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Home | Product Reviews | Rear Shock | Cane Creek Cloud Nine | ||||
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Submitted by
Wesley Pomeroy
a Cross Country Rider
from Watertown, Ct, USA
Date Reviewed: 3/28/2008 4:31:47 PM |
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| FavoriteTrail: | Burlington/ Nassahegon |
| Duration Product Used: | 2 Years |
| Price Paid: | $225 |
| Purchased At: | Cane Creek |
| Strengths: | Reliability, ease of set-up, can be rebuilt in approximately 20 minutes by any simpleton (even me), relatively light weight, customer support is fantastic! |
| Weaknesses: | None worth mentioning |
| Similar Products Tried: | Progressive 5th Element Air |
| Bike Setup: | Iron Horse Hollowpoint RL Expert |
| Bottom Line: | I've had the Cloud Nine shock on my bike for 2 1/2 years. I rebuild it every year as a part of preventive maintainance. After the initial set up, I have never had to adjust the settings. It is just set & forget. Not having any type of platform valving does not seem to be an issue on the DW suspension. I ride 2 - 3 times per week and the shock has handled everything. It has never failed me, unlike the 5th element. When I went to remove the shock this year for it's annual rebuild, I found the rear mount had rusted in place. I had to use a propane torch & a press to remove the mounting shaft. The rust was not the fault of Cane Creek. I wash the bike frequently, and sometimes ride it during rainstorms. The rust is more a testament to the shocks reliability because I only remove it once a year. Contacted Cane Creek for replacement mounting hardware. Received the hardware 3 days later, and at what I consider to be a very reasonable cost - less than $30. If you want a reliable shock and you don't have a need for platform valving, this is the shock for you. Ride on!! |
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Submitted by
Ryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Minnesota
Date Reviewed: 11/21/2007 2:07:23 PM |
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| Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month |
| Purchased At: | came with bike |
| Strengths: | works great three ways to adjust |
| Weaknesses: | none yet |
| Similar Products Tried: | none this good |
| Bike Setup: | 2006 fuji outland RC |
| Bottom Line: | good shock |
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Submitted by
Bob
a Weekend Warrior
from Cary, NC, USA
Date Reviewed: 11/7/2007 7:06:34 PM |
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| FavoriteTrail: | LCCP |
| Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month |
| Price Paid: | $234 |
| Purchased At: | Cane Creek |
| Strengths: | Works way better than the Fox Float RP23 that it replaced. Reasonable price with the $100 rebate for sending in the old shock. |
| Weaknesses: | None so far. |
| Similar Products Tried: | AD-10, Fox Alps 5, Fox Float RP23 |
| Bike Setup: | Trek Fuel 100. Avid BB-7, XT Shifter/Derail |
| Bottom Line: | The bike is a frame warranty replacement for a Y-22 frame that cracked. The new frame came with Fox Float RP23. I was not happy with the way the Fox shock felt -- definitely not plush. I tried experimenting with different pressures and damping for the Fox, but could not change it much. Since I had the old AD-10 shock, I tried to use it; but it was too long. With the Cloud-9 installed I immediately noticed the difference in smoothness with small and especially big hits. Have not found a need to adjust the damping yet. I do not know why the Cloud-9 is better, but can see that the diameter of the cylinder and piston are much larger for the Cloud-9 compared to the Fox. |
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Submitted by
Cliff
a Cross Country Rider
from Tucson
Date Reviewed: 9/12/2007 5:09:57 AM |
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| FavoriteTrail: | Dirt one track |
| Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years |
| Price Paid: | $250 |
| Purchased At: | aftermarket bike shop |
| Strengths: | Cane Creek Tech support line, light |
| Weaknesses: | adjusters don't make any difference, freezes up, wish they had a lemon law for frame shocks |
| Similar Products Tried: | RockShox, Fox Vanilla and Float, Manitou |
| Bike Setup: | Dakar Pro/XTR level and Specialized S Works FSR |
| Bottom Line: | I think I must have bought the first assembly line production run on the Cloud Nines. Never has worked right from new out of the box: hard/impossible to tune, ended up running it in the firm setting most of the time until the slider stopped working. Have a sum total of about 50 hours on the shock; mainly sits on the shelf. Cane Creek tried to fix it but when I received the shock back, wouldn't hold air for more than a couple days and after one ride, shock froze up. Really like Cane Creek so will try one more time to have them fix it - Building up a 96er FSR. Not big on Fox frame shocks but in comparison my Float RL that came on the Dakar Pro is almost as light, tunes easily, hydraulic damping is great, hasn't leaked or squeeked. I ride intermediate level, rough/rocky XC single track with no drops, jumps, or hucks - the frame shock gets a good workout. This Cloud 9 just has never been right. If you're going to buy one, get a new one. From other reviews, looks like Cane Creek maybe worked out the problems from the earlier units. For intermediate and above riding rough trails where the shock is continually hammering, especially in really hot weather, definitely would not recommend. Ride on. |
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Submitted by
Alex
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City, UT
Date Reviewed: 6/8/2007 3:53:19 PM |
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| Duration Product Used: | 1 Year |
| Price Paid: | $200 |
| Purchased At: | LBS |
| Strengths: | -Light -Plush -Reliable -Self-serviceable -Never loses pressure |
| Weaknesses: | Semi-lockout not a lockout. If you require a lockout, this is not the shock for you. |
| Similar Products Tried: | Progressive Suspension 5th Element Air, Manitou Swinger |
| Bike Setup: | Ellsworth Truth, XT/XTR/SRAM mix, Fox 100RLC |
| Bottom Line: | Very happy with this purchase. Rides great, dead-on reliable, easiest piece of suspension I've ever serviced. After ~9-10 months developed slight stiction. Ordered rebuild kit, rebuilt in <15 minutes, feels like new. Seems to never lose air. I'm a bit ambivalent re:the semi-lockout; I use it on roads and long, smooth climbs. Seems to help a bit, but is nowhere near a full lockout, yet changes the feel enough to mess you up if you start to descend with it engaged. I purchased via the trade-in program for a $100 discount. My LBS was clueless about the program, so check it out on Cane Creek's site. |
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Submitted by
jenine
a Cross Country Rider
from Cornwall UK
Date Reviewed: 6/6/2007 8:20:18 AM |
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| FavoriteTrail: | poldice vally |
| Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month |
| Price Paid: | $450 |
| Purchased At: | local bike shop |
| Strengths: | Im going on my first fide with my new shock...first inpresions from riding it round the garden seem good... |
| Weaknesses: | none apart from it took six weeks to arrive!!! |
| Similar Products Tried: | rock shox 3.R |
| Bike Setup: | Trek fuel ex 9 05 |
| Bottom Line: | i got this shock be cause my rock shox 3.R one was rubbish stiff and kept braking and it cost the same as this one... because its got no oil to leak and i can service it my self.. |
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Submitted by
Farmboybunk
a Weekend Warrior
from Nevada
Date Reviewed: 5/31/2007 8:40:19 PM |
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| FavoriteTrail: | blow hard brainhead Utah |
| Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years |
| Price Paid: | $102 |
| Purchased At: | ebay |
| Strengths: | Easy adjustable knobs (compression/rebound) that effect performance. Light straight designed forward shock, air does all the damping. No oil or compressed nitrigen to worry about. User servicable. I have serviced mine many time (cleaning it and regreasing the internals), but never have had to replace any O-rings. Very reliable. It's a high volume air shock, so you can run a lower air pressure. Looks decent, but not all that flashy. |
| Weaknesses: | Performance wise none for me. I don't use the semi lockout (RCA). So I could careless that it isn't designed to completely lockout the rear. For some bike with higher leverage ratios the shock's adjustments rebound and compression can't over come the high leverage. I run mine on a 5.5" bike and the shock length is 7.875 with a 2" stroke and have no problems, but I am light at 150 lbs. Not flashy or have the buzz name, If you care. |
| Similar Products Tried: | Cane creek AD 5 and AD 10, Manitou swinger 3 way (I prefer a plush shock), Fox Float R, and RP3. |
| Bike Setup: | 04 Marin Rock Springs set at 5.5" of travel Fork: 03 Marzocchi Z1 FR Rear Shock: Cane Creek Cloud 9 Shifters: Shimano Deore Front Derailleur: Shimano Deore Rear Derailleur: Shimano LX Crankset: TruVativ Five D 44/32/22 Bottom Bracket: TruVativ Cartridge Sealed Brakes: Avid BB7 Brake Levers: Avid Speed Dial 5 Rims: Mavic XM-117 Disc 32 Hole Tires: WTB Moto Raptor |
| Bottom Line: | I've owned two cloud 9's and both have been great. The first experience with this shock was on a 4" travel (165mm length shock) XC bike. After installing it, the bike felt more capable. It stuck the rear end of the bike to the ground and let me keep the power going. It also was very plush, whick I personally like. If you want a platform shock look else where. My wife still use this shock on her ride and loves it. After getting my new bike and not being all that impressed with the fox I sold it and picked up another C9 on ebay for cheap. It took me two rides to get it dialed in correctly. The high leverage ratio of the bike made it a bit more finicky to dial it in. I have the rebound and compression just a couple of clicks short of there max settings. But the ride is awesome, plush and ramps up nicely to fight bottom out. With a very controlled rebound. Like everyone has mentioned, this shock is extremely user frindly to service and set up. I have not ever had the need to call Cane Creek, but have heard that they are grat to work with. I know for a fact that there are higher tech shocks out there, but if you want an inexpensive reliable user friendly shock, it's hard to beat. Marzocchi's new roco air also looks nice with the same requirements in mind. For my needs it fits all the requirements and gets the highest rating. |
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Submitted by
Brian DelVecchio
a Cross Country Rider
from Gibsonia, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: 5/24/2007 5:55:18 AM |
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| FavoriteTrail: | Anywhere in PA |
| Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years |
| Price Paid: | $267 |
| Purchased At: | Cane Creek |
| Strengths: | Buttery is right! Lighter than RP3. Easily serviceable. Customer service pretty much the best I have experienced. |
| Weaknesses: | None really. |
| Similar Products Tried: | RP3 and Float R |
| Bike Setup: | Ventanta El Salty wit all da plop |
| Bottom Line: | This is my second C9 - first went away with bike I sold since RP3 came with Ventana frame purchase. Dropped the RP3 like a bad 'abit when is stuck done for the second time in a year. (I must say though that the Fox did not charge for the subsequent repair which fell outside of the warranty period). Went back to CC and couldn't be happier. RCA may not totally lock out but it will certainly reduce travel on climbs (use a zip tie to see for yourself and gauge how much). It's adjustable as RP3, but it is lighter. No need to service as often as RP3. From what I recall the eyelet bushings on the C9 wear longer than RP3 (had to change my RP3's after about 2-3 months of riding - don't recall ever having to do this on the first C9). Peter at the CC factory is a tremendous help and CC is lucky to have him. |
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Submitted by
simon chetwynd
a Cross Country Rider
from newbury, uk
Date Reviewed: 12/28/2006 10:00:09 AM |
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| Duration Product Used: | 3 months |
| Price Paid: | $412 |
| Purchased At: | LBS |
| Strengths: | Shock is light weight, user serviceable (although I haven't stripped it down yet) and has easily adjustable damping. It works OK. Went for Cloud Nine rather than a Fox shock as they're user serviceable. Indexed adjustment on compression/rebound damping adjusters is very good in aiding initial set up (takes about 2 hours of tweaking to get it right). |
| Weaknesses: | When I binned the standard Suntour forks and put the Rebas on my bike the change in handling and performance was amazing. Changing the standard NRS shock for a Cloud Nine had only a marginal effect on performance. On a NRS you set up the rear shock with zero sag. Maybe this is why this shock doesn't work as well as other reviewers claim on their bikes. The only advantage over the NRS shock is a little more rebound damping is available which gives a marginal increase in performance. The compression damping adjustment has no noticeable effect, even fully "locked out". I'll give Cane Creek the benefit of the doubt and put this down to the zero sag set up. This shock costs twice as much (£229 - welcome to rip off Britain) as a replacement NRS shock, and the increase in performance is very marginal. I'd also like to say that the NRS shock is also very easily serviced at home (all you need is a vice, adjustable spanner and circlip pliers) although Giant don't give any instructions, you have to figure it out yourself (they do sell a rebuild kit though). |
| Similar Products Tried: | Stock Giant NRS shock. |
| Bike Setup: | Giant NRS 3, Rockshox Reba team forks, Shimano XT groupset. |
| Bottom Line: | Might be good on other bikes but on a Giant NRS with zero sag the shock is only marginally better than the standard NRS shock. Rebound damping is very good, compression damping not so good. Cane Creek say that the lock out doesn't lock the shock solid, they're not lying! The lockout is ineffectual, don't expect it to work anything remotely as well as the lockout on my Reba forks. Having read all the other reviews on this shock I was expecting something a bit better. I wouldn't recommend it on a NRS, as a little extra damping gives only a marginal improvement and its twice the price of a replacement NRS shock. |
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Submitted by
drew
a Weekend Warrior
from camp lejeune nc
Date Reviewed: 12/13/2006 6:24:13 AM |
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| Duration Product Used: | 6 months |
| Price Paid: | $300 |
| Purchased At: | aebike.com |
| Strengths: | USER SERVICABLE!!! Very 'live' shock.. I have hit bottom more than once, but I only know this because the little dirty ring at the end of the piston.. I am using the 7.875...it is smooth, easy to dial, and has held 240psi reliably for several months now. THis design is simple, but very strurdy. |
| Weaknesses: | Only one complaint, one only- I wish they made one w/ 2.25" stroke instead of just 2"...I lose right at an inch of rear travel because of it, but it is not like I have really missed it either though. |
| Similar Products Tried: | FoxRP3, FoxRp23, FoxFloat-L, FoxFloat-RC, 5th Element |
| Bike Setup: | AM Heckler |
| Bottom Line: | If you are into trail riding- and not competitive riding there is NO good reason why you shouldn't use this shock. The Fox Shox I have had were always in rotation between the repair shop and home...I purchased this shock to keep me in charge of repair. It is so easy to break down and rebuild it is not even funny. Funny thing though- I bought a seal kit when I bought the shock figuring I would get a month or so out of it before I needed to work on it....which was the case w/ Fox....before I even installed it I broke it apart and checked it out, reassembled it, pumped it up and mounted it. That was over six months and 1k trail miles ago, and it has not been apart since...it is very reliable mechanicaly speaking...enough of that let's talk about performance: I weigh in over 250lbs, so I am very hard on shocks. I followed the spec sheet and put in my weight -10psi (240psi)and rode out. The shock is very active, and floats under me exactly like it should. I have busted out some 'big hits' on it and expected it to blow a seal but it never has. There was a point when I realized it was rebounding too hard, but that was fixed with a twirl of the blue knob...I can not be happier with this shock. I think folks think the shock is sub-par because it is not so recognizable as say a Fox or a Manitou- but they are wrong. This shock is great for reliable use. You set it and forget it. Make small changes if you ride a different trail, and it conforms. It has lasted under my big 'ol but for a long time. It may not be as specific purpose as a pushed fox, or perform like a DHX, but hey- it lasts and is much more user friendly. For a trail bike that gets a lot of use you can't go wrong. |
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Submitted by
Pat Baranger
a Cross Country Rider
from down right dirty jersey
Date Reviewed: 8/24/2006 1:43:55 PM |
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| Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month |
| Price Paid: | $120 |
| Purchased At: | Ebay |
| Strengths: | This lovely light weight bump buster delivers a plush ride with plentiful travel. for my xc riding of hardpack trails and single track with some small -medium rocks and roots it does the job hit the button to climb and turn it off to descend. works like a charm. if you want a solid lock out then dont bother but if you want a stiffer but still plush ride to maintian traction for climbing in the saddle this is it. |
| Weaknesses: | too much adjustment? is that a weakness? |
| Similar Products Tried: | fox vanilla (stock on jamis dakar) |
| Bike Setup: | 06 Jams dakar, stock except for the cloud nine |
| Bottom Line: | I could not come close to beating this bodasious blow out price. the quality of the ride far surpasses the stock fox vanilla coil over and the weigh savings is a bonus. this thing lives up to its name and review reputation.. of course there will always be those that perfer other shocks or just dont have a clue of how to set up the shock correctly. for them it is there loss. |
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Submitted by
Nunya
a Racer
from Fresno
Date Reviewed: 12/9/2005 10:59:31 AM |
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| FavoriteTrail: | Fast one's |
| Duration Product Used: | 1 Year |
| Price Paid: | $300 |
| Purchased At: | Cane Creek |
| Strengths: | Easy to install, easy to adjust, looks good. Very responsive and smooth. Has a partial lockout, not full, but darn near feels like it. |
| Weaknesses: | Kinda big when compared to other shocks, but it's light |
| Bottom Line: | This is a great shock. If you go directly to cane creek web site they will give a discount on a cloud 9 in exchange for your old shock. 4 chilis for price, $300 seems kinda steep, but it was worth it. |
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Submitted by
MJ Rocky Rider
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario Canada
Date Reviewed: 12/7/2005 12:05:34 PM |
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| FavoriteTrail: | Hilton Falls |
| Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month |
| Price Paid: | $263 |
| Purchased At: | ebikeshop |
| Strengths: | Light, Active, RCA wel suited to my frame, user servicable, no oil to leak or get contaminated. |
| Weaknesses: | None so far |
| Similar Products Tried: | Fox Float RC (3 of them) |
| Bike Setup: | Rocky Mountain Element T.O., Reba Race, Juicy 7, King hubs, Easton Stem/Bars, XTR, Kooka Cranks, Carbon seat. |
| Bottom Line: | The Fox Float RC performed well for the short periods that it worked between services. I am disgusted with Fox's short intervals between rebuilds and the high cost to do it. I've spent more money keeping the Fox shock working than any other part on my bike. I'm done with Fox. Tried the Cloud 9 because it is user servicable, light and has glowing reviews here. I thought I might give up some performance for the reliability, but I was wrong. It feels better on my frame than the Fox. The RCA adjuster is more practical than a total lockout as on the Float RC, and the bike feels like it gained an inch of travel. Some say that it is old technology, to them I say... IT WORKS! AND IT IS RELIABLE! Period. Overall one of the best upgrades I've made to this bike. Kudos to Cane Creek for offering it at a good price and giving the consumer the ability to service it for $20 in parts. I couldn't be happier with this purchase. |
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Submitted by
Chad Thomas
from Lancaster, PA, U.S.A
Date Reviewed: 11/5/2005 2:48:12 AM |
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| Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only |
| Strengths: | see below |
| Weaknesses: | see below |
| Bike Setup: | 2004 Mountain Cycle San Andreas XC |
| Bottom Line: | This review is an overall review of current rear air shocks. I am writing this to hopefully save you hours of research, and because mtbr has been so good to me. CANE CREEK CLOUD NINE (ONLY AIR AVAILABLE) - Performance: A little outdated in terms of not offering SPV climbing rigidity. Very good performance, smooth over varied terrain. Very durable, and takes big hits for an air shock. Weight: 209g (site claimed) for smallest available. very light. Adjustability: Good adjustability - trouble free. Reliability: Stone cold simple to break down. Most reliable of all shocks reviewed. Almost guaranteed to hold air long term. Customer Service: Just read the reviews - unparalled. If you do have problems they will take care of you. Price: A very reasonable $325 msrp with a $100 trade in rebate. AD-12 is $275 minus $100 trade in, and AD-5 is $190 and only 160g, but needs to be adjusted internally. MANITOU SWINGER SPV AIR (3-way or 4-way) Performance: On par with fox rp3. SPV works, and makes pedaling up hills easier. Good overall response. Weight: 267g real weight for 165mm eye to eye w/o bushings. 454g real for 4-way. Adjustability: Very adjustable. Reliability: About as good as fox rp3, although easier to dial in. Good chance air will hold well. Customer service: Not very good. Takes forever. Price: About $349 for 3-way, and $449 for 4-way. FOX RP3 AIR - Performance: Among the best available in air shocks today. Propedal for stable pedaling platform. Probably not the best idea for large jumps. Weight: 206 for 165mm w/o bushings Adjustability: Abnormally hard to dial in correctly. Reliability: Holds air reliably; good chance it won't leak. Frequent maintenance required. Customer Service: Okay. Maintenance costly - fox charges an arm and a leg for service. Price: About $369. Fox DHX seems to be a very good shock as well, but not reviewed on mtbr yet; expensive at about $479. PROGRESSIVE 5TH ELEMENT AIR Overall - I'm not going to waste your time. Very overrated shock, with okay peformance and horrible reliability. CONCLUSION - All shocks except for the 5th element would be a good choice. If you want a good ride and excellent reliability go for a Cane Creek. If your looking for decent reliability and the stable platform advantages of newer technology go for the Manitou or Fox. |
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Submitted by
Brian
from Canton
Date Reviewed: 9/9/2005 9:26:38 AM |
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| Duration Product Used: | 3 months |
| Price Paid: | $250 |
| Purchased At: | Cane Creek |
| Strengths: | Light. Very smooth. |
| Weaknesses: | Adjusters were very abrupt and didn't work well. Compression and rebound were too abrupt. No stable platform. |
| Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz Blur |
| Bottom Line: | It's a great shock if you want smoothness. My shock on the Blur reacted to EVERYTHING. It is also incredibly smooth during the stroke action. The stable platform stuff when set up properly on this bike works better. If you want incredible smoothness, get this. |
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Submitted by
Ben
a Cross Country Rider
from Fremont, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: 6/6/2005 10:40:42 PM |
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| FavoriteTrail: | Mission Peak |
| Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month |
| Price Paid: | $225 |
| Purchased At: | Cane Creek |
| Strengths: | Adjustable compression and dampening that is buttery smooth. Rapid compression switch to help stiffen the shock for those long climbs. |
| Weaknesses: | Difficult to reach compression and dampening knobs. Cannot totally lock out the shock. |
| Similar Products Tried: | Rock Shox Bar Air, Cane Creek AD-5, Risse Genesis, Elroy and Jupiter, Amp Coil-Over, |
| Bike Setup: | 2005 Motobecane Fantom DS Comp with mix of Shimano XTR and Sram. Avid mechanical brakes. |
| Bottom Line: | Now I understand why this shock is so highly rated. It gives one of the most buttery rides I have ever experienced. Cattle crossing rails are not a problem with this shock. Glides over them as smooth as glass. First time I have experienced this in the 10 years of owning full-suspension bikes. All the other shocks that I have owned in the past will transmit some of the stutter bump force back to you. The Cane Creek is much better than the Rock Shox Bar Air that was included with my bike. The Cane Creek exhibits better control and follows the terrain much better than the Rock Shox and without the "Amphysemia" sounds emitted from the Rock Shox during compression. I can carve a better line with confidence and not feel as beat up on my normal cross-country trail. The range of compression and dampening is quite wide and should handle just about any terrain. Just wish the adjustment knobs were better located for easier use. It has the lowest stiction of any air shock that I have ever used. Great for those small bumps. In summary, I am very pleased with my purchase which took my bike to a whole new level of comfort and control. Highly recommended!! |
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Submitted by
Jerry Jamison
a Racer
from Fort Worth, TX
Date Reviewed: 4/13/2005 8:07:09 AM |
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| Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years |
| Strengths: | Comfort, reliability, Ease of maintenance |
| Weaknesses: | Absolutely none! |
| Similar Products Tried: | Fox |
| Bike Setup: | Trek Fuek XTR |
| Bottom Line: | I wanted to update my review I made 3 years earlier. I recently changed out all my suspension bushings and decided to go through my shock since I had done nothing with it in three years of hard riding. I did this even tough I was having no trouble with the shock whatsoever. It literally took me less than 5 minutes to break it down clean it up, lube the seals and put it back in service. A monkey could do it. What a maintenance dream. Next to my Wam wheelset this was the best upgrade I've ever made on my Rig. |
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Submitted by
Luposian
a Weekend Warrior
from Sierra Vista, AZ
Date Reviewed: 4/2/2005 1:15:35 AM |
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| Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month |
| Price Paid: | $225 |
| Purchased At: | Cane Creek |
| Strengths: | This shock is the *ONLY* shock that is made to fit and work with my 1997 Schwinn S-10's suspension geometry. Everyone I talked to, *EXCEPT* Cane Creek, told me my bike was too old and outdated. That I was stuck with my worn out RockShox Deluxe (pogo-mania in the "pedal bob" department!). No one offered me *ANY* hope of a replacement. Not RockShox. Not Fox. Not Romic. Not even our LBS "Sun'n'Spokes" or "M&M Cycle"! Everywhere I turned, I was given nothing but doom and gloom. Buying a new bike was the only "helpful" advice they could offer me. And then I happened upon Cane Creek's website... BINGO! Although my two LBS' act like it's no big deal that I found a shock they said didn't exist for a 1997 Schwinn S-10, it's a big deal that they're so stuck up on themselves, they can't bother to do a little research to help me out... and end up making some money in the end. Their loss. My gain. My pleasure. Their pain. :-) If you're ever told your bike is too old for a replacement shock, DON'T BELIEVE THEM! At least not until you've dug through the internet and visited every shock manufacturer's website possible. And give Cane Creek a look. They helped me. They may be able to help you, too! Needless to say, I love my Cloud 9. With RCA enabled and air pressure set to just over 17 bar (barometric?), I get the firmness of a hardtail with just enough "cush" to take the curb hops and drops I do around town. Having no plans to really "beat up my bike" (wild off-roading, 3'+ drops, and the like) , I can't vouch for this shock's capacity for more extreme riding. But I don't doubt it can handle it and then some! Cane Creek rules, in my book. They've provided me a replacement shock that no one else could or would. They've made it possible to have a fully functional, full-suspension bike when I was lead to believe it wasn't possible. And that, alone, makes this shock a winner in my book. |
| Weaknesses: | None I have experienced. |
| Similar Products Tried: | Rockshox Deluxe... although it's not an air shock. |
| Bike Setup: | 1997 Schwinn S-10, RockShox Judy XC fork, Specialized Hemisphere EX tires, Sun Rims, etc. |
| Bottom Line: | The Cane Creek Cloud 9 saves 1997 Schwinn S-10's from utter obsolescence. That, alone, makes it the best shock made... because, so far as I can tell, it is the ONLY shock made (other than the Cane Creek AD-12) that will fit this bike today. |
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Submitted by
Frank
a Weekend Warrior
from Albuquerque
Date Reviewed: 1/4/2005 12:30:42 PM |
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| FavoriteTrail: | Otero Canyon |
| Duration Product Used: | 3 months |
| Purchased At: | Fisher Warranty |
| Strengths: | I love this shock. Infinitely adjustable. I finally found a shock that I could dial in to the proper balance – active/stiffness. Plus the Rapid Compression Adjustment is fantastic. With a flip of the switch, you can go from stiff cross country/climbing mode to plush and active. |
| Weaknesses: | none so far |
| Similar Products Tried: | All the usual suspects. |
| Bike Setup: | Sugar Race - Fisher provided the shock with a warranty replacement for a broken frame. Thanks Fisher. The Cloud Nine made a noticeable difference the first time out. |
| Bottom Line: | In eight years of dual suspension riding, I have never been able to find a shock that worked well for me. The adjustments were far too clunky and left me with either too much travel or much were too stiff. The Cloud Nine has very simple, yet very effective control system. Easy to dial in and even easier to switch between stiff and plush with the Rapid Compression Adjustment. |
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Submitted by
Nunya
a Cross Country Rider
from Modesto
Date Reviewed: 12/7/2004 2:19:14 PM |
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| Duration Product Used: | 6 months |
| Price Paid: | $200 |
| Strengths: | Very responsive, three ways to ajust so you can get the perfect feel. Takes big hits no problem. Has a semi lockout device for use when climbing. |
| Weaknesses: | Takes several rides to tune it in, but its worth the effort. |
| Bottom Line: | If you want a good air shock this is a great choice. At the time I purchased Cane Creek had a rebate offer, turn in your old shock and get $100 off the Cloud Nine. |
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Submitted by
Charlie
a Weekend Warrior
from Ireland
Date Reviewed: 10/31/2004 5:22:07 PM |
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| Duration Product Used: | 6 months |
| Price Paid: | $250 |
| Purchased At: | exchange program |
| Strengths: | Held air for 5 months now. No change. So much smoother than the Fox I had and a lot less messy. I was quoted 100 euro to service the fox! |
| Weaknesses: | A real lockout would be "nice". |
| Similar Products Tried: | Fox R |
| Bike Setup: | King kikapu, all stock except 52 tooth chain ring. |
| Bottom Line: | I'm writing this mainly to say that the purchase was worth it just for the customer service alone. Never seen anything like it in this day and age. Sent me 2 shocks through a accident that was mostly my fault. I told them and they said, "just keep it, in case you ever need spare parts". Where ye gona get that? |
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Submitted by
Kirk
a Weekend Warrior
from San Juan Capistrano, CA
Date Reviewed: 10/6/2004 10:36:31 PM |
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| FavoriteTrail: | San Juan Trail |
| Duration Product Used: | 3 months |
| Price Paid: | $225 |
| Purchased At: | Cane Creek Upgrade |
| Strengths: | Great shock PERIOD or !!! Buy one and you will be on CLOUD NINE! It's a great deal through the upgrade and you will not be disspointed on it's durability and performance. The RCA will work if you have the correct air and rebound clicks. Yes, the knobs will come off, but when you get it just find a small screw driver and tighten them up. The air will hold for a very long time. Finally, everyone knows about Cane Creek customer service --- CUSTOMER FIRST! Buy one and you will be happy going up and down your favorite trail! |
| Weaknesses: | NONE! Remember it's a XC shock (if you want shock that can withstand 5' drops, go with a coil shock. |
| Similar Products Tried: | |