Home  |  One on One | Rear Shocks
| 29er-26 | Brakes | Disc Brakes | Frame Materials | Hardtail-Full Suspension | Handlebars | Lights | Lube | Pedals | Rear Shocks | Saddles | Shifter | Shocks | ShocksII | Shorts | Tubeless Tires/Rims | Water Carrier |
         
The judges:

Date: March 19, 2006
todd a cross-country rider from MD writes:

air shock are more tunable to suit your weight if it changes, riding terrain and style

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: March 16, 2006
David a weekend warrior from Canada Alberta writes:

I would say coil because thats all i used and they work fine so i have nothing agains air they are probly better because they are new technology but im sticking with coil for now

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: February 13, 2006
Ben Rowe a weekend warrior from Weston,WV writes:

I think the air shock wins this one they ride awesome

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: January 25, 2006
merts a cross-country rider from cdo Philippines writes:

airshock feels dumb, coil licks those bumps like nuthin .

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: January 21, 2006
Zeffer a downhiller from Milwaukee writes:

Im in the 175lb weight class and hate my coil shock. i lose way to much leg power in standing up hill sprints.

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: November 29, 2005
Nathaniel a weekend warrior from Massachusetts writes:

Air shocks rule, you can get them to be ultra stiff, or so soft that they bottom out from pedal bob (like mine).

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: November 28, 2005
Richard Croft a weekend warrior from yorkshire england writes:

Just returned from a week of boulder hopping and sheep worrying in the English Lake District. I weigh 210lbs and keep poping my air shock so the future replacement is going to be coil

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: November 4, 2005
scott a downhiller from uk writes:

air shoks cant take the big hits but are easyer to pedal

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: October 17, 2005
who gives no one cares anyway a weekend warrior from canada writes:

hmmm..its cheaper, smoother, more realiable, doesn't blow up, or ruin your weekend, and if you need to save half a pound to get up a hill theres this newfangled thing called shifting gears or GETTING IN SHAPE.

coil all the way!!!

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: October 12, 2005
Rick a downhiller from Denver, CO writes:

NO matter what style of riding you do I feel that Air shocks are just too unreliable. I've seen too many blow and leave a rider stuck. With a coil you can blow it and still ride it
home.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: October 9, 2005
ROD a cross-country rider from ny writes:

totalt aplication dependant

WINNER: Tie

Date: September 10, 2005
Brandon Sommerfeld a weekend warrior from British Columbia writes:

If you ride xc go air, but if your a bigger guy you might want coil, but for freeride, YOU NEED COIL!

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: September 3, 2005
rod a cross-country rider from Ithaca ny writes:

Each is too ride type specific to even make a comparison!

WINNER: Tie

Date: June 14, 2005
Peter a downhiller from WA writes:

what is the score on this... i only see coil around, air is rare

WINNER: Tie

Date: June 12, 2005
Ev a cross-country rider from Alberta writes:

For XC the air shock is best. Maintence is harder for air shock though.

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: May 20, 2005
joshua a weekend warrior from australia writes:

the coil shock is more reliable i think but you cant adjust this shock as quik as the air shock

WINNER: Tie

Date: March 24, 2005
DaKine a cross-country rider from big island Hawaii writes:

for me its air shock all the way I like the lite weight and the adjustability of air but I ride them very stiff,I have been riding for a long time and i guess I am used to a stiff rear rear end but with a rear shock it is faster on the downe hills,I have tried coil but I always go back to air I guess I like the lite weight and simplicity of air ALOHA

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: March 12, 2005
jamie a downhiller from london writes:

coil by miles, so much better, much more travel, dos'nt need attention, air is too soft, and if u wont it harder u need to make it perfect by adding and taking away air

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: March 7, 2005
Goosfrabaa a cross-country rider from Ketchum, Idaho writes:

Weight weenies should go on a diet instead of shaving grams. I can climb like a banshee with a coil rear or air. Coil is smoother and tougher. Save the air for the fork, where it's easier to slack with your arms. Call me crazy, I also go with XT instead of XTR. Just plain tougher, and I'm not a gram counting geek.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: February 22, 2005
J Walter a weekend warrior from Missoula Montana writes:

For the style of riding that im interested in I would with out a doubt choose the a coil shock. My fox switch Rl lasted one drop and that was all she wrote. I baught the Fox DHX 5.0. WOW this shock rules. There is no comparison for the old air shock, But If I was into cross country ridin I would still choose a coil shock.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: February 20, 2005
Kenneth C. Morrow a weekend warrior from Newark, DE writes:

Both products offer good alternatives for this application, and the end-user preference could be a draw. Both the Air Shock and the Coil Shock give excellent jounce and rebound. The Coil Shock looses some of its adjustability due to the required preload, but it offers a longer life-cycle with limited load loss due to relaxation. Over travel (operating near solid) could cause high stress on the Coil Shock. Higher stress can reduce the Coil Shock durability.

The Air Shock offers additional adjustability by increasing or decreasing the amount of air (or gas) in the cylinder. The Air Shock may experience failure if the rod becomes scored or contaminated. This could draw foreign matter into the body of the Air Shock, damage the seal prematurely causing the Air Shock to fail. The Air Shock can also provide a higher load in a shorter amount of travel. The body should be considered as a pressure vessel with a four-to-one safety factor to maintain product integrity since some of these can be charged to a high pressure.

WINNER: Tie

Date: February 15, 2005
amber duty a weekend warrior from east prairie mo writes:

I PREFER THE AIR SHOCK!!! The reason I like this shock is because it dosent require as much work to put in I know Im a car god yes a girl car god. Besides I like that on air feeling

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: February 13, 2005
mike pinto a downhiller from BRASIL writes:

AIR SHOCK ARE GETTING IMPROVE IN ALL WAYS , BUT IT NOT HAS THE PLUSH FEEL OF COIL ONES IN MIDDLE OF TRAVEL. IF YOURS GOALS IS TRAIL RIDING , EPIC RIDE , ALL DAY LONG ...DEFINITILY I WOULD GO WITH AIR SHOCK CAUSE IT�S SAVE A LOT OF WEIGHT. FOR DOWHILL RACES IT�S WOULD BE JUST COIL SHOCKS.

WINNER: Tie

Date: February 5, 2005
Steven Flathers a weekend warrior from SOCAL writes:

Coil, in the world of freeride why use anything else...

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: January 31, 2005
wmlagna a weekend warrior from baltimore writes:

Air is best for the road. Off road it is coil all the way.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: January 21, 2005
Jimmie M a weekend warrior from Minneapolis writes:

COIL ALL DAY! I can turn it just a wee bit of an adjusment and I know where im at. I can spin that than thing as close as I can get it and instantly im on a hard tail. i can loosen it topside and get real bobbin on the hills, or I can fine tune it right in that sweet spot where I know Im always at. i can get diff poundage of spring to stiffen my ride or soften it. Coils I think are a lot better. I just powdercoated mine yellow and man do I feel cool.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: January 15, 2005
Bubba a weekend warrior from OR writes:

I'm just a trail rider and I've had both a Swinger 4-way Air and a 4-way coil on my VT. The 4-way air was lite but harsh, and worked great until the seals went south. The 4-way coil is heavy almost a 1lb heavier than the air, but the ride it smooth, plush as you could ask for. The 4-way air was quiet, the coil is loud and clunky. I have to say I like the coil better except for the noise factor, its plush and easier to set up, plus I feel more confident doing the narly stuff, the coil just feels tougher.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: January 10, 2005
alan a cross-country rider from LA, CA writes:

for me, weight is important factor.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: December 31, 2004
DOODOO a cross-country rider from Austin, TX writes:

Definitely coil.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: December 30, 2004
Jaret a weekend warrior from Grande Prairie writes:

Coil all the way. Stronger more reliable can take the bug hits. New technology is making them jus as adjustable as sum air shox.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: December 29, 2004
pluckyew a cross-country rider from Berkeley, CA, USA writes:

Coil Shock

performance
reliability

unless you are or is close to being a winning xc pro or expert racer praviteer (in which case you may prefer a 19~22# hardtail until you get sponcered by a xc fs company)

same goes for front shocks, but rs sid's pretty cool for hard core xc racers

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: December 26, 2004
shit a downhiller from iceland writes:

it is stronger

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: December 3, 2004
jamie perugini a downhiller from santa cruz, CA writes:

im going to tell you they are both winners. air shocks for XC fanatics, dirt jumpers who ride full suspension instead of a hardtail, and mtn. cross racers. coil shocks are for downhillers and people who only ride to the top so they can race down the trail, and fat people(cuz they will keep blowing out their air shock)

WINNER: Tie

Date: December 1, 2004
ding magadia a downhiller from Quezon City, Phils. writes:

very reliable

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: November 27, 2004
Kyle a downhiller from California writes:

Coil man. They survive stuff, and don't have a rock like feel like the air does.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: November 26, 2004
Steve a racer from CoilsAreForMotorcycles writes:

Air Shocks are light and don't break if well maintained. If they do, go out and buy another one. Coil shocks are for people in training, college students, the privateers and those on a budget, yucks I'm not goin to have one on my racebike. By the time, coil loving guys get faster than me on the uphill or downhill, they'll be good enough to go out and get an AIRSHOCK.

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: November 25, 2004
Mike writes:

Neither is better than the other. Depends on their application, I have air on my Xc and coil on my FR. The coil is just a bit smoother, but not worth for the extra weight gained.

WINNER: Tie

Date: November 23, 2004
j a downhiller from denver writes:

tried air shock, tried coil shock...stayed with coil ...smooth like butta

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: November 22, 2004
edo a downhiller from iyluk writes:

bbb

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: November 17, 2004
Ben Sokolski a racer from Leadville CO writes:

I prefer coil but just looked at my bikes... both are air. But one is my xc race bike. So for my past riding I gotta go air. Uhm, my Kona Stab Supreme is on order.

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: November 17, 2004
SIGMA a weekend warrior from GEORGIA writes:

I'm not a weight weenie and I hate screwing around with pumps. coils ride better anyway.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: November 13, 2004
jbebop a cross-country rider from Norcal, Ca USA writes:

I ride agressive XC in northern cal. Basically, everyone I know who rides with an air shock always has some problem with it on EVERY ride. I have yet to see problems with a coil shock ever. I dunno about you but if I'm 15 miles into 26 mile ride, I'd rather have stuff that doesn't break and leave my bottom bracket 1" above the ground.

Gimme a coil anyday.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: November 5, 2004
ashlee a racer from Lasvegas writes:

next

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: October 20, 2004
a downhiller writes:

Cheaper and you can do bigger drops.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: October 13, 2004
Mylez a racer from Belleville ont canada writes:

u blow the seals in air shocks

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: October 9, 2004
tojo-mojo a cross-country rider from berkeley, ca writes:

For my purposes, air is ideal. Light weight and an appropriate, adjustable amount of travel and responsiveness.
I'm guessing that for larger more gnarly riding a coil would probably be ideal. Just not what I need.

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: October 1, 2004
writes:

air shocks are for stupid XC people

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: September 21, 2004
r�bert a downhiller from iceland writes:

i like the air better

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: September 16, 2004
tonyp a downhiller from melbourne austrailia writes:

the ing things are to expensive in austrailia
coil over any way

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: September 10, 2004
beaudigz a weekend warrior from fuquay writes:

coil just feels betta

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: August 14, 2004
matt a weekend warrior from wisconsin writes:

hey they both suck so y dont you get off the seat, petal like a man and ride a hardtail, instead of your forgiving FS bikes that cost more then my house, i mean comon people just get a hardtail and rip so what if you gotta throw it down once in a while and take a tumble thats the fun of the sport, and if you cant take a little bail once in a while then go get a road bike

WINNER: Tie

Date: July 29, 2004
Walter Hart a downhiller from victorville,CA writes:

coils are more durable for downhill. they are great for XC riding too.you, well I, would just blow seals out of the air skocks. the air compressor fill valve is nice though

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: July 18, 2004
Craig DeGroot a cross-country rider from USA writes:

I've always appreciated the reliability of the coil over air, and in certain applications such as downhilling and black diamond it's the only way to go. For cross country, racing, general trail riding air is a great weight saver and in the last few years the reliability factor has greatly increased. We have the best of both worlds these days so I say let's use them to suit our interests. I call it even!

WINNER: Tie

Date: July 13, 2004
Rene a weekend warrior from Veracruz, Ver. Mexico writes:

Coil.... plushness and reliability.

Air... Adjustability and low weight.

WINNER: Tie

Date: July 10, 2004
Andy a weekend warrior from SO CaL writes:

Shock? what is this...is that part of the seat stay? o wait....I dont let the rear suspention do all the work for me....sorry.

Hardtails all the way! Races are won going up, not down.

WINNER:

Date: July 3, 2004
matt a racer from kansas writes:

I have ridden both, and it boils down to this: Coils are heavier and more of a hassel to adjust and maintain. Air is quick and easy to adjust for any condition, easy to maintain, and lighter.

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: June 28, 2004
joe a weekend warrior from Vermont writes:

Air Shocks blow but coils suck it all up

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: June 17, 2004
Bryan a cross-country rider from Canada writes:

I have had a air shock blow and lead to a cracked frame while DHing, so I would say Coil for downhill and heavy freeriding, and air for XC or trail riding.

WINNER: Tie

Date: June 12, 2004
Emilio Estevez a downhiller from Nos Langeles Kulifornia writes:

To Lee (May 20),

I'm very sorry to hear that you've run out of big rocks up there in Canada. I plan on starting a fund raiser immediately, to raise money to send more big rocks to Canada. I think it is a travesty that this situation has been allowed to occur, when the rest of the world has so many big rocks to spare. Hold on up there big fella, we'll be sending you some rocks ASAP. In the mean time, try to keep a handle on your little rocks and your hose. We don't want to lose those too.

WINNER: Tie

Date: June 1, 2004
eyal from israel writes:

ofcourse the air shick cause is lighter.
plus in israel there isn't a lot of good terrain except carmey-yosef.

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: May 27, 2004
John Kittlesen a weekend warrior from Austin,TX writes:

More control

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: May 27, 2004
Tommy a downhiller from Cali writes:

They both have their uses.

WINNER: Tie

Date: May 25, 2004
Jordin a downhiller from Canada writes:

You can't really up or break a spring.... It's just metal. There's nothing that can really go wrong with it.

Springs are great. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: May 25, 2004
Jason a cross-country rider from Kernersville, NC writes:

Apples and oranges folks! Let's stick to valid comparisons.

WINNER: Tie

Date: May 25, 2004
Jason a cross-country rider from Kernersville, NC writes:

Apples and oranges folks! Let's stick to valid comparisons.

WINNER: Tie

Date: May 22, 2004
rkonindustry a weekend warrior from az writes:

Is this even a valid thing to compare? It's like asking are trucks better than cars. I've got both and they each have there own use.

WINNER: Tie

Date: May 20, 2004
Lee a cross-country rider from Ottawa writes:

air shock because we dont have big rocks in canada

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: May 19, 2004
The Dude a weekend warrior from Parts Unknown writes:

Coil, like a 5th Element, for the "big hits" since they are more plush; not as prone to bucking you off your bike.

Air, Rock Shox, for XC and moderate trail riding since they are so easy to tune and lock out on the fly.

WINNER: Tie

Date: May 17, 2004
autoduel a weekend warrior from OC,CA writes:

Tunable to a rider's weight without having to change springs. Change springs and you have to revalve or change oil weight to match.
User rebuildible, no need to send it back to a mfg for nitrogen charging.
Weighs half as much as a coil spring and much plusher(high volume shocks).

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: May 10, 2004
chris a weekend warrior from usa writes:

ok, both

WINNER: Tie

Date: May 9, 2004
Chikity China a downhiller from USA writes:

Coil shox are good for almost anything but air shox are primarily XC.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: May 8, 2004
Ben a weekend warrior from Australia writes:

Why not both?

WINNER: Tie

Date: May 1, 2004
Ben a weekend warrior writes:

As my next bike is gonna be a Scott Voltage YZ0 its a hardtail but the bike i currently have has got coil shoks.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: April 24, 2004
Greg a downhiller from Santa cruz, CA writes:

I think that a air shock is good for flow-i-e stuff and a coil shock is good for downhill and more rough downhill type stuff.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: April 18, 2004
D2 a weekend warrior from Auckland - New Zealand writes:

I would turn an air shock into a twisted little piece of metal in one day. My mates who have air shocks wont let me ride thier bikes in fear I'll blow thier seals. They just arent burly enough for the big hits. They are nice n smooth for XC but no good for long travel FR/DH

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: April 6, 2004
Chris a weekend warrior from Toronto writes:

I use to ride bmx, alittle freestyle and now xc. for me its a reliability issue, coil all the way. air is comfy but i prefer the durability of a coil and its less likely to break down on you. Am i saying every coil out there is better than air ahhhh "NO"

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: April 5, 2004
Marcu Vlad a downhiller from Timisoara, Timis, Romania writes:

Coil Shock

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: March 23, 2004
Slim a cross-country rider from Bay Area, Nor Cal writes:

Depends on the type of riding that you're doing. I like coil shocks because they look great and always work perfectly.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: March 20, 2004
jeff a downhiller from San Jose, CA writes:

Coil is the only way to go for dh and fr stuff, air is better for xc.

WINNER: Tie

Date: March 13, 2004
Kristopher Kriina a downhiller from Canada writes:

I personally think that Airshocks are for XC riders and not ment to take heavy blows because of the pressure there already under i think if you upgrade coil's are much more reliable and offer more travel

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: March 8, 2004
Roger Bautista a cross-country rider from Cerritos, CA writes:

Reduced weight and cushier rides make air shocks a winner for me..

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: January 25, 2004
dan a weekend warrior from alexandria,va,usa writes:

frist off the two shocks that they show at the top of this page are the horrable. they both have a reputation of breaking.
to let all of you downhillers know the coil shock is on the way out even in downhill. because they are now able to make and air shock as duralbe if not more than a coil shock. manitou by the end of 2004 will release their evolver shock which is designed form the go to be a downhill shock. it will also have spv which i have on my giant vt and i must say it is one of the most active rear shocks that i have ever used and it have been very durable. i'm 240 lbs and i ride really hard on all of my bikes, which consists of a downhill bike and a freeride hardtail.

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: January 14, 2004
zoli a downhiller writes:

coil is much better on rough terrain

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: December 31, 2003
mike henderson a downhiller from Los Angeles-ish writes:

broken coil shock = crappy ride
broken air shock = walk home

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: December 4, 2003
writes:

way more travel

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: December 4, 2003
Wizard a downhiller from New Mexico writes:

Coil shocks are so much harder to bust...

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: December 3, 2003
dirt nutt a weekend warrior from concordia , usa writes:

Air shock has broke (soft trash)! Waist of money .
Coil shocks 10x better ,Coil for life!!!
It's all about the rider ,I'm fast uphill and faster downhill.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: December 1, 2003
XgerstandtX a downhiller from moshalltown iowa writes:

coil owns your soul.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: November 25, 2003
ben a cross-country rider writes:

light

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: November 24, 2003
Bob Campbell a weekend warrior from Eastpetersburg writes:

Air shock is smoother on the descents but the coil shock has less pedal bob

WINNER: Tie

Date: November 19, 2003
Wskrbskt a cross-country rider from Dallas writes:

HT are best for XC. Coil is better for rough XC.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: November 10, 2003
farvin a cross-country rider from san francisco writes:

I prefer air shocks, they are significantly lighter. This allows me to pass the downhill posers going uphill so I don't have the pass them going downhill.

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: November 6, 2003
parr Wiegel a cross-country rider from Rochester, NY writes:

For the riding I do a coil shock would be over kill and over weight.

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: November 4, 2003
joe a downhiller from invermere B.C. writes:

provides more suspension travel and is better on heavy duty terain.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: November 4, 2003
joe a downhiller from invermere B.C. writes:

provides more suspension travel and is better on heavy duty terain.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: October 28, 2003
Chris Brooks a downhiller from rockville, UT writes:

air shocks blow up off a little jump, and a fox rc and 5th element will take any hit you give it.........

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: October 14, 2003
jbob a cross-country rider from wi writes:

air shox suck i got a vanilla r and it gos uphill and downhill great, and i don't have to adjust it all the time , air shocks are lighter and there fore using them makes you a pussy.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: October 14, 2003
slow goin up a downhiller from vancouver writes:

air ? your kidding right. I'm sure many of you out there are such amazing riders that the weight differece might mean losing the BIG race. We couldn't have that so we must save all the grams we can. you never know when you might have to outrun your buddy uphill. All you wannabe racers mount up your air sprung steads. balls to chin boys. when you beat everyone to the top. be careful you don't get landed on while walking your blown air rig down, by some coil sprung loser you blew off going up, whose only concern is have real fun riding, not counting grams waiting for explainations from manufactures on why their shit failed. Air shox are for posers who want to look like sponored racers with their own mechanics to consantly maintian their race ready rig. To all the posers, did you know those damn sponored pros don't even pay for their bikes? At least you look cool hangin at the coffee shop, eh? (riders east of the rockies excluded it doesn't really matter there.) I live on the north shore and travel to moab when I need a change. I know not everyone is that fortunate. live fast,ride hard. buy shit that lasts. learned that way back in bmx years. If you insist on air and you come to the north shore keep your eyes up, I wouldn,t want my rock ring to spilt your skull while your limp body soaks up my landing. lastly road riding rules! dodging drunks and teens in cars is so much better than rocks, roots and trees. I need a check up from the neck up. rubber side down.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: October 6, 2003
eric a cross-country rider from israel writes:

cannondale super v 4000 raven 1998

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: October 3, 2003
a downhiller writes:

coil shox are the best dawg.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: September 26, 2003
Jim a weekend warrior from Maine writes:

Regarding the new stable platform technology. I's have to say the coil has the edge. I ride aggressive single track and my Turner has the Romic (converted from AD-12) and it is the best of both worlds. Solid pedalling with cushy bump control. I was disappointed with the Turner when it had the air shock. No small bump absorbtion and noticable bob. Weight? Who cares, it's just the difference of a full water bottle or an empty one.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: September 26, 2003
Dude a cross-country rider from Dudeville writes:

I have one topic I would like to bring up before I make my judgement.
You're = YOU ARE. As in, you are gay.
Your = Possessive. As in, your bike is gay.

Now that has been settled.

Air Shock wins.

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: September 25, 2003
matt a downhiller from lynn, mass writes:

depending on the rider air and coil shocks can be used to the riders benefit while air has plush suspension coils are superior for jumping so my choice as a former bmx'er is for coils because riding is great but so are tricks

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: September 23, 2003
nathan a downhiller from perth writes:

a air is good but it makes your ride to bouncy with a coil it make it alot smoother

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: September 18, 2003
Bernie a weekend warrior from the Philippines writes:

Air shock here is more expensive than the coil shock! Air Shock has shocking price. They have the same purpose, to absorb shock, so go on with the coil shock, unless you have lots of dollars to burn.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: September 10, 2003
J a weekend warrior from Dallas, TX writes:

Lockout

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: September 8, 2003
Evan a cross-country rider from Bay Area, CA writes:

I rarely ride any of my FS bikes but I prefer coil...

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: September 7, 2003
Nat a cross-country rider from USA writes:

Its a almost a tie. For XC riding I like a nice air shock, but if I'm doing some drops I like a coil. It really depends on your style, but since I do more XC than freeride I take a stand with my air shock.

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: September 4, 2003
Rich a cross-country rider from Steamboat Springs,Co writes:

The choice of air or coil depends on what the application is in my view. Leverage ratios , falling or rising rate, and other things that are beyond me, can effect the choice. Air assisted coils have been around and are being used more. Air shocks have a wider adjustment in spring rate , coils require respringing for changes in preload. For freeride and all mtn. I do prefer a linear rate shock but for xc I do like a more progressive feel

WINNER: Tie

Date: September 2, 2003
Zane a downhiller from Salt Lake City writes:

I've ridden both and after much consideration, coil shock takes the cake hands down...enuf said. Unless you're a weight weenie who cares about every tenth of a gram-then you should go with air.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: August 26, 2003
Travis a downhiller from NY writes:

First off i have ridden both shox. I most defenately, and i would think that most if not all downhiller's would agree, that the coil shock is much more effective. Even if i was riding xc i would chose a short coil shock because it absorbs the bumps and small jumps better.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: August 20, 2003
RS a weekend warrior from Boston writes:

such an Apples vs. Oranges debate. I wouldn't want a coiler in a race, and I wouldn't want an air shock launching a 10 footer.

WINNER: Tie

Date: August 15, 2003
Andrew Cohen a downhiller from Richmond, VA, USA writes:

Coil is more stable and less maintenance. I don't see any 8" bikes with air shocks :p.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: August 13, 2003
mykel a weekend warrior from spokane writes:

air has to much upkeep and not enough travel capabilities, a few grams doesnt worry me

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: August 10, 2003
jj a cross-country rider from the bridge writes:

air for x-country coil for downhill

WINNER: Tie

Date: August 6, 2003
Jim a cross-country rider from Newton, NC USA writes:

Screw the weight, the spring rules and as technology in shocks improves the spring shock get even better. Of coarse the spandex boys and girls like air to save weight. That said, at 250 lbs I will not be caught in spandex and another 300 to 400 grams really isn't going to make that much difference to me either way.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: July 28, 2003
Adrenalinenova a weekend warrior writes:

Squish rigs are heavy. If they're going up as well as down air is the answer.

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: July 28, 2003
Paul a weekend warrior from Orange County CA writes:

Bought a frame that came with both a Fox Float RC and a Fox Vanilla coil. Rode with the air shock for the first year because of the weight factor,and just switched to the coil this weekend to "try it out". It's staying on. Much smoother ride. Not worried about the few extra grams.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: July 23, 2003
DRAGOS DINCA a cross-country rider from madison wi USA writes:

5th element

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: July 20, 2003
SABER a weekend warrior from IRAN / TEHRAN writes:

Air shocks need every day maintance. In jumps and sudden big forces they will damage . If air shocks damages badly on the trail you should take it home on your head.
But coil shocks are solid things and your always certain in big jumps . Also with acoil set it and ride for ever .
GOOD LUCK FOR ALL RIDER ON THE PLANET (life is very short ride on )

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: July 20, 2003
Marko a weekend warrior from B'ham, WA writes:

Coil Over Shokcs are better. They're more durable, and make more sense for the freerider/downhiller. I guess if you race XC, and every gram counts, then I'd go with an air shock, but for my riding Coil's are better!

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: July 17, 2003
kyle a racer from Canada writes:

I have a 2000 Yamaha YZ80 with a air shock and i've had my good times and bad times. I also have a 1990 Honda CR80 with the coil shock. The coil shock is good for things like going through mountains but the air shock is better for things like motocross because they absorb more energy than the coil shock. The back tire of My CR80 is kinda wobbly, I think its because of the shocks, can anyone email me how to fix it @ latinoheat26@hotmail.com, that would be awsome

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: July 8, 2003
Peter McCann from Texas writes:

Coil shocks are far superior in performance and durability to air shocks. This is not the componant to play weight weenie with. When a seal blows, the rider with the coil will be riding by the air shock rider who is pushing his unrideable bike. Anyone who doesn't understand this simply lacks experiece with the superior performance of a coil sprung system properly dialed. These qualities far outweigh the differences in weight. Can't believe anyone still thinks a hardtail is faster off-road. Live and learn grasshoppers :)

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: June 28, 2003
Coil Shock a downhiller from Coil City writes:

I think coil is better cause everyone i know has broken there air shocks oh and i went off a 3 foot drop and my air shock snaped in half!!!

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: June 20, 2003
The Man a weekend warrior from CA writes:

none of those shock are good !! because if your are the man .. you dont need the shock !! shock is for L0SER !! hear me !! if u are the man dont user the shock !! thank you.
_____ The Man

WINNER: Tie

Date: June 20, 2003
The Man a weekend warrior from CA writes:

none of those shock are good !! because if your are the man .. you dont need the shock !! shock is for loser !! hear me !! if u are the man dont user the shock !! thank you.
_____ The Man

WINNER: Tie

Date: June 19, 2003
Trailrat a weekend warrior from MI writes:

The leaf springs from my old Dodge Colt work the best for my kind of riding, on a hard hit it can flip me up the trail by at least 12-15 feet and saves me about 2 cranks on the ole' crank.

WINNER:

Date: June 13, 2003
Michael a cross-country rider from Canada writes:

Air shocks are lighter, coil shocks are better, i race xc from time to time, I ride coil, i guess it comes down to the motor huh.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: June 11, 2003
Cody a downhiller from Qld Australia writes:

I think that Air shocks are a cock up, you have way too much service and maintanence, and I think that they could come up with a better type of shock for weight geeks and cross country riders that would perform better than air shocks. I personally prefer coil shocks, (hmm... who didn't see that coming.) They are a far more capable type of shock.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: June 6, 2003
guy a racer from here writes:

air is better, if you dont think so then suck a dick!

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: June 5, 2003
Alex a downhiller from coloradosprings, co writes:

it depends on what you do. for cross country air shocks are lighter. For anything else, coils are far superior

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: June 4, 2003
paul a downhiller from eng;land writes:

air sohox are crap nice and siple ive blown 7 out but not destroed a single coil shok tho i totaly depends on how u use them if u hammer down hills or do street a coil is beond a dout far superior but 4 x-country a less hard core shok is needed an air shok as it is lighter and mostly strong enough to take small bumps

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: June 3, 2003
Chris a cross-country rider from warwick,RI writes:

I think the coil is good all around shock. The air shock seems to need service after a while.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: June 2, 2003
Type-S a cross-country rider from Toronto,CA. writes:

Air shock is far better than Coil in terms of weight,tuning,damping and an air pillow ride!

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: May 26, 2003
Dick Chan a cross-country rider from Hong Kong writes:

I am very happy with the coil-5 Element. It can give a sudden hill climb and the plush is smooth.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: May 19, 2003
jay a downhiller from ohio writes:

they look cool and let you go fast

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: May 12, 2003
Rich C a cross-country rider from Fiji writes:

With the advances in technology, air can't compare with the tuneability and ride offered by a good coil.I recently swapped my
SID air for a Romic,I can stand and hammer uphill without all the
bob.Downhill,at speed, I have much better control.Hands down,go for
a good coil!!

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: May 12, 2003
Chris a cross-country rider from Los Angeles, CA writes:

My pogo stick has a coil shock and my bike has an air shock.

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: May 12, 2003
Josh a downhiller from Tennessee writes:

Coils take more big hits and travel farther, plus last longer.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: May 11, 2003
Dave Bisers a downhiller from Rochester, NY writes:

Coil Shock; much more adjustable and plush, damn the weight penalty.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: May 9, 2003
mike a cross-country rider from gallup, nm writes:

i just switched from air to coil and the coil is way more buttery than the air, plus air shocks never last me more than 3 seasons before they require an overhaul.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: May 7, 2003
Travis a weekend warrior from Ct writes:

Just like accounting, IT DEPENDS. I've ridden both. Air shocks are light, easily tunable. Coils are higly reliable and can take a beating and don't requite much maintiance. There are good and bad sides to both, it depends on what your riding style is. However is most cases the air shock is better for its ease of tuning.

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: May 6, 2003
Paul a downhiller from Va. writes:

Where can I find a coil for my fifth element? I wiegh in at 175#. Please help me.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: May 5, 2003
manuel Esnoz a cross-country rider from Argentina BsAs writes:

air shocks : lockout, rebound & compresion dial , negative spring, 200 to 300 grams what else do you need ?

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: May 5, 2003
Dino a cross-country rider from T.O. CA writes:

I just switched out my air shock for a coil-over. I believe coil-overs have a better "feel" for the terrain, and stick to the trail better than air shocks. Kinda like the difference between thru-axle vs. independent rear suspension in a car.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: May 2, 2003
P. R. G. a cross-country rider from Poulsbo, WA. writes:

Fox Float air is infinitly adjustable for the terrian encountered and meets my needs as a cross country rider.

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: April 30, 2003
Chris G. a cross-country rider from Connecticut writes:

I have been riding a Specialized FSR xc for the past 2 seasons and the Fox Float R has been a flawless performer. I'm not a hucker but I'm not afraid to do the occasional 2 - 3 foot drop either. For a 3 or 4 inch travel bike I think air is fine, especially for riders under 200 lbs. I'm upgrading to a Heckler with a 5th element shock this season and I hope the coil over lives up to its rep.

WINNER: Tie

Date: April 29, 2003
a weekend warrior writes:

coil and air serve different purpouses, so its stupid to argue! they both do good for what the are ment for

WINNER: Tie

Date: April 27, 2003
Eric a weekend warrior from Canadian In Germany writes:

After having my fox Float R for less then a year, its donedee. Regu;lar maintnence was done to it. Iam in teh process of building up my new bike a jamis dakar sport with the fox coil rear...yah. itsll be great since it is so much easier to understand how it works. Altho iam still debating a cane creek ad 12 like one of my bros has on his gary fisher

WINNER: Tie

Date: April 26, 2003
Curtis a racer from Burlington, Canada writes:

Coil kicks air's ass!

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: April 23, 2003
BigHit a weekend warrior writes:

Coil and nothing else!!!
I don�t like the AirShox...they aren�t strong enough!
Lighter...ha, get more condition:)

WINNER:

Date: April 21, 2003
jeff a cross-country rider from MI writes:

For those who don't have huge mountain ranges in our backyard and do cross county the choice is clear. AIR! New air shock are more adjustable than ever and lighter too.

Coil is for DHrs and free riders or whatever there called.

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: April 21, 2003
Tim a downhiller from anchorage writes:

Coil shocks fit me a lot better. I need something that is strong, keep my tire on the ground, and take big hits. Air shocks just arn't strong enough! So yeah, there ya go. air shocks are for xcountry riders

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: April 20, 2003
Mtn. Russ a weekend warrior from Mt. Hood Ore. writes:

bike started w/fox rlc air shock, wore out parts constantly, shock gets
stiff at end of travel---light wieght--
Now riding w/ Romic Dbl D shock, -no bob-, much better spring rate,
bike more stable,---- wieght sucks----

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: April 18, 2003
Arek a cross-country rider from Toronto writes:

nm

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: April 18, 2003
Joe Nemtusak a cross-country rider from Newbury Park,CA writes:

I ride a GT 2.0 and just replaced the Rock Shox SID air shock with a Romic twin tube coil shock.No comparison,the Romic virtualy eliminates any bob and greatly improves handling with better damping characteristics and improved adjustability.There is a weight penalty,but the performance improvements make it worth the change.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: April 17, 2003
dakota a racer from boston writes:

alot of people question the durability of air shocks and that's understandable, because they used to be the weekest link.have no fear, most companies have smoothed out the bugs and we as riders cana count on countless hours of trouble free rides.the main difference is that if an air shock fails, you can't finish the ride, where as if a coil over fails, you just get a bouncy ride (reboundless).the new hybrids (fifth element) use both air and spring and work terrific. Lastely travel to a certain extent plays a role.traditionally shorter travel bikes, 5 inches or less could go either way, while their longer travel bretherine were coil over, but that may be changing. bottom line, competition is fierce, companies want your business, so if you have problems, they'll fix em...fast.
RIDE EM LIKE YOU STOLE EM


WINNER: Tie

Date: April 17, 2003
Alex a cross-country rider from Ca writes:

Both are good for different reasons. the air shock is better for XC because of its weight, while the coil shock is better for DH because it can take harder hits.

WINNER: Tie

Date: April 16, 2003
Keith Muller a weekend warrior from Spearfish SD writes:

Coil Shocks are more dependable, and require less upkeep then an air shock. They are heavier, but provide a plush super adjustable ride. Plus, they aren't sensative to temperature changes.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: March 28, 2003
BULLIT BRETT a downhiller from tecumseh ontario canada writes:

5th ELEMENTS ARE GOD , AIR SHOCKS EAT ASS, ALSO DO AVALANCHES!!!!!!!!

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: March 26, 2003
Frigate a weekend warrior from Oklahoma, USA writes:

Coil = best in all conditions

I had air shocks on my Mongoose and they made me get flats all the time and the shifting was always skipping gears caues the air was dirty from the pump the guy at the shop told me to always clean your airpump with gas or fingernail polish remover before putting the air in your air shocks because of the dirt or debris even the smallest microns of debris can screw up a air shocks system so the coils on my KHS are much *very much* more responsive and don't need the gas to clean the inside I just used gas to clean the coils and my chain barely skips anymore due to the clean nature of the the buttery smooth travel and better overall feel and it looks *way* better now

WINNER: Tie

Date: March 25, 2003
DANNY PITCOCK a cross-country rider from Sachse,Tx writes:

The new 5th element presents the best of both worlds with adjustibility for any level or type of riding. Air and coil pre-tension settings allow limitless possibilities.

WINNER: Tie

Date: March 25, 2003
MikeL25 a cross-country rider writes:

Air is the best for a XC rider.

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: March 20, 2003
dookie a cross-country rider from riverside ca usa writes:

I think coil has better feel and is more adjustable, but the advances in air are making them feel even closer to the coils than ever. Coils are more sturdy and better suited for downhill or freeriding, but there is a weight penalty. They both are great and serve their purpose for what each one is intended. So its a toss up. If ride stictly xc and are worried about weight air is the way. Otherwise I have to give a slight advantage to coil.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: March 20, 2003
Kenny a cross-country rider from Smyrna, Ga. writes:

Coil shock is more responsive.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: March 17, 2003
steve from sterling heights, mi writes:

they dont have a riding style that fits me, im one crazy mofo, but the obvious winner is hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm....COIL, adjustable like a shock should be. Air shocks are too light anyway.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: March 14, 2003
DJ Papi a weekend warrior from Manila, Philippines writes:

XC - Airshock = lighter, XC doesnt need that much travel. Aggressive XC, Freeride & DH = Coil Shock = can offer more travel, soaks up more rough stuff, for me...more adjustable than air.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: March 11, 2003
Jhon a downhiller from cochrane AB Canada writes:

for XC go for the air but for downhill the air does not have the strnght or the reliability of the coil

WINNER:

Date: March 11, 2003
Jeff a cross-country rider from missouri writes:

air shock

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: March 11, 2003
Tom a downhiller from Indiana writes:

Coil is better. Alot stronger and moe travel is better

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: March 8, 2003
Mr MVC a cross-country rider from AZ writes:

I hate fooling around with air pressure to get it right. With a coil you buy the one you need, set it and forget it.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: March 8, 2003
sam a cross-country rider from France writes:

solid = coil

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: March 6, 2003
Mark a cross-country rider from GraftonMass writes:

Easy to see....air = xc, coil = dh

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: March 5, 2003
Eric a cross-country rider from Pleasanton CA. writes:

I've had coil and air shocks on my bikes over the years. I weighed my coil over on my ATX-970, and also weighed, my FLOAT R/C when I got my FSRxc.
The coil was only 3 ounces heavier and once it was set up, I didn't have to do anything to it. Modern coils are lighter than the RST piece of junk that was on my Giant ATX-970 and are mostly trouble free compared to air shocks.
Winner; coil overs.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: March 4, 2003
kent a downhiller from fayetteville pa usa writes:

i had an air shock for about a month, and blew it out. coils rule

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: March 2, 2003
michael ekindjian a racer from Big Bear Lake Ca writes:

Coil is better for suspension. Bottomline. If you are racing crosscountry, you don't need suspension.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: February 27, 2003
Dee a downhiller from louisville writes:

coil shocks are much better than air shocks. air shocks blow out to easy and are not plush enough. COIL SHOCKS BY FAR

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: February 26, 2003
Bobby Owen a cross-country rider from Riverside, CA writes:

I have riden with both types of shocks. While the coil type gives a smoother ride the new air type can be adjusted so that the ride is comfortable. But I think that the amount of power lost on the coil type while pedaling is noticable and on the coil type I feel stronger for a longer period. My coil shock is on a GT LTS 1000 and is a Rock Shox Super Delux and my air shock bike is a 2003 Giant NRS Air with a Rock Shox SID.

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: February 25, 2003
PJ a downhiller from flat, MN writes:

I have to definitely agree that coils are the only solution to freeriding and downhilling. However, well I guess their is no however XC is Gone!! Long live DH!

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: February 21, 2003
T V a cross-country rider from SLO writes:

I have to put air in my coil (5th Element) and many good coils rely on Nitrogen (essentially air) for their superior performance. I think (right now) a combination of both provides the best all-around shock. Winner, coil, but air makes it work even better.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: January 14, 2003
Bruce Dance a cross-country rider from damp, delightful Blighty writes:

Its just a spring you know (and could be the lesser half of the suspension anyway- see below)... either type can be made to feel very similar in short/medium travel form since the suspension linkage can be set up on different frame designs to give a rising, linear or falling leverage ratio. The first two would be typically OK for a linear or mildly rising rate spring (eg most coils), and the latter two would be better for steeper rising rate springs (eg most air types). You might want a steeper rising rate overall on a short travel XC design, since this can make best use of the limited available travel, whilst retaining a supple small-bump ride. Long travel designs can obviously soak up big hits even with a linear rate spring. These types often have high shock leverage ratios, and this negates the effects of sticky seals and pivots to some extent, since these bits don't have to move very far any more. Hence the plush ride. All things being equal, the damper can be rather small and working very hard on these types. This is also the sort of solution that race cars and motorbikes use, and the best dampers for these applications get quite complex internally since they have to be temperature compensated, and the displaced oil volume is quite small. Shorter travel MTBs often have much lower shock leverage ratios, which keeps the pressures required in air shocks down to sensible amounts, but also increases the stickyness of the movement from tight seals etc. Note that this can be seen to be a good thing if you don't like bobbing.

BUT the biggest factor on the performance of the suspension can be the damper, not the spring. Nearly all decent shocks have a nitrogen charged oil filled damper, be they air or coil sprung. Effectively this means that there is a small gas spring above the oil, which is there to compensate for volume changes in the oil, due to temperature and/or the damper shaft moving in and out of the damper. If this fails then it is pogostick time, regardless of the spring type.

Nearly all the energy of the unsprung weight flapping about below you, plus you bouncing up and down on the springs as you go over bigger bumps is dissipated as heat in the damper. This can be considerable in a DH MTB or an MX bike. Since it is difficult to build a shock that has an air spring that does not enclose the damper, you can see that all things being equal, if the oil is working hard, it will be more difficult to dissipate the heat in an air-spring design. I think this (plus some poor experience with air in MX in the distant past) may be the real reason that air springs are not favoured for typical long travel/high leverage ratio/high work rate suspension designs.

So, maybe you should worry about your damper first. If it is going to be reliable, then it will have all sorts of cleverness inside, including good seals over a small gas spring. If this bit is OK, then I think you can trust them with the larger volume of lower pressure gas in the main air spring if you want, and this'll be fine for XC and racing. If it is a good one, and it is kept clean/lubed up, it'll probably be quite reliable (mine have been: I just carry an adaptor in case I need to add air, and I've never had to use it out on the trail so far). If you like falling off things a lot, or ride DH, then your damper may not get so hot and bothered with a coil spring, and if you have a high leverage ratio or you are a big guy you may have no real choice anyway.

After all that, its a flippin' tie.....


WINNER: Tie

Date: January 14, 2003
Jake a weekend warrior from Monroe, WA writes:

With the new technology that is being put into coil shocks by companies like Romic, Progresive and Avalache I would have to say coil. They make a DH bike pedal like a heavy XC bike and can take huge hits.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: January 14, 2003
mark brewster a weekend warrior from fort wayne, IN, USA writes:

I'm not a gram-counting race-weenie; I'm a Clydesdale. So for me, this is a no-brainer -- BUT, there's no argument to the fact that, even with the advances in air suspension technology, they still don't use 100% of available travel. Coils do, and if you're going with a certain level of suspension travel, why limit yourself to less?

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: January 11, 2003
Luk a downhiller from London UK writes:

Coil, You Can't Beat It, Beat It, No One Can Beat, Beat it (sorry Michael Jackson got in there) :-P

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: January 9, 2003
Brian Harris a racer from Michigan writes:

ah! air!

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: January 4, 2003
scot a cross-country rider from wisconsin writes:

air, air, air!

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: January 3, 2003
chad a downhiller writes:

coil= big air dh
air=xc

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: January 2, 2003
shahrun a cross-country rider from singapore writes:

I'LL BET COIL SHOCK CAUSE AIR IS TEMPORARY.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: January 1, 2003
Mark a downhiller from NM writes:

neither one can really be compared on a level scale, as they are designed for different types of riding. air shocks are for XC and wouldnt stand a chance on a full blown DH rig, coil shocks are valved and built to withstand big drops and such, but im gonna go with coil, as they are built to last, and in my opinion, XC sucks. let the hate mail commence.......

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: December 31, 2002
Martin Sharpe a downhiller writes:

coil are stronger,last longer,and more durable and arent to heavy.with the shocks coming out these days you can eliminate bounce completely but still have a bike that can take hits or DH,shocks like the 5th element,Cornutt and fox DH

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: December 28, 2002
Brent a cross-country rider from Lake Forest, CA writes:

It is obvious that a motorcles use coil shocks; coil shocks are more durable and stronger. Period. However, a mountainbike does not weigh as much as a motorbike; we can develop new technologies/approaches for this application. The first (and second) generations of air shocks did present problems of weakness; they did "suck" and were "wussies." The new 2003 air shocks (at least the ones from Fox) are much stronger than the previous ones. Today, I pound the heck out of the 2003 Fox Float RCL on my Specialized Pro. NO problems.

WINNER: Tie

Date: December 22, 2002
Euler a cross-country rider from Utah writes:

Air shocks are great for XC due to there light weight, relatively low maintainence, and compactness. Spring shocks are better for downhilling, where weight isn't as much of a concern. Here's an analogy: Why put F-18 landing gears on a Cessna 172.

WINNER: Tie

Date: December 19, 2002
Keith Bickford a weekend warrior from Boise Idaho writes:

Why can't I have both. I want a lightweight but rugged coil augmented by air for increased load and adjustability. I agree that springs are just that, springy. But I've never broke one. So I say tie, you pick the one you want, there isn't one better than the other.

WINNER: Tie

Date: December 19, 2002
lemmy a cross-country rider from knoxville, tn writes:

coils bounce too much and are too heavy. if my air breaks, i will just get another one. i've got the cash.

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: December 15, 2002
Bruce Gumby a cross-country rider from australia writes:

"I LIKE----THE SOUND----OF TWO BRICKS BEING----BASHED TO GETHER"

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: December 14, 2002
D a weekend warrior from Edinburgh writes:

For adjustability, the air shock has to take it, and as for the weight, it is a fraction of the weight of the coil shock. But for durability and robustness, the coil shock gives the peace of mind that it isn't going to go with a bang between your legs.

WINNER: Tie

Date: December 13, 2002
jacob watson a cross-country rider from salisbury n.c. writes:

I would think that the air shock would be more adjustable and durable.

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: December 13, 2002
william a cross-country rider from Mass. writes:

I was introduced to full suspension riding a friends bike with coil shock and I loved it, it tracked well and sucked everything in its way right up. I bought a 2000 Specialized FSR XC that came with a Fox vanilla air shock. I upgraded to a BETD link/bearing kit and it made a huge difference in ride. I still think my friends coil rode better over heavy tree roots on the trails. My air is smooth on drops and when my buttock is off the seat, but if I am sitting down and hit a big root or rock it throws me up off saddle instead of soaking it up. I am planning to get a coil for my bike this coming season.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: December 10, 2002
Joe-Shmoe a downhiller from MA writes:

Coil overrules in every catagory except weight, and i'm not a weight conscious xc geek, so......coil all the way. MMMMMMmmmm...the sweet 5th element on my bullit

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: December 7, 2002
greg a weekend warrior from st. louis, mo writes:

They tried using air shocks on dirt bikes in the 70's, that didn't last long.
I understand using a light weight air shock for xc racing, but for the long haul, coil is the way to go.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: December 5, 2002
Steven schleuning a cross-country rider from elizabeth il usa writes:

with air if you blow it out you are F#@ked

coils - if the damper breakes you still got the spring to rely on for a bit until you can get a new shock

go coils go

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: December 5, 2002
Antwan Jackson a downhiller from california writes:

Coil all the way air my fox vanilla R is a peice it blew out on my first ride took it off a 5 foot ledge and it blew out whats with that

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: November 30, 2002
Chris a downhiller from Arizona writes:

Coil is the way to go if you aren't too much of a weight weenie. However my Fox Vanilla R is a piece of shit. It blew out about a month after I got it without any significant abuse. I had to pay shipping and instead of a letter telling me what happened and why, they sent me a catalog...yeah right...fu*k you Fox.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: November 26, 2002
Heimo a weekend warrior from Belgium writes:

My Fox float just got stuck in the fully compressed position because air got trapped in the negative chamber. That can't happen with a coil!

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: November 25, 2002
popcycles2000 a cross-country rider from Philippines writes:

Coil shocks are too heavy and bounce too much.

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: November 25, 2002
Jim a cross-country rider writes:

Coil by far is a better ride. If you race, go with air. If you like to ride long epics and enjoy desceding as much as ascending, go with coil. The weight gain is worth it. Lose the weight somewhere else (i.e. - ligher components, tires, tubes, etc.)

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: November 21, 2002
Jeff Carey a cross-country rider from colorado springs writes:

It is lightweight and is better for uphill I think

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: November 20, 2002
Kyle a downhiller from Boulder writes:

Coil all the way, air breakes to easly.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: November 20, 2002
Kevin Ziegler a cross-country rider from Dillsburg, PA writes:

Air all the way!!!

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: November 15, 2002
Dieter Weck a cross-country rider from Germany writes:

Coil feels better and ride better

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: November 13, 2002
ras a downhiller from Denmark writes:

An airshock will never be as good as an coil shock, due to the waaaay to progressive behavior of air being compressed, and the explosive lack of proper rebound.
A coil over oil filled shock gives you a linear suspension, and you use the suspension system of the frame to control the progressiveness instead.

Of course you save weight with an air shock, but NOONE should tell me that you can actually feel a weightsaving of a couple of hundred grams. If you can, you should get better legs.

Of course all this doesn�t matter if you�re an XC wuss - here the shock�s real job is to avoid the rider getting his/her little behind bruised ;-)

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: November 11, 2002
Brandon a racer from Michigan writes:

im an XC rider, so air shocks are my weapon of choice. thier lighter, and more adjustable

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: November 9, 2002
writes:

more durable

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: November 9, 2002
Garson a downhiller from WEST MASS! writes:

air shocks suck

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: November 5, 2002
Kent Merritt a cross-country rider from Santa Cruz, CA writes:

Coilover shocks are more linear through the entire shock stroke. Air is not a great spring medium compared to a coil spring because of this, although air shocks are somewhat lighter in weight.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: November 5, 2002
doofy a weekend warrior from riverside ca usa writes:

for agressive riding, (dh, freeriding, urban) the coil is hands down the best. more sensitve to small bumps and alot tougher than air, but comes with a weight penalty. if youre more into the quality of the ride rather than saving weight than coil is the best.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: November 3, 2002
Don Johnson a racer from Wheaton, IL writes:

Coil Shocks like my FOX Vanilla RC Kick ass Air is for pussy xc

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: November 3, 2002
wiener a cross-country rider from vienna writes:

who needs rear shock.. real bikers ride on HT.. if i had to chose i would take a air. cuz it's better for biking>climbing, racing
coil=>better for jumping, freeride

WINNER: Tie

Date: October 30, 2002
kona dick a weekend warrior from Fairfield Ct writes:

I just bought a Kona Bear, not sure if it is coil or air. How do you tell? What should I look for?

WINNER: Tie

Date: October 29, 2002
emma the biker chick a weekend warrior from great britain writes:

coil easily smooth plush and relieable smooths the trail for my cute bottom

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: October 27, 2002
Rick a cross-country rider from Colorado Springs writes:

If you are light and racing XC, Air makes sense. If you don't fall into that category, Coil is the way to go. The rear wheel will track better and stayed glued to the ground better with a Coil shock.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: October 25, 2002
Andrew Bruch a downhiller from wa writes:

Coil Shocks

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: October 24, 2002
jake a weekend warrior from california writes:

I have a air shock and im keeping it and is awsome but im also going to have a coil for the tougher stuff that I do like 7 ft drops so...
If I were racing cross country and cared alot about weight I would keep the air shock on all the time

WINNER: Tie

Date: October 23, 2002
yo a weekend warrior from very, far away writes:

last longer, works better you know all about it

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: October 23, 2002
thongyoo a downhiller from thailand writes:

goog

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: October 22, 2002
Jonny a weekend warrior from calgary canada writes:

coil is way harder to break but i dont really care all that much and you ask why hard tails rule all

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: October 22, 2002
Gonzalo Farf�n a weekend warrior from Mexico City writes:

Air shock for Cross-country.

Coil shock for freeride and downhill.

WINNER: Tie

Date: October 19, 2002
Steven Hanley a weekend warrior from New York, NY writes:

Low Maint coil!

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: October 18, 2002
NRS 2:-) a cross-country rider from Lake Norman, NC writes:

Depends...I think for XC riders (like myself) air shocks are the best choice. They are light and easy to set up.

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: October 17, 2002
glimpse of my blue thang panties! writes:

Hi I am a hot Blonde 16 year old. I have neather! I love wearing a cute tiny skirt! The guy's that I pass by get a glimpse of my blue thang panties! The traditional stinks! by THE WAY I RIDE AT NIGHT IN MY PANTIES!

WINNER: Tie

Date: October 16, 2002
alex a cross-country rider from norwalk,ca. usa writes:

Coil feels better ride better and on the trail is more adjustable

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: October 16, 2002
Van Dickie a weekend warrior from New Jersey writes:

Too many variables! Ie:frame goemetry,new technology, riding style and geograghy[15m Downieville downhill vs. East coast up&down]. I've been coil since 1990 but my new Risse air makes me very happy. At 260lbs and having ridden in 18+ states what works for you in all bike parts has to be one of personal trial and error.

WINNER: Tie

Date: October 15, 2002
Turqo_oz a cross-country rider from Chicago, IL writes:

Air is lighter, alot more adjustable, best for XC
Coil is stronger, and durable, best for DH and FR

WINNER: Tie

Date: October 14, 2002
Scott a weekend warrior from Coquitlam BC writes:

Ill hafta go with coil shox, i just like em better

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: October 12, 2002
Mike Suteu a weekend warrior from Fullerton CA writes:

Coil Shocks for sure

WINNER:

Date: October 11, 2002
A. Dick a cross-country rider from New Jersey writes:

Who the eff cares....duallies are for women.
Don't your skirts get caught in your rear shocks?
Does either come with a tampon holder?

WINNER:

Date: October 11, 2002
Collin a cross-country rider writes:

Air-lighter, not as plush, more maintenance required, not good for heavier riders (like me)
Coil- heavy, plush, little maintenance, good for heavy riders

WINNER: Tie

Date: October 9, 2002
witch doctor a weekend warrior from bloomington il writes:

this isnt a matter of which is better but rather which is better for you. your size and riding style will determine which one you need.

WINNER: Tie

Date: October 8, 2002
Blake a downhiller from USA writes:

You can't beat a coil shock. Air is out, and worthless

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: October 7, 2002
Phil a cross-country rider from New York writes:

The coil takes more abuse. But the air is light also it needs to be pumped up. The progressive % element is amazing but doesn't fit on all bikes. But they both have their weaknesses and stengths

WINNER: Tie

Date: October 7, 2002
scooby_snack a downhiller from Tennessee writes:

Freerider{not dh racer & Not XC} : My vote is COIL for sure...Air will not hold up to any drops or hard riding..

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: October 7, 2002
k-niner a weekend warrior from new york writes:

coil.looks better on bike. its better for dh and big jumps

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: October 7, 2002
Ian C a cross-country rider from Toronto writes:

Both are decent. I would prefer air shocks if some weren't that expensive. The coil is good for riding through big bumps on downhills. Air shocks are good for cross country and all terrain. For more durability choose coils.

WINNER: Tie

Date: October 3, 2002
Matthew H. a cross-country rider from Toronto, Ontario, Canada writes:

Both are good. Coil is better for DH and Freeriding, but Fox air is great for cross country, its light and cann handle some freeriding as well. Its really a coice for the type of riding you do.

WINNER: Tie

Date: October 3, 2002
beavis a racer from Arizona writes:

Coil shock w/ titanium spring. Best of all scenarios: Light, plush, reliable.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: October 3, 2002
Mr. Angryfingers a weekend warrior from Middlearth, MI writes:

Shocks rock

WINNER:

Date: October 2, 2002
LW a downhiller from Stumptown, OR writes:

MTBR needs to catch up to 1996 or so-- since when is racer/xc/dh/ww supposed to cover every style of riding?

The world is wet. It rains a lot and there's mud on the trails and soon on your bike. Coil is low maintenance and you can't touch that with an air shock that needs to be rebuilt every couple weeks. Weight is a non-issue, durability matters above all.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: October 1, 2002
D. Burris a weekend warrior from CA writes:

I just switched out my Cane Creek AD-12 on my Ellsworth Truth for a Romic. What a difference, great improvement. Although the Cane Creek is a good shock and held up well over the last 14 months, it was overtaxed for my Clydesdale weight and I never felt I achieved a real balance between the front X-Vert Air and the rear. Now I have to get used to a whole "new" bike again. Rides like a hardtail until you need the cush. So, my feeling is that a coil (with the correct spring rate, if available) might be a better choice for the big guys out there.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: October 1, 2002
Dave a downhiller from Prospect, CT writes:

granted coil shocks are more durable, but they will never have the smoothness of an air shock. I've got a 2002 Marin Wolf Ridge that came with a Fox Float R air shock with 6 inches of travel and i love it. I've gone off of 10 foot drop offs with no problem. So air shocks are definately durable as long as you by a high end shock. I had a Mongoose before my Marin and that had a Fox Vanilla R coil shock. I went off a 6 foot drop and it exploded into 3 pieces. I'll never go back to coil shocks. Air all the way. You can see pictures of me and a couple of my friends just screwing around at the local high school at www.themtb.com. We have yet to get pictures on the trail but they will be up soon enough.

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: September 25, 2002
phil pritchard a weekend warrior from chester uk writes:

when an air shock fails & blows it's air out - the bike is unrideable, walk home !.

when a coil shock blows it's oil out, you can ride home.

no choice

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: September 25, 2002
phil pritchard a weekend warrior from chester uk writes:

when an air shock fails & blows it's air out - the bike is unrideable, walk home !.

when a coil shock blows it's oil out, you can ride home.

no choice

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: September 24, 2002
Revelstoker a cross-country rider from Portland, OR writes:

I have a Fox air on my Rocky. It works great but you have to carry a pump. If I had to do it all over again, I would go with the coil.

Why, one less headache and never have to worry if there is too much or too little air in the shock. Twist and go - anywhere on the trail.

KISS - Keep It Simple Stupid

No regrets

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: September 21, 2002
Daemon Edwards a cross-country rider from pollock pines CA writes:

If an air charged shock blows, you're screwed as far as bike rideability goes--hope its a short walk home. Coil shock wins for feel, durability, and reliability. Even if you lose the guts out of a coil shock, you'll still ride home!

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: September 20, 2002
Spinster a weekend warrior from Ottawa writes:

Air shocks may sound cool but they aren't very useful to us weekend worriors/freeriders. Air Shox requires alot more maintnance than coil and the price is 2 times more with basically the same performace so coil wins in the end!

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: September 20, 2002
Colin a downhiller from Santa Barbara writes:

The coil shock can take so much more punishment and produce so much more usefull travel. on a xc bike though i might not object so much, but on my bike i would blow up an air shock very fast

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: September 13, 2002
Turtle a cross-country rider writes:

It depends; if light wieght is more of and issue then AIR. If longer travel and plushness is priority then COIL.

WINNER: Tie

Date: September 13, 2002
Mel a cross-country rider from Phx, AZ writes:

Went from rigid frame(remember chromoly?) to a fs. What a god send. Rode several styles before settling on coil. Found the plastic air shock too soft for rocky terrains. Coil with adjustable dampening has served me very well with no maint.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: September 12, 2002
Greg a cross-country rider from Sydney writes:

Smoother, thats it.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: September 12, 2002
Carey Lotrean a weekend warrior from Castro Valley,CA. writes:

I need more info about my bike.
Attack3.0 what it came with stock.

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: September 12, 2002
Jaybo a cross-country rider from Vancouver, WA writes:

I rode air for a long time, but got sick of the constant maintenance along with having to pump them up all the time. Coil is smoother and better for even cross county. I like the no hassles of coil. Coil is my vote

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: September 11, 2002
rob cole a downhiller from London, England writes:

For my kind of riding (severe downhills, DH racing, play riding, huge airs) the coil / oil shock is the only choice.

I have used air shocks in the past, and recently they have gotten better, but they cannot offer the performance of a good quality coil/oil shock. Air shocks get overfaced on stutter bumps, and don't have anything like the high speed performance of coil/oil...

The advantages for XC riders are that air shocks are much lighter, and somewhat easier to setup by increasing / reducing air pressure. With a coil/oil shock you have to change the spring rate, take the shock apart and change oil weight or even swap out the shim stack!

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: September 9, 2002
seto a cross-country rider from Boise writes:

I ride x-country on an AC2 with platforms--weight weenies go home. Coil all the way. Peace OUT!!!!

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: September 8, 2002
andrew a downhiller from GA writes:

more travel and stronger. But if you rode cross country i understand the other is lighter.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: September 7, 2002
JoeB a cross-country rider from Whatcha got? Ride it! writes:

What do you need it for? Coil for DH and Air for XC or racing. Weekend warrior's use whatcha got.

WINNER: Tie

Date: September 5, 2002
J a weekend warrior from Houston writes:

...ribbed for her pleasure

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: September 5, 2002
Tprime a downhiller from Canada writes:

i will make this short. if you have an air shock, make sure you have at least 5 inches of travel for downhill riding other than that they are only good for cross-country riding. but for me, COIL OVER ALL THE WAY!

WINNER: Tie

Date: September 4, 2002
the_apking a racer from ca writes:

who cares. Go out and ride.

WINNER: Tie

Date: August 30, 2002
David a cross-country rider from Annandale, Va. U.S.A. writes:

it depends what u want, if ur freeriding or downhilling u want a coil, if ur doing ne xc, get the air. THe reason a coil works well for freeriding and downhilling is cuz coil shocks are generally rebound alittle faster, thus allowing it to take multiple bumps in short periods of time, also, air shocks blow out much easier. The reason air shocks are good for xc use is because they're lighter and can be found with lockout. Actually i find that air shocks don't tend to bob as much either because there can be a small amount of stiction

WINNER: Tie

Date: August 30, 2002
David a cross-country rider from Annandale, Va. U.S.A. writes:

it depends what u want, if ur freeriding or downhilling u want a coil, if ur doing ne xc, get the air. THe reason a coil works well for freeriding and downhilling is cuz coil shocks are generally rebound alittle faster, thus allowing it to take multiple bumps in short periods of time, also, air shocks blow out much easier. The reason air shocks are good for xc use is because they're lighter and can be found with lockout. Actually i find that air shocks don't tend to bob as much either because there can be a small amount of stiction

WINNER: Tie

Date: August 30, 2002
Glen a cross-country rider from Australia writes:

able to easily set up if u want it very soft or hard

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: August 28, 2002
nick a downhiller from jackson hole, WY writes:

air sucks and everyone knows it

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: August 26, 2002
Mike a cross-country rider from California writes:

The weight savings on an air shock are totally outweighed by the pure performance of a coil shock. If you are still worried about weight savings go take a good dump before you ride. Coil wins.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: August 24, 2002
karl from Canada writes:

screw wussy air shocks

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: August 24, 2002
Ian Draper a cross-country rider from Long Beach writes:

I don't care about the weight savings air can give you. I have and always will run coil sprung shocks, both front and rear.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: August 24, 2002
Ryan Bowden a downhiller from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada writes:

This is totally stupid. It's like comparing apples to oranges. By far the stupidest addition to this site.

WINNER: Tie

Date: August 24, 2002
mark from tujunga ca writes:

Air is better for going up, coil for going down. I like going down better, coil wins

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: August 20, 2002
Dana a weekend warrior from Mankato, MN writes:

Air is more adjustable
FOX Float RL w/itch swith

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: August 19, 2002
Brett BIKER a weekend warrior from tecumseh ontario canadian writes:

good for different purposes

xc air
freeride coil

WINNER: Tie

Date: August 16, 2002
Tom French a racer from Tulsa, OK US writes:

Air is better, lighter, more adjustable.

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: August 16, 2002
Spencer a weekend warrior from Colorado writes:

Each shock serves its own purpose. Air shocks are for low-medium travel cross-country. Coil shocks are for low-high travel freeride, cross-country, and downhill.

WINNER: Tie

Date: August 14, 2002
Kevin Matteson a cross-country rider from Roseville, CA writes:

With air's terrible spring rate propoerties is there really any other choice than coil?
If weight difference has you bothered, Ride more and get stonger!

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: August 8, 2002
mooseknuckles a racer from usa writes:

air, don't need the extra weight. Coil for those who jump of rooftops.

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: August 7, 2002
Tom a cross-country rider writes:

lighter more tunable

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: August 4, 2002
Brian Woolliams a weekend warrior from Courtenay BC writes:

I own a Stratos Helix Expert - a Coil / Air shock. I've ridden coil, ridden air, nothing beats the two working together!

WINNER: Tie

Date: August 4, 2002
knoxy46 a weekend warrior from united kingdom writes:

easily the best shock is coil oil more plush and tuneable much more reliable i should khow tryed all of 6 shocks on my san andreas best shock? fox vanilla rc no contest from rest

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: August 2, 2002
Neil a cross-country rider writes:

For my riding, air is oooooh so comfy. Keeps my old butt comfy.

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: July 30, 2002
Woody a weekend warrior from Nu Yawk writes:

Ok so here is the story: I am big and fat (stupid doesn't come into play until later in the story). I bought a bike, on the recomendation of the bike shop geek, that had an air shock. Needles to say to support my corpulent self I had to pump the shock to some ridiculously high pressure, so it wouldn't sag so badly that the little rubber ring on the shaft is squashed between the shock body, and the mount. Anyhow, once that was done, I went riding. Where did I go? Some stupidly steep trail where I started to go down hill at some stupid speed. You see where I am going with this don't you?
When I got to the first stupidly large drop, I stupidly didn't slow down, and sure enough when the rubber met the road my grotesque (sp?) body caused the air shock to explode rather violently. Which in turn caused my huge ass to force into contact the rather small contact area of the seat with a rather small organ that I am extremely fond of. Which caused one of the two family jewels some grievous injury from which it took me months to recover.

Upon recovering, I had debated over taking the now useless shock and forcibly depositing in the rather small orifice of the bike shop geek. Upon entering the store, however, I was once again mesmerized by the new shiny bikes, and having more money than good sense I bought yet another bike, this time (having been convinced by the very same geek who's orifice I was going to deposit the shock in) with an oil shock. Once again stupidly I needed a spring of such weight that it took two bike shop geeks to install it into the shock. And once again stupidly I went to the same stupid trail (you still following this?), to ride the same stupid ride. Naturaly I rode the same stupid trail, and on the same stupid drop off I landed rather well I may say. However the coil spring which has been preloaded to some insane preload level had a different idea. The spring had detached itself from the shattered alouminum shock mount and proceeded to launch itself directly into my rather large ass. I was saved from a very humiliating de-virginization by the padded shorts. The said padded shorts of course did nothing to protect the other family jewel, previously uninjured, to come into rather violent contact with the frame. Once again I spent quite a few months recovering.
So here I am stupidly pouring my lard encrusted heart to you good folks.
I am going to try walking, since riding and eating at the same time is too damn hard.

WINNER: Tie

Date: July 30, 2002
Pufme Phaddypleez a weekend warrior from Mountain Master PHD University writes:

Well gee wiz Wally if I am goin up,, me phaddy blows with a air inflated blond that looks like your mom, but if I am rollin down then I like a Round Risse Jupiter5R wit a coil wrapped around it like a titanium pig dick to get my yarbles to the bottom of your moms mountains and she really digs it so take both with you and pack plenty of D batteries for your mom and ride like a dog in heat, dont be a wuss just change the damb thing to air when you go up and to coil when you go down,,I say and she moans that its a TIE you delusional wannabes!! HA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WINNER: Tie

Date: July 28, 2002
dan a downhiller from wa writes:

cause coil's are bigger and springier

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: July 27, 2002
Rick a weekend warrior from San Francisco writes:

Assuming you want performance, there's no contest. Coil.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: July 26, 2002
bigpapa from maryland writes:

dependends on what ur doing and how lazy ur. coil is 4 lazier ppl like me

WINNER: Tie

Date: July 25, 2002
dumbass a downhiller from West Virginia writes:

Who cares!!! Real men DH at Snow Shoe with rigids!!! Shocks are for wussies.

WINNER: Tie

Date: July 24, 2002
kent randall a racer from hereford uk writes:

I used to xc race on a 35 lb full coil sus bike. pretty good then I started to Down hill and not too bad. I now have the Scott Gz Strike full air sprung. The steering is soo much better and the small hits un noticable. The big hits are not so good.
SOOOOOOOO Air for xc race and comfy training the heavier coil for rolling down hills and jumps. Wear a helmet!

WINNER: Tie

Date: July 20, 2002
Seth a weekend warrior from Clinton Ma writes:

Coil hands down...stronger,better performing...there's no comparison

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: July 20, 2002
puds a racer from ONTARIO, CANADA writes:

Coils not only work better they look better to, air is for wussies

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: July 20, 2002
xc rider/racer a racer from carthage nc writes:

coil is fine but for what i do i think it bobs to much plus i think air looks better

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: July 19, 2002
Lupe' a weekend warrior from NYC writes:

Remember: Arguing on the internet is like winning the Special Olympics... Even if you win you're still a retard.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: July 19, 2002
rocky a downhiller from La Jolla, CA, USA writes:

the air shock is a good preformance shock, but you can't beat the traditional coil shock. Coil shocks are just more practical and usually they have more travel.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: July 17, 2002
Coen a downhiller from Amsterdam writes:

Ow I have used both by the way....
Air gives baby smooth ride.. takes big punches well ..GREAT for XC racing....
Coil is very active...but in a very bad way..i'm going up and down more on my bike then on my girl! takes very big hits well though....

Air= XC/CC racing - general XC/CC/Road
Coil= freeride/ downhill/ other forms

WINNER: Tie

Date: July 17, 2002
writes:

Ow I have used both by the way....
Air gives baby smooth ride.. takes big punches well ..GREAT for XC racing....
Coil is very active...but in a very bad way..i'm going up and down more on my bike then on my girl! takes very big hits well though....

Air= XC/CC racing - general XC/CC/Road
Coil= freeride/ downhill/ other forms

WINNER: Tie

Date: July 17, 2002
Coen a cross-country rider from Amsterdam writes:

Strange i see soooo ing many downhillers here... seems like many MTB-ers consider themselfs downhillers very soon...why won't any manufacturer just put a coil around an air shock...problems solved :P
And BTW how can a downhiller say wether an air shock is good or not for something like XC? There always jelling 'get coil for everything'! blablabla STFU! if ya don't know what ya talking about then please just shut the up will ya...
I say it's a tie... coil around air would be best :P

WINNER: Tie

Date: July 15, 2002
Hale a cross-country rider from Ersa, IN writes:

Sometimes two vaginas are better than one peanut butter pie. I mean air shocks. Wholly shit. Air Shocks. No man. I mean if a coil shock could do half of what the gr429 could do. Plastic sometimes and contents under pressure. Anyway you guys debate for no rock, well you know what I mean.

WINNER:

Date: July 15, 2002
matt from san jose, ca writes:

i take coil over air any day - i have a coil over on my sc bullit which was one of the factors in choosing it over the superlight. my friend has and air shock and its always leaking and has to bring two pumps with him on ever ride....one for the tubes and one for the shock. no thanks i'll pass.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: July 15, 2002
Don a downhiller from Shoreline writes:

Oh boy some of these people have NO clue as how to set up suspension properly. Lets see now, I have riden both only because the Super V I HAD came with the FOX - R air. My DH bike, Honda XR, Suzuki GSXR have coils front and rear. Guess which bike's I have not touched since getting the set-up correct? Except for minor dampening tweeks a click or two either direction nothing leaks or makes any noise. Oh and my XC bike has an Air Fatty head shox only because I'm to lazy to swap in a coil, it's kind of a harsh ride but ok. My road bicycle has air (duh, in the tires) Hands down coils & oil if air was so great how come all the top catagories in any motor racing use coil? Learn to set-up then just shut up and ride who give a flyin FFFF what you ride, it has two wheels just do it!!!!!!!!!!!! Stick with manufacture's that make suspension for motorcycles don't waste your time with those other companies.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: July 15, 2002
Don a downhiller from Shoreline writes:

Oh boy some of these people have NO clue as how to set up suspension properly. Lets see now, I have riden both only because the Super V I HAD came with the FOX - R air. My DH bike, Honda XR, Suzuki GSXR have coils front and rear. Guess which bike's I have not touched since getting the set-up correct? Except for minor dampening tweeks a click or two either direction nothing leaks or makes any noise. Oh and my XC bike has an Air Fatty head shox only because I'm to lazy to swap in a coil, it's kind of a harsh ride but ok. My road bicycle has air (duh, in the tires) Hands down coils & oil if air was so great how come all the top catagories in any motor racing use coil? Learn to set-up then just shut up and ride who give a flyin FFFF what you ride, it has two wheels just do it!!!!!!!!!!!! Stick with manufacture's that make suspension for motorcycles don't waste your time with those other companies.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: July 9, 2002
yesssa a weekend warrior from FL writes:

Im so sick of hearing all you damn downhill guys with big egos, saying that downhill is the only real type of biking. Who cares if you jump off the side of a mountain(sounds funking stupid to me). coil shocks are good for there long travel, but everything else sucks about them! If you like to ride a tank, and cliff jump get a coil. If you apreciate technology and like plush lightweight feel,and dont need 15" of travel get air! Who wants to ride a dirtbike with no engine?

WINNER: Tie

Date: July 8, 2002
Josh a cross-country rider from Charlottesville, VA writes:

I've got both an air and a coil shock for my Truth. The coil weighs about 3x as much, but I almost always ride the coil these days. It's super plush and a helluva lot more fun. Air's great for XC racing, but for everything else ya gotta have coil.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: July 7, 2002
Jack Smartwood a cross-country rider from New Jersey writes:

The MTB industry has to just copy what the MX'ers and Enduro guys are doing...............the airshock was outdated for motocross by 1980, for a variety of reasons that still apply to MTB's as well. For XC riding you can still get away with an airshock, but for DH and Freeriding the airshock is already obsolete. In 5 more years it will be obsolete in XC too. Mark my words.

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: July 6, 2002
Will Gaertner a downhiller from Tsawwassen BC writes:

the coil definately takes the bag they are more reliable and can handle bigger hits
the preload stays the same and there is never any loss of air pressure

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: July 3, 2002
Shaun a downhiller from massachusetts writes:

coil shocks can take more pounding than air shocks

WINNER: Coil Shock

Date: July 1, 2002
Marty a weekend warrior from Melbourne Australia writes:

Air shocks that are adjustable to the weight of the rider, thus eliminating sag & bounce

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: June 29, 2002
Philipp a cross-country rider from Croatia writes:

Air for XC and coil for DH.

WINNER: Tie

Date: June 29, 2002
Greg a cross-country rider from Montreal Canada writes:

Air shock for XC!

WINNER: Air Shock

Date: June 28, 2002
ryan a downhiller from