[kapusta]

Can a competent home mechanic to do an air can maintenance (cleaning, re-lubing, maybe new seals) on a Cane Creek Kistuma? I see the piggy back is on the piston side, which makes this a huge PITA on some shocks.

Thanks!

 

[ungod]

You're not allowed to fix it yourself because you're not smart enough. Sincerely, Cane Creek.

 

[kapusta]

Yeah, I did some more digging around, and they won't sell the seals.

That's a deal breaker.

 

[Bacon Fat]

Yeah its a pain that you can't service it yourself, but my DBail IL rides very nice. It eliminated all the issues I was having with the stock RS shock. So for me it was worth getting and being able to have a great shock for 50 weeks out of the year and for 2 weeks, I either ride another bike or thrown the old RS on.

So for me the performance definitely outweighs the inconvenience.

 

[kapusta]

I don't mind the two weeks down, I mind paying $200 each time I want an air can service that I can normally do myself several times a year for $1 in fluids, and $7 in seals once a year.

 

[Moosedriver]

If you’re looking to purchase a new shock that is home serviceable, may I suggest the Manitou Mara Pro (if it fits your frame) or the Mara inline (if the Pro doesn’t fit). It’s an amazing shock, which I slightly prefer over the Kitsuma air. The Kitsuma was pretty much ready out of the box for me in terms of set-up, while the Mara Pro took a little time to set-up, but I prefer the ride quality of the Mara Pro over the Kitsuma air. Manitou made the Mara Pro easily home serviceable and provides a great step-by-step service guide online. Manitou also doesn’t require any nitrogen/vacuum-fill on their shocks.

 

[ungod]

+1 on the Manitou. I'd also recommend the ohlins ttx shocks. They don't have the fiddly knobs that the cane creek shocks do but they do provide parts and instructions for the air can service, as well as being an excellent shock!

 

[kapusta]

Thanks, all.

The reason I was asking is because a bike I am interested in comes stock with the Kitsuma. I can see if a substitution is possible, but if not I may need to pass on it.

 

[megablue]

If you’re looking to purchase a new shock that is home serviceable, may I suggest the Manitou Mara Pro (if it fits your frame) or the Mara inline (if the Pro doesn’t fit). It’s an amazing shock, which I slightly prefer over the Kitsuma air. The Kitsuma was pretty much ready out of the box for me in terms of set-up, while the Mara Pro took a little time to set-up, but I prefer the ride quality of the Mara Pro over the Kitsuma air. Manitou made the Mara Pro easily home serviceable and provides a great step-by-step service guide online. Manitou also doesn’t require any nitrogen/vacuum-fill on their shocks.

Sorry to revive an old thread, but, what do you mean a little time to set up? Are you saying like changing the shim stack or just the external adjustments? I’m between these two for my spire and can’t decide. I can get a good deal on both shocks (better deal on the Mara pro). But I really don’t feel like opening something up and messing with the shim stack and everything. I’d rather have something to throw on and ride out of the box. I’m also located about 2 hours from CC if that makes any difference

 

[kapusta]

Thanks, all.

The reason I was asking is because a bike I am interested in comes stock with the Kitsuma. I can see if a substitution is possible, but if not I may need to pass on it.

Well since someone else did the thread resuscitation, I’ll update….

I went ahead and bought the frame with the Kitsuma, then sold the unused Kitsuma for the same price it cost me to buy a lightly used Topaz and have DVO service and tune it for me.

It works brilliantly and is user serviceable without needing a nitrogen charger.

I was torn between the Topaz and the Mara Pro. I honestly can’t remember why I went with the Topaz over the Mara Pro. Might have been my simply wanting to give DVO a try as I really like the company.

 

[Moosedriver]

Sorry to revive an old thread, but, what do you mean a little time to set up? Are you saying like changing the shim stack or just the external adjustments? I’m between these two for my spire and can’t decide. I can get a good deal on both shocks (better deal on the Mara pro). But I really don’t feel like opening something up and messing with the shim stack and everything. I’d rather have something to throw on and ride out of the box. I’m also located about 2 hours from CC if that makes any difference

I meant adjusting the rebound and HSC/LSC. On the Kitsuma, once I had the air pressure set to give me the sag I wanted, I didn’t need to adjust the rebound or compression from what CC has pre-set. I tried a couple adjustments to experiment, but ended up back at the stock set-up. On the Mara Pro, it took more time to get it dialed in. Both shocks are great, and I’ve been happy with both. I still feel like the ride quality out of the box favors the Kitsuma, but if you want to spend a little time getting the Mara Pro dialed in, then it’s the slightly better shock. From a maintenance stand point, if you don’t mind servicing a shock, the Mara Pro is home serviceable, the Kitsuma is not (unless you have the tools and nitrogen). If you don’t service your shock, then the Kitsuma is easier because CC has a better service center network. The price to quality of shock favors the Mara Pro.