get another one for this gt which I'm gonna build up with the best and lightest gear. This is a great shock and the value is worth the price. I'm 215 lbs and the shock takes it all without bottoming out. I run the psi upwards of 250 and it hasn't blown out. What more can you ask for? nothing, except winning the lottery, which has nothing to do with this review. Keep riding, keep hoping, keep living. J.V.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter
a Weekend Warrior
from Ann Arbor MI Date Reviewed: September 15, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$175.00
Purchased At:
Two Wheel Tango
Strengths:
Plush and dependable. WAY WAY WAY WAY WAY better feeling than my old fox
Weaknesses:
The customer service was kind of weak. I ordered my shock on monday and needed it friday, CC said it'd be ready by thursday and shipped to be here on friday. I needed to for a race on saturday. Didn't come, b/c someone messed up at Cane Creek. Then they said they'd pay shipping and take $25 off. they just paid the shipping.
Similar Products Used:
Fox Floar R, and RL(long story on that)
Bike Setup:
Specialized FSR XC Comp, AD-12, Panaracer Fire XC 2.1's, eggbeaters, thompson seatpost, Salsa Seat post clamp(quick release sucks, kinda contributed to my prior shocks)
Bottom Line:
Overall, great ride! The thing is so much smoother than my fox that i have to dial it in stiffer to remove the bob that i notice when running my fox pressure in it, which is a good thing b/c it shows how smooth it is. Even though the CC customer service let me down they still got it to me a week after the order which isn't bad considering they had to build it.
But it was well worth it b/c it outperforms my fox 5 fold and holds air mucho better. Nice product Cane Creek. Too bad everyone thinks fox is superior
4 chili's b/c the shock was arrived after i told them i needed it, 5 for performance. I dont think it could get smoother if it was coil
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
The Fonz
a Cross Country Rider
from The land of many trails Date Reviewed: August 27, 2002
Favorite Trail:
The one I'm on
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$175.00
Purchased At:
cane creek
Strengths:
PLUSH! What else can I say? This shock is very dependable. It definately will not lose air like a Fox shock. Foxes come and Foxes BLOW! I have not had to add any air for over 2 years. If you do experience problems, cane creek will bend over backwards to make the situation right. The rebound and compression adjustments actually make a world of difference. This shock is like butter. This is definately the lightest best performing shock on the market.
Weaknesses:
What?
Similar Products Used:
Fox, Rock Shox super deluxe
Bike Setup:
Fast
Bottom Line:
If you don't have one, you need one! Don't continue to ride sub-standard shocks. This shock is awesome!! Fox doesn't float they blow!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff D
a Cross Country Rider
from New Jersey Date Reviewed: August 8, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Speedgoat
Strengths:
Adjustability, sharp-looking, holds pressure well over time, well-built for its XC mission.
Weaknesses:
Must be unfastened from frame to reach damping screws, but once those settings are good, you don't need to mess with them again.
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel 90 w discs
Bottom Line:
Huge improvement over stock Fox Float. It seems to work best at lighter settings, about 100-105psi, with little compression damping (3 lines showing), and much rebound damping (1 line). This keeps the rear end tracking straight and predictable whilst going downhill. The old Float would just skitter from side to side like a hardtail. I find that if the AD-12 is pumped too stiff, this squirliness comes back, so the benefits of lower pressure are noticable. Conversely, it squishes a bit while standing up and cranking uphill(no lockout), but it's not a major concern.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris full suspension
a Cross Country Rider
from Richmond,vA Date Reviewed: July 12, 2002
Favorite Trail:
pocahantas
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
came with bike i bought used as an upgrade
Strengths:
LIGHT! very nice , plush! easy to adjust.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
fox vanilla
Bike Setup:
Schwinn rocket 88 stage one with all the trimmings
Bottom Line:
a great light shock- I love the adjustments. You can actually feel the shock change when you adjust it unlike rock shox. the cane creek AD 12 is justa great shock. I you want and upgrade then get it it is awesome. I rode the shock for two months with out touching it it was set at 0 copression damping and 0 rebound damping. it was stiff and stiffer. which was good as I was coming over from a hard tail. as I got used to full suspension I stated to dial it in a bit. OH! what I had been missing! this shock is so plush! You can dial it to right where you want. Just turn those knobs in little bits and dial it right in.
Get it if you want a great shock that performs very well and has tons of adjustablity. Forget it if you are a free riding hucker get a 5th element or Romic. Five flaming Rock Shox
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bobo D. Clown
a Cross Country Rider
from LA Date Reviewed: June 16, 2002
This shock made my bike even better. It's a great match for any Marzocchi air fork. Light, holds air, and very tunable. Cane Creek has great customer service, even though I didn't need any. Just had hundreds of questions which they politely put with. I ride xc and free ride and this shock eats up all the bumps and jumps.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tommy
a
from TN Date Reviewed: May 17, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
EBAY
Strengths:
light, rebuildable, adjustable
Weaknesses:
piston came loose by itself
Similar Products Used:
Fox Vanilla
Bike Setup:
Trek Y-11
Bottom Line:
This shock is light! When the package arrived, I thought it was empty.
It feels pretty plush. I don't have the bobbing or lost of energy that people complain about with dual suspension bikes. I don't have much experience with other rear shocks.
After 3 or 4 rides, the shock had a funny noise and feel to it. Like it was bottoming out when it rebounded. When I got home and took it apart, I found that the piston came loose by itself. So I just tightened it back up. Then after a couple more rides, I had the same noise and feel. But I was half way in the trail this time so I just kept riding. Big mistake... the freaking shock blew up on me. I mean KAPOW! Looked down and my shock was broken in half. I didn't have the tools to put it together so I had to walk my bike all the way out. Was I pissed?! I didn't want to go through the hassle of returning the shock and lose riding time so I just put it all together again. I screwed the piston on really tight this time. It's working like new again. If it comes lose again, it's going back.
After all the bad experience I had, I would still totally recommend Cane Creek. I had some questions and I emailed them. I got an instant reply. What everyone said about their customer service is true. These guys rock. I mean I probably just had bad luck with the shock but Cane Creek is a great company. Not like some other companies that I have to deal with. I don't want to name names... ok I do, it's Spinergy :P
Because I had to walk 7 miles out of the trail, I would have given this shock an average rating. But because Cane Creek has such nice and friendly customer reps (I'm a sucker for nice people), I'll give them 4 burning chillies.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross Country Rider
from Philadelphia Date Reviewed: May 15, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Wissahickon, any in Jim Thorpe, State College area
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Light weight, very adjustable, great Cane Creek customer service
Weaknesses:
Blew a seal after 6 months
Similar Products Used:
old Rock Shox deluxe on my last bike (GT LTS-3)
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth Isis, setup for XC
Bottom Line:
A terrific shock with good adjustability and bump absorption. I was worried about how long it would hold up to my abuse (I'm 230 lbs, at least some of it being muscle) and about a month ago it failed on me. Nothing catastrophic, it just got softer and softer till i was riding bottomed-out. I called up Cane Creek and they had a rebuild kit sent to me within 3 days. I took the shock apart only to find one of the o-ring groves was chipped (i believe it was the piston). I took a chance and reassembled it with the new o-rings, and lo-and-behold, it blew out again. This time i sent the shock back to Cane Creek and let them rebuild it. About two weeks later I got my shock back. Not a bad turnaround. So... we'll see how long the shock holds up this time. I realize I ride the shock near the highest pressure listed in the manual, I just hope the next service is more than 6 months from now. Five chilis for Cane Creek standing behind their product, plus the fact that this shock works so well. Minus one chili for the failure.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ross
a Cross Country Rider
from Pompano, fl Date Reviewed: April 28, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Where do i begin. The adjustments seem to be endless. it is very light. soaks up both the small stuff and the big stuff. cane creek's great customer service.
Weaknesses:
nothing except cane creek estimated 4-5 days on delivery to my lbs. 2 weeks later it came.
Similar Products Used:
various coil shocks
Bottom Line:
this is my first air shock. i was a little sketchy at first (i weigh about 200), but after my first ride with it, i made a vow to myself never to own another coil or fox shock again. the fact that it is user serviceable is an added bonus. i've blown my share of fox shox, and they seem to take forever to service them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jeff Blackman
a Cross Country Rider
from hood river or. Date Reviewed: April 25, 2002
Favorite Trail:
15 mile
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Disco bikes
Strengths:
none
Weaknesses:
This shock sucks. I instaled it on my bike and the piston unthreaded 1/2 way through the first ride. This happened three more times each time I returned it to the shop for repairs. Cane Creak would not back up their stuff with a replacement shock so I went to a fox.
Similar Products Used:
Fox coil and R.C float
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz
Bottom Line:
Buy a Fox R.C
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bruce
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, Ontario Date Reviewed: April 8, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$235.00
Purchased At:
speedgoat
Strengths:
Light, adjustable as hell, excellent dampening, smooth, and pretty. Added about 0.400" of travel to my Idrive??
Weaknesses:
none yet
Similar Products Used:
float RC, float RL, sid XC
Bike Setup:
idrive, judy, lx, avid ...
Bottom Line:
As close to perfect as you can get, smooth plush light user servicable. Cane Creek people are fantastic. Instructions are excellent, setup is a breeze, completely adjustable. What more could you want??? Best of the best IMHO.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ARider
a Cross Country Rider
from SE PA Date Reviewed: March 30, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Red/White, French Creek
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Simplicity, service reputation, weight, PERFORMANCE, end-user serviceability and (I'm hoping) reliability.
Weaknesses:
Didn't ship with correct spacers for my bike, but not surprised since Fox never got it right either...
What a difference between this and my Fox shock! I much prefer the spring rate of the Cane Creek. The right balance of small bump & big hit performance, much less "donkey kick" (even after tuning the Fox, could never get it dialed in), less bob when pedaling. I'm sick and tired of having to have the Fox serviced every 6-9 months (with $$$ and downtime involved), so I thought I'd give the Cane Creek a go. Will post a "long term durability" report in a few months.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob Bechen
a Racer
from Phoenix, AZ Date Reviewed: March 27, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Mormon - South Mountain
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1.00
Purchased At:
with Ellsworth Truth
Strengths:
Smooth, reliable, light, great adjustability
Weaknesses:
Not quite enough control on compression damping - not enough
Similar Products Used:
various coil shocks
Bike Setup:
Med 2001 Ellsworth Truth, Psylo Race fork, Avid mag rim brakes
Bottom Line:
The shock starting losing a little air after 12 months of heavy use. I purchased a seal kit for $16 (included shipping). I had problems with installation (I damaged the bushing and it was my fault) so Cane Creek quickly sent me a new one with more o-rings at no cost. The installation tool they provided did not fit quite right, but with a few minor adjustments I got it to work. It has been a month now and there is no leakage. Their service was great, the shocks are well made, work beautifully, and the ability to replace seals is a bonus. I would like to have more control over compression damping. When the shock is set up well for the small bumps, it is too easy to bottom out. The rider has to live with a little harshness on the small bumps. I highly recommend these shocks and Cane Creek. If I were to purchase a new softail bike it would definitely have the AD-12 or new Cloud Nine shock.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Neil
a Cross Country Rider
from Vermont Date Reviewed: February 28, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Speedgoat
Strengths:
Light, smoooooooth
Weaknesses:
Tricky to fit into my GT xcr 4000 frame
Similar Products Used:
Fox vanilla coil, Float R
Bike Setup:
GT Idrive frame, with no original parts and lots of goodies including the fine shock subject of this review.
Bottom Line:
I bought this thinking it would upgrade the feel of my machine. Smooth out the boinginess of the Float and stickiness of the coilover. Boy was I right. Very smooth. I have not yet had opportunity to adjust compression/rebound - they seem perfect as is, and this from a guy who constatnly adjusts every part of the bike. Really very, very nice. Upon receipt from the vendor, the shock did not fit (and I mean really did not fit)! Spacers wrong, no space for the valve. I called Cane Creek. All the reviews talk of good customer service there. The reviews are accurate. I spoke with Peter. He send me several parts - two elbow fill valves of varying size, a few spacers. He told me what to do, and reinforced that if I messed anything up, CC would honor the warrantee and put it right. He also offered to custom spacers if I had continuing problems. The parts arrived to my door in two days, gratis, and I was able to get the shock fit with limited effort.
Again, this is an extremely smooth shock You go over stuff sitting down which would just smush the float. A big air reservoir means quite a few strokes to fill, but then forget about it. I've only ridden it a few times, but no leaks yet, adn this despite the fact that I removed and reconfigured the valves not once, but twice, to achieve the desired fit.
Styleee.
Spendy hardware, so 4 stars for value. Excellent hardware and customer service, so 5 stars there.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
craig
a Weekend Warrior
from burbank ca Date Reviewed: January 27, 2002
Favorite Trail:
verdugo mtns
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
europa
Strengths:
light customer service
Weaknesses:
seals
Similar Products Used:
rock shox coupe deluxe
Bike Setup:
schwinn homegrown f.s.
Bottom Line:
originally purchased a ad 10 but right from the beginning i started having problems with it. at first only after a couple of rides it started making a rubbing sound like not enough lube inside the shock.i called cane creek and they promply sent me a new seal kit with grease.they were very helpful.but after a few rides after i relubed it the shock acted like it had no rebound control.i called them again and they sent me a new ad 12. i've had no further problems.the people that work there are very helpful and friendly.because of this i recommend their product
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard T
a
from Cincinnati Date Reviewed: November 28, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Campus Cycle
Strengths:
There nothing short of saying, this is the best danm rear shock going. Been thrashing my bike for a year and have no problems. Cane Creek has good support. Damping is automatic and works great. Doesn't leak air, even over long periods of time. Good seals
Weaknesses:
need an allen wrench to adjust it. Not really a big deal, Once it is set, it is set
Similar Products Used:
I just ordered the new Cloud Nine for my other bike. I am expecting the same quality, but with adjustments this time
Bottom Line:
Don't get SID, Don't get Fox, Get this shock if you want quality, lightness, plushness and great customer service
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Zak
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle, WA, USA Date Reviewed: November 27, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$125.00
Purchased At:
Cane Creek
Strengths:
VERY plush, highly servicable (apparently), lots of adjustability
Weaknesses:
Lack of faith in earlier models
Similar Products Used:
Cane Creek AD-8
Bike Setup:
1997 Jamis Dakar, Manitou SX front fork, LX/XT drivetrain and brakes (mostly XT)
Bottom Line:
My AD-8 decided to call it quits after a little more than a year of minor/moderate usage (it was making a loud "clack" as it topped out on each stroke). I called Cane Creek to get it fixed and they told me they don't make seal kits for the AD-8 anymore and the customer service rep suggested I trade up to the AD-12 for $125. He told me that the AD-12 retailed for over $400, so the trade-up was a really good deal. I was a bit weary that the service rep wasn't being completely straightforeward wtih me, but I went ahead with the transaction anyway.
I paid the $125 via credit card over the phone and they told me as soon as they got my AD-8 shock in the mail, they'd send me the new AD-12. (Fast foreward to 3 weeks AFTER they received my AD-8 in the mail). I still hadn't received the shock yet. I called and asked what was going on and they told me that my credit card number was giving them problems. Seeing as I had pleanty of money on my card, I was a bit mystified that the transaction still hadn't gone through. Hey, accidents happen... card numbers get mixed up, but they still should at least have made an attempt to call me if they were having problems with payment, right?
Well, after I called THEM, the card miraculously went through fine (the number I gave them was correct) and the shock was delivered to me in a matter of days.
Okay... enough griping about my mediocre experience with Cane Creek's customer service. I put the AD-12 shock on and it was SMOOOOOOOOTH. Felt like I was riding a Cadallac as opposed to the Nissan feel I got out of my AD-8. I just hope that this shock doesn't crap out early in its life like the last one did. I'm weary to give this shock a perfect rating, because I'm simply not convinced that Cane Creek stands by its merchandise like they should.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Taylor Lyne
a Racer
from Richmond Date Reviewed: November 12, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Rich. Exterre and Pocohontas
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$220.00
Purchased At:
Beyond Bikes
Strengths:
Light, adjustable,
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Na
Bike Setup:
2001 Ellsworth: Kings/517, Hope Minnies,RF,Time Tec, Thompson elite. Monkey lite and scram sl.
Bottom Line:
Great product with a Smooth ride.Very adjustable. The customer service is great. Beyond Bikes Sent Me The wrong bushing set up for my 2001. Top bushing was suppose to be 41mm. They sent a 21mm top and bottom bushing. This caused the top 6mm bolt to break and tweaked the rocker arms.Then they tried to pass it of as their reg. set up. Cane Creek Said it was not the right set up. On top of this Beyond Bikes charged my credit card twice. These guy are more interested in their sale % and quotas. Than their customer service. Their $ are good but all of the other companies will match their prices.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, Ca Date Reviewed: October 30, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Lightweight, multitude of adjustments, smooth performance, incredible customer service. No need to find correct spring rate-just adjust the air pressure! All in a user-serviceable shock!!
Weaknesses:
Not quite as plush as a coil-over on the small stuff, but worth the trade-off for the other benefits it offers.
Similar Products Used:
Noleens coil-over
Bike Setup:
Jamis Dakar w/Manitou SX-R
Bottom Line:
This is a great product backed up by a great company!!
My frame came with an AD-8. I bought the frame new 11/00, even though it was a '97 model (a Supergo closeout!). The AD-8 developed a topping-out problem, due to a leaking seal. I contacted Peter Gilbert at Cane Creek, who said they would cover the problem under their 1 yr warranty, even though the shock was originally built 4 yrs ago! The problem would require that the shock be sent in for service (not user-serviceable), where on the new AD-12, the problem could be fixed by the user in the field, so he would send me a new AD-12 to replace the AD-8!! He asked me to send the AD-8 back to him, but would send out the AD-12 right away without waiting for the AD-8 to come back first. Is that customer service, or what?!
It's something special when you find a product that performs as advertised & when it fails, the company stands behind it 100%. This is the kind of customer service you only dream about. Cane Creek delivers on their promise. I'm a customer for life. Thanks again Peter & thanks Cane Creek! You are what mountain biking is all about!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Larry
a Cross Country Rider
from Palo Alto, CA Date Reviewed: October 19, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Light, doesn't leak, very plush, customer service
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Fox RC, Vanilla Air, AD-10
Bike Setup:
21 lb Ellsworth Truth
Bottom Line:
It's been a great shock. I do not miss a lock out at all, with this frame at least, especially since I sit and spin up hills, and do not stand and hammer.
I;'ve called customer service with some general setup questions several times, and each time, the reps were very friendly and helpful.
I also have used the AD-10 and was pleased with it as well. This shock is lighter than the Fox , probably because the Fox has a lockout.
Can't go wrong with this shock, or Cane Creek
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BVBR
a Racer
from Ocomukowonawaukesha, WI Date Reviewed: October 13, 2001
Favorite Trail:
The Lab
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$195.00
Purchased At:
Team Purchase
Strengths:
User Servicability! Large, leak free air chamber Light weight Adjustibility
Weaknesses:
Didn't come OEM on my SC Superlight
Similar Products Used:
Noleen NR-2, Noleen NR-4, Fox Float RC
Bike Setup:
SC Superlight, 'Zokes xfly 100, lots of others goodies.
Bottom Line:
I previously reviewed this but my review has since disappeared, so I'll do it again. Why spend my time reviewing it again?...because it IS so good. I have even more time on it since my first review and can't say enough good things about this shock.
Here's my story:
I bought a SC Superlight frame that came OEM with a Fox Float RC shock. Rode it 300 miles before the shock started making this annoying squishing sound. Apparently this happens when the oil & nitrogen somehow become mixed. Anyway, I needed a backup to race on while the Fox was sent away for service work. The Fox needed to be sent away because, nothing except for the darn air-sleeve is user-servicable. Based on all the good things I read on this website about the AD-10, I ordered the AD-12. Put it on and instantly loved it. The quality of travel just felt much nicer, maybe due to a larger air chamber? There is also an infinite amount of adjustibility with the AD-12 (compression, rebound, air pressure). The biggest plus for me is the user servicability. The AD-12 is fully user-servicable, and you can purchase all the seals needed for this procedure for ~$10, so I hear. I haven't needed to due this yet since it continues to work flawlessly. All I do is wipe it off after a ride and check the air once in a while, which by the way has never even lost a fraction of a pound of pressure. Amazing.
My Fox Float RC finally came back from being rebuilt by Fox so I decided to try it again. Put it on, rode around the block, took it off, put the AD-12 back on, and put the Fox in the toolbox for a backup. No comparison...the Cane Creek wins hands down. Now if only I could sell that Fox...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben
a Cross Country Rider
from New Mexico Date Reviewed: September 7, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Signal Peak Race Course
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Gila Hike & Bike
Strengths:
Lite, Plush, Lite, Tunable, Lite, Tech Support, Did I say lite?
Weaknesses:
None, So far
Similar Products Used:
Fastrack (Stock), Fox Vanilla, Stratos, Rock Shox, etc.
Bike Setup:
Diamond Back FS, IRD TL5, Dean Titanium, Action Tec Titanium, DT Hugi, Avid, Da Vinci, IRC, IRD, SRAM
Bottom Line:
I had a FS with a crappy coil shock, looking to upgrade my bike and drop some weight. Contacted LBS and they talked to Cane Creek which had one built to fit my bike. Wow! I was surprised that a company like them would do that. The shock took almost a full pound off the bike. Very tunable, I can't believe the difference it has made in ride quality. So good, I had my new Da Vinci custom frame built around it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bomberdale11
a Cross Country Rider
from Cowlumbus, Ohio Date Reviewed: August 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Larrel Mountain, N.C.
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$240.00
Purchased At:
SpeedGoat (rules)
Strengths:
User Serviceable Very Plush Very Adjustable Stay seated!
Weaknesses:
None yet.
Similar Products Used:
Fox Vanilla (yuck)
Bike Setup:
'99 Cannondale SuperV900 w/discs Marzocchi Jr. T
Bottom Line:
This shock transformed my bike instantly.
The first weekend I went off to Snowshoe Mountain for 66 miles of downhilling. The shock is so plush that I rode over most the rocks and roots it in the saddle. I'm 165lbs with camelback and I ran 150lbs in the shock and rarely bottemed it out. This is a little soft for regular trail riding and I'll probably firm it up but it worked beautily for downhill. My buds (also on dualies) were surprised at how much I could stay in the saddle over the rocks.
The next ride was the 24mi. North Mtn Trail in WVA. I put 155lbs in it this time. Still very plush. I haven't touched the compression and rebound dials yet because it works so great out of the box . I suspect I can dial out the slight bob with the rebound adjustment or run the recommened pressure.
This is a very plush and very tough shock. How many shocks lets you stay seated over the very rocky and rooty WVA terrain in the saddle and not blow out or kill you butt?
Works for me. Great job CaneCreek!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sponge
a Cross Country Rider
from New Jersey Date Reviewed: July 23, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Skyline area
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
Can tune to multiple riding styles. Great compression and rebound. Great customer service and answers to your questions. Plush
Weaknesses:
Screws a little hard to get to, but no big deal
Bike Setup:
2001 Truth, XT, Avid, Truvativ, Monkey lite, X-Vert, Thomson stem and post
Bottom Line:
I did a lot of research on air shocks before specing this on the Truth. I decided not to go with the Fox lock out based on input from other riders, and it was the correct decision. The AD-12 is soooo adjustable. No air loss at all. Cane Creek's customer service is superb and they take time to answer your questions.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ian Blair
a Cross Country Rider
from BLaine Date Reviewed: July 18, 2001
Favorite Trail:
galbraith MT
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$208.00
Purchased At:
Mud, Sweat, and geras
Strengths:
light, tuneable, easy to maintain, best shock for the money
Weaknesses:
None
Bike Setup:
99' Haro ex2 Judy C long travel, Avid v-brakes,
Bottom Line:
Just put it on and wow what a difference. I use to have a Rockshox deluxe and it took every bump but it had a wicked rebound and there was no way of adjusting it. I got the ad-12 for the simple reason that you had full control of every function of the shock and you can repair it yourself without expensive tools. If your in the market for a new shock I say go for it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver Date Reviewed: June 26, 2001
Favorite Trail:
anything they let us ride!
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Customer service
Weaknesses:
N/A
Similar Products Used:
RS Coupe Deluxe
Bike Setup:
GF Joshua Z2, all XT, RS Judy XC fork, RS Coupe Deluxe (soon to change to Cane Creek AD-12!)
Bottom Line:
Just wanted to post this to compliment Cane Creek's service. I had questions regarding fitting the AD-12 to my bike and Tom @ Cane Creek was awesome. He provided plenty of assistance and was incredibly fast with email responses. That alone steers me to upgrade to Cane Creek's AD-12 as opposed to Fox or Rock Shox.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Trace
a Cross Country Rider
from Black Mtn. Date Reviewed: June 25, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Kitsuma
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Epic Cycles
Strengths:
This shock has been very strong. Completely changed the way my GT-iDrive has ridden.
Weaknesses:
NONE so far. Except,Cane Creek didn't exactly for the xcr 5000.
Similar Products Used:
RST
Bike Setup:
XCR-5000,avid ar50, advid sd levers, kore and thompson,Kooka crank, lx with 517
Bottom Line:
The shock has really proven it's self in a short time. The tech support has been great with all questions.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nest
a
from Houston, TX Date Reviewed: June 20, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
www.aardvarkcycles.com
Strengths:
Beefy construction Lightweight Plush Tuning ability User serviceable
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Fox Float
Bike Setup:
Klein Mantra
Bottom Line:
This shock has totally changed the way my bike rides. The Fox would constantly bob whenever I pedaled. It also felt squishy. The AD-12 virtually solved all of my problems. Bobbing is greatly reduced to a minimum. I doubt that it is a result of stiction. The ability to adjust compression and rebound make this an even better shock. Hits are absorbed. That's the way I like it. You can't go wrong with the AD10 or 12.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
casey
a Cross Country Rider
from cupertino Date Reviewed: June 17, 2001
Favorite Trail:
skeggs
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Big piston for better control of Rebound and Damping. The ablilty to adjust these controls with a little twist of two knobs.
Weaknesses:
so far I havent found any.
Similar Products Used:
Stratos ( leaks air ), Rockshox deluxe ( To heavy ).
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Sugar 2, Chris King headset, Manitou Mars Super, Michelin Wild Grippers. Other than that the bikes stock.
Bottom Line:
A shock that can compete with the Rockshox SID. With less of a hassel of adjusting air pressures. No leaks, No runs and no hassles. If you dont want to spend the money for a SID but what a shock thats light and is fully adjustable this is the shock for you. I am so far very happy with this shock.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim Hamilton
a Cross Country Rider
from Rochester NY Date Reviewed: June 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Tryon Park/Spencer Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$255.00
Purchased At:
Keith @ "Gears-to-you"
Strengths:
Plush, plush, plush! Holds air without any leakage and I haven't had any squishing or sucking sounds to contend with up to this point.
Weaknesses:
I would prefer a dial knob for the rebound and compression. You have to use an allen key to adjust these features. Frankly I haven't used the compression much anyway, I simply adjust the ride by using different amounts of air pressure. I have used the rebound adjustment frequently. Both work well. Just being "nitpicky" about this feature.
Similar Products Used:
Fox Vanilla-R
Bike Setup:
Aeon-SL, with a Marzocchi Z-1 QR-20 up front
Bottom Line:
My buddy and I purchased our bikes at the same time. I'm a clydesdale(235 LBS) and initially went with the coil shock for durability purposes. He is much lighter than me and opted for a stratos air shock. The Fox was working well and I hadn't had any problems. The drawback was it's weight and plushness factor. I noticed my friends stratos was much more plush and light. The "upgrade bug" hit me and I decided to go air. I was concerned because I had heard about larger riders having problems blowing up/out air shocks. I researched the Fox RC float compared to the AD-10. The ratings came out in favor of the Cane Creek, mainly because I figured if it blew up, I could send for parts and rebuild it myself without having to send it back to the company(like Fox). I didn't want to be without a rig for any extended period of time. besides I knew I wouldn't use the lockout feature on the Fox. The bottom line is that I have not been disappointed. This thing is much more plush than my coil. It handles everything I can dish out(at 235-240 LBS that's sayin' something). It's dependable. I haven't had to fill it with air since I initially set it up. No creaking, popping cracking, or any noise at all. So far(knock on wood) this thing has been everything that the ratings on the AD-10 said it would be. That's what I used as a basis for my decision since MTBR didn't have any feedback on this shock yet. Let me be the first to say, it's great!!! From what I have gathered, the only difference between the two is the color(I like the black of the AD-12 better) and the fact that Cane Creek has supposedly used internal parts that are more stiction resistant than in the AD-10. Haven't had any problems with that or anything else to this point. By the way, my buddies Stratos now sucks air so bad it sounds like you are whistling through your two front teeth. He found out that his shock is on its' way out. He's trying to decide between the Float RC and the AD-12. I've been trying to tell him that Cane creek is the way to go. We'll see if he listens.......
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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