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Converting Yeti SB130 to coil shock Push ElevenSix

11098 Views 26 Replies 12 Participants Last post by Staktup, 9 mo ago

chauzie

Discussion Starter · Jan 25, 2022

hey mtb people,
wanted to know the pros and cons of putting a coil shock on a trail bike. How do you like it? What's your experience like? Would you do it again?

I will list my pros and cons, but I need yall to fill me in with all the other pros and cons

pros:
-linear travel, awesome small bump compliance and thus superior traction
-consistant performance (since there is no air that can change with temperature and atmosphere)

cons:
-about 1 pound heavier compare to equivalent air shock
-may need to re-spring if you gain/lose 20 lbs of bodyweight or more
-not progressive as air, so bottoms out easily
-not progressive as air, so less poppy feeling when trying to pop
-climbing can be a tad slower if the coil shock doesn't have a "climb switch".

I'm considering putting a Push ElevenSix coil on my Yeti sb130. This will also extends the travel of the bike from 130mm to 137mm, which is within acceptable design parameter of the sb130. However, I would like to know the opinions of all the pros/cons from those who have converted to coil on their bike (doesn't have to be yeti).

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kirkB

· #2 · Jan 25, 2022

Looks like you have all of the pros and cons listed already, so only you can decide what to prioritize.

Both me and a good friend have SB130s. He put on an ElevenSix coil and loves it. He is faster than I am, both up and down and does not mind the weight or slightly less climbing efficiency. I have stuck with air, because I need all the help I can get on the climbs - but did just upgrade to the new Float X last night.

My personal feeling is that if you prioritize speed on the descents above all else, the coil is the way to go. If you are weight conscious or want a really poppy bike, go air.

Battery

· #3 · Jan 25, 2022

This video is for a Levo but I'm sure the shock acts the same way with any trail bike:

chauzie

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jan 25, 2022

kirkB said:
Looks like you have all of the pros and cons listed already, so only you can decide what to prioritize.

Both me and a good friend have SB130s. He put on an ElevenSix coil and loves it. He is faster than I am, both up and down and does not mind the weight or slightly less climbing efficiency. I have stuck with air, because I need all the help I can get on the climbs - but did just upgrade to the new Float X last night.

My personal feeling is that if you prioritize speed on the descents above all else, the coil is the way to go. If you are weight conscious or want a really poppy bike, go air.

Is the new Float X called Float X2 now? Anywyay, how do you like the Float X compared to the DPX2?
Anyway to get your buddy to chime in here? Would love to hear his comparison between the ElevenSix and the DPX2

chauzie

Discussion Starter · #5 · Jan 25, 2022

Battery said:
This video is for a Levo but I'm sure the shock acts the same way with any trail bike:

Thanks for the solid video review!
I also would like to know how does the ElvenSix compare to another (less expensive) coil shock? Will the advantage be the same as over an air shock?
I'm also interested in knowing how the ElevenSix does on the climb too.

kirkB

· #6 · Jan 25, 2022

chauzie said:
Is the new Float X called Float X2 now? Anywyay, how do you like the Float X compared to the DPX2?
Anyway to get your buddy to chime in here? Would love to hear his comparison between the ElevenSix and the DPX2

No, the Float X is the new replacement for the DPS air shock.

Explore FLOAT X Bike Shocks | FOX

FOX redefines ride dynamics for ATVs, mountain bikes, motocross, off-road vehicles, snowmobiles, trucks, and UTVs.

www.ridefox.com

Jayem

· #7 · Jan 25, 2022

chauzie said:
-not progressive as air, so less poppy feeling when trying to pop

Air is pretty flat mid-stroke where this would be happening. Progressive would be much softer in initial stroke and lead to using more travel on smaller features. Air has a LOT more stiction, which is more of what is happening IMO.

Reactions: 1

NumbNutts

· #8 · Jan 25, 2022

I have both a 2022 Float X and Push 11-6. The weight difference between them is about 175g. The Float X weighs more than a DPX2 but the Float X is by far a superior shock. The Push is for me a way better shock than the Float X in traction and efficiency. Since the Push has 2 compression valves I have one set for super plush and the other in trail mode for slightly better climbing. I rarely use the trail mode as the Yeti is a great pedaling bike. Strava has me faster with the 11-6 on the bike. I ended up putting a ACS3 in the fork and my SB130LR went from 30lbs to 31.5lbs. That weight is with pedals, OneUp EDC, Fox 36 mudguard, water bottle cage.

Reactions: 4

chauzie

Discussion Starter · #9 · Jan 25, 2022

NumbNutts said:
I have both a 2022 Float X and Push 11-6. The weight difference between them is about 175g. The Float X weighs more than a DPX2 but the Float X is by far a superior shock. The Push is for me a way better shock than the Float X in traction and efficiency. Since the Push has 2 compression valves I have one set for super plush and the other in trail mode for slightly better climbing. I rarely use the trail mode as the Yeti is a great pedaling bike. Strava has me faster with the 11-6 on the bike. I ended up putting a ACS3 in the fork and my SB130LR went from 30lbs to 31.5lbs. That weight is with pedals, OneUp EDC, Fox 36 mudguard, water bottle cage.

Thanks for the info! Just what I wanted to hear. I have the DPX2 and i'm constantly running it in open mode, and like you said the sb130 is a great pedaller (seated). I'll probably go with the 11-6 then and keep the DPX2 as a backup. For the fork, I'm happy with Fox 36 with Grip2 so will keep it as is.

Battery

· #10 · Jan 25, 2022

chauzie said:
Thanks for the solid video review!
I also would like to know how does the ElvenSix compare to another (less expensive) coil shock? Will the advantage be the same as over an air shock?
I'm also interested in knowing how the ElevenSix does on the climb too.

I'm very curious about all that too. That video was an eye opener for me as well. It gives me a chub just thinking about what it could do for me if I were to install one. Maybe my wife might leave me due to a three way cheat session with Push, my MTB, and her?

cookieMonster

· #11 · Jan 26, 2022

After spending most of my last twenty years on coil at both ends, and periodically trying the latest in air technology (including now in 2022), I am comfortably staying with coil suspension at both ends.

I don’t find coil suspension to inherently have less “pop.” That is up to your tuning and technique. I can bunny hop just as high on a rigid bike as I can with suspension.

What I have found is that coil suspension offers way better small bump compliance/traction, much more consistency on long, punishing DH runs, and performs the same at any temperature. I’ve never had any problems with bottoming, as I’ve always used the appropriate springs for my weight and utilize the high-speed compression damping included with the products.

A lot of those performance gains are not necessary on today’s popular dirt-sidewalks, so I believe that’s why air suspension remains the most popular.

Once you venture into the technical stuff, that’s where you start to notice the difference.

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KRob

· #12 · Jan 26, 2022 (Edited)

Maybe I've been riding too many dirt sidewalks lately, but I rode for about a year on the Rock Shox Super Deluxe on my Fugitive LT, before switching to the PUSH 11/6. Then rode air for about 2 months on my new Offering v.2 before switching the 11/6 over.... and I'm not totally blown away by the PUSH shock.

I mostly agree with what Cookie Monster said. The advantage to the coil is consistency, small bump compliance, and a more plush feel in the rockier terrain. Like I said, I wasn't as wowed by the difference as some, but it's definitely better in most ways. I do notice the extra weight and its increased stubborness to let the rear wheel leave the ground. Which is good for traction on climbs, and bombing fast rough sections. But not as good for smoother, jumpier, flow trails (dirt sidewalks), though not a huge hinderance, especially if I keep it in the Firm mode.

Reactions: 2

chauzie

Discussion Starter · #13 · Jan 27, 2022

hey folks, after some time deliberating, I've decided to not go with the ElevenSix. My reasons? Well, I had a chance to ride with a former XC racer riding an Epic Evo and he pretty much left everyone in his wakes through the rough sections. I mean guys on coils weren't even close to hanging on him, well they hung on for a brief momment in a strainght & rough section, but as soon as it gets twisty he left them all in his wakes. Granted, there were no jumps, no hucks, just some 2ft drops and log poppings, but I was humbled on my Yeti and walked away with the thought that even with the Push, I would not have been able to keep up with him. Dude's bike control in the twisty sections was snappy and wicked. I walked away saying to myself "I need more skills, not equipment". Perhaps in the future will still upgrade the shock, but it would be to something like a Fox Float X2 (as I have been reading great reviews on this too), and this would meet all of my abilities that I will ever going to have. I don't think my skillset will ever approach to the point that I could justify a $1300 coil shock. Thank you for all your input though.

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mrtrinh

· #14 · Jan 27, 2022

NumbNutts said:
I have both a 2022 Float X and Push 11-6. The weight difference between them is about 175g. The Float X weighs more than a DPX2 but the Float X is by far a superior shock. The Push is for me a way better shock than the Float X in traction and efficiency. Since the Push has 2 compression valves I have one set for super plush and the other in trail mode for slightly better climbing. I rarely use the trail mode as the Yeti is a great pedaling bike. Strava has me faster with the 11-6 on the bike. I ended up putting a ACS3 in the fork and my SB130LR went from 30lbs to 31.5lbs. That weight is with pedals, OneUp EDC, Fox 36 mudguard, water bottle cage.

Am I reading this correctly that that the push only weighs 175g more? The lostco made a comparison in weight between the dpx2/float x/x2 and I would think the push weighs a bit more?

I agree with your assessment that the float x is a much superior shock to the dpx2. I've been contemplating of whether to go x2 or push but I'm concerned about the coils weight and pedal efficiency as I do climb a lot.

31.5lbs with coil front and rear is pretty impressive. What size is your bike and what tires are you running?

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NumbNutts

· #15 · Jan 27, 2022

mrtrinh said:
Am I reading this correctly that that the push only weighs 175g more? The lostco made a comparison in weight between the dpx2/float x/x2 and I would think the push weighs a bit more?

I agree with your assessment that the float x is a much superior shock to the dpx2. I've been contemplating of whether to go x2 or push but I'm concerned about the coils weight and pedal efficiency as I do climb a lot.

31.5lbs with coil front and rear is pretty impressive. What size is your bike and what tires are you running?

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Ok after verifying my weighs given, its more like 220g. Think I had weighed the Float X with no mounting hardware and volume spacer and the original weight was off the top of my head. My Float X come in at 543g with hardware and volume spacer and the push with hardware comes in at 762g with 425lbs 200 series spring. Still not bad but still not as light as the Float X. The frame is a medium but am running eeWings and I9 carbons wheels which help with the weight of the bike. From looking at what I wrote down for bike weights a few months back I had 30.18lbs for air front and back and 31.73lbs for coil front and rear. Tires are DHR Maxxgrip 2.4 front and currently 2.4 Dissector but the rear change often depending on the ride for the day. Also my scales are a few years old so may not be the most accurate.

Reactions: 1

mrtrinh

· #16 · Jan 27, 2022

NumbNutts said:
Ok after verifying my weighs given, its more like 220g. Think I had weighed the Float X with no mounting hardware and volume spacer and the original weight was off the top of my head. My Float X come in at 543g with hardware and volume spacer and the push with hardware comes in at 762g with 425lbs 200 series spring. Still not bad but still not as light as the Float X. The frame is a medium but am running eeWings and I9 carbons wheels which help with the weight of the bike. From looking at what I wrote down for bike weights a few months back I had 30.18lbs for air front and back and 31.73lbs for coil front and rear. Tires are DHR Maxxgrip 2.4 front and currently 2.4 Dissector but the rear change often depending on the ride for the day. Also my scales are a few years old so may not be the most accurate.

Thanks for the clarification, still impressive weight. Must ride like a dream.

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Zekerich

· #17 · Apr 1, 2022

NumbNutts said:
I have both a 2022 Float X and Push 11-6. The weight difference between them is about 175g. The Float X weighs more than a DPX2 but the Float X is by far a superior shock. The Push is for me a way better shock than the Float X in traction and efficiency. Since the Push has 2 compression valves I have one set for super plush and the other in trail mode for slightly better climbing. I rarely use the trail mode as the Yeti is a great pedaling bike. Strava has me faster with the 11-6 on the bike. I ended up putting a ACS3 in the fork and my SB130LR went from 30lbs to 31.5lbs. That weight is with pedals, OneUp EDC, Fox 36 mudguard, water bottle cage.

I am thinking of putting the acs3 in my sb130 non lunch ride. Probably going to up to 160mm, how do you like it??

NumbNutts

· #18 · Apr 2, 2022

Zekerich said:
I am thinking of putting the acs3 in my sb130 non lunch ride. Probably going to up to 160mm, how do you like it??

I love it. Haven't looked back or told myself I should have left it air. The front ACS3 matches the rear 11-6 perfect.. I always say for me its the perfect set up but may not be for someone else. I no longer race anymore so weight isn't a priority for me. Having fun is and my full coil SB130LR is a blast. I flip bikes on the regular, in the past 18 months I have owned a 2021 Switchblade, 2021 Trail 429, 2020 Tallboy, and the SB130LR. The yeti is the only one still sitting in my garage as I have sold all the rest.

chauzie

Discussion Starter · #19 · Apr 2, 2022

NumbNutts said:
I love it. Haven't looked back or told myself I should have left it air. The front ACS3 matches the rear 11-6 perfect.. I always say for me its the perfect set up but may not be for someone else. I no longer race anymore so weight isn't a priority for me. Having fun is and my full coil SB130LR is a blast. I flip bikes on the regular, in the past 18 months I have owned a 2021 Switchblade, 2021 Trail 429, 2020 Tallboy, and the SB130LR. The yeti is the only one still sitting in my garage as I have sold all the rest.

I'm curious about your opinion between the Switchblade and SB130 LR.
Which bike is more supple?
Which bike pedals better?
Which bike is more nimble?
Which bike pops better?
Would like to hear your comparison

Suns_PSD

· #20 · Apr 3, 2022

chauzie said:
hey folks, after some time deliberating, I've decided to not go with the ElevenSix. My reasons? Well, I had a chance to ride with a former XC racer riding an Epic Evo and he pretty much left everyone in his wakes through the rough sections. I mean guys on coils weren't even close to hanging on him, well they hung on for a brief momment in a strainght & rough section, but as soon as it gets twisty he left them all in his wakes. Granted, there were no jumps, no hucks, just some 2ft drops and log poppings, but I was humbled on my Yeti and walked away with the thought that even with the Push, I would not have been able to keep up with him. Dude's bike control in the twisty sections was snappy and wicked. I walked away saying to myself "I need more skills, not equipment". Perhaps in the future will still upgrade the shock, but it would be to something like a Fox Float X2 (as I have been reading great reviews on this too), and this would meet all of my abilities that I will ever going to have. I don't think my skillset will ever approach to the point that I could justify a $1300 coil shock. Thank you for all your input though.

Reality here.

Unless it's particularly aggressive and extended downhill terrain a Downcountry bike built to be light, and efficient with fast rolling tires will always be faster overall.

It might not be more fun, or even as safe, but they are undoubtedly faster.

Regarding coil suspension, I'm just not a fan personally. Can't spare the needed progression, particularly on a Yeti. However Yeti's are harsh riding bikes so undoubtedly a coil can assist with that.

On my SJ Evo, the high initial leverage ratio with the Cascade link easily overcomes and air seal sticking so there is no coil improvement in that regard.

GL

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