Press ReleaseFLETCHER, N.C. – January 10th, 2017. Cane Creek Cycling Components is very proud to introduce the newest product to the Double Barrel family, the DB AIR [IL]. Three years in the making, the DB AIR [IL] is the next evolution of the most advanced inline shock. Launched in 2014, the Cane Creek DBInline was a leap forward in mountain bike suspension technology that was revered as a game changer in the industry. However, we acknowledged the need for a big jump in reliability.
With the development of the DB AIR [IL], we have brought forth great advancements in our design and manufacturing processes, all in an effort to make our shocks more robust compared to the previous generation of in-line Double Barrel technology. These successful advancements that were used to create the DB AIR [IL] have also been employed into the new 2017 DBInline and DB COIL [IL] shocks, ensuring increased reliability across the entire in-line Double Barrel shock family. The $475 USD DB AIR [IL] is available for purchase and shipment now.
The DBAIR [IL] is the first shock to feature Cane Creek’s LinEair Spring, the DBAIR [IL] is the best of both worlds, an air shock that feels more supple, linear and seamlessly supportive throughout its travel.
When developing the DBAIR [IL], our engineering team brought forth great advancements in our design and manufacturing processes, all devised to make our shocks more robust compared to the previous generation. The fully loaded functions of the DBAIR [IL] far outstrips other inline shocks and now offers even greater performance and reliability to unleash the full potential of trail and enduro bikes.
Bike Targets: trail, all-mountain, and enduro bikes with 100 - 160mm of travel.
Enhanced ReliabilityOil Seal Head Redesign: For consistent performance, the DBAIR [IL] features a completely redesigned oil seal head. In air shocks, this critical component separates the damping oil from the air spring. The continual compression and rebound damping action, along with seal friction on long descents, generates a large amount of heat, which is then insulated by the air spring. To combat this assault, our new oil seal head features a specialty quad ring made of a high- performance synthetic rubber material that is far more resistant to heat and compression set, (the tendency for an elastomeric material to relax over time) and is 26% larger than the previous design, which provides better sealing under adverse conditions. Made of an advanced material, it is more durable and smoother than standard seals. The shaft bearing has also been redesigned to improve shaft to seal alignment.
Reconfigured Air Piston: A common disorder with air shocks is the tendency for seals to leak. Our engineering team addressed this on two fronts with a more robust air piston that features an upgraded seal. The first step was to make the seal 26% thicker so that it would be able to maintain better contact with the sealing surface. The second step was to change the material to one that is tougher (more cut and tear resistant), as well as more wear and heat-resistant. This seal also has lubricants embedded in the material itself that reduce friction and wear and further reduce the probability of seal damage. The end result is greater flexibility for the shock to meet the demands of any trail.
FeaturesThe DBAIR [IL] has the extraordinary damping system and unparalleled adjustability that Double Barrel shocks are known for and embodies Cane Creek’s patented (CS) climbing system within compact shock architecture. The fully loaded functions of the DBAIR [IL] far outstrips other inline shocks and now offers even greater reliability and performance to unleash the full potential of trail and enduro bikes.
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LinEair Spring - The DBAIR [IL] is the first shock to feature Cane Creek’s LinEair Spring. Requiring a lower force to activate, the LinEair Spring provides the consistent feel of a coil shock from the initial stroke, full support during mid-stroke and the added bonus of a progressive air spring curve when deep in the travel. The result is the best of both worlds, an air shock that feels more supple, linear and seamlessly supportive throughout its travel.
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Twin-Tube Design - Setting the DBAIR [IL] apart from other inline shocks, oil circulates continuously through externally adjustable shock valves. Twin-tube shocks have two main chambers, a compression chamber, and a rebound chamber, separated by the adjustable valves. The main damping piston forces damping oil between the compression and rebound chambers via the externally adjustable damping valves. Compared to other shocks in its class, Cane Creek inline shocks use significantly more oil in the damper; 40-50% more oil. On the trail, this routing of oil translates into less fade, more control, and greater consistency.
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Four-Way Independent Adjustment - The DBAIR [IL] offers an unparalleled range of adjustability through external adjusters that independently control each phase of damping without crossover effects. Other inline shocks typically provide the user with a single rebound adjustment or rebound combined with limited pre-set low-speed compression. The easy tunability of Double Barrels means a rider can make a quick trail-side change, increasing pop, plushness, or other features for personalized fine-tuning. For added ease of setup, Cane Creek offers DIALED, a free mobile app to turn your smart phone into a tuning expert.
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Climb Switch (CS) Technology - CS shocks have four low-speed damping circuits and two high-speed damping circuits. When engaged, the low-speed damping is changed via a set of internal “climbing circuits.” Cane Creek tunes these circuits specifically for the demands of off-road climbing to achieve improved pedal efficiency with less chassis motion. Unlike other climbing platforms, Cane Creek’s CS feature adjusts both low-speed compression and rebound. *US Pat. 9228630.
For DBInline owners, Cane Creek and its service centers are providing the new internal parts during every rebuild at no cost; that's new air piston and new oil seal head, for both warranty or paid service. Also, riders can upgrade their DBInline to the new DB AIR [IL] while it is in for service or warranty at Cane Creek. Under warranty, a DBInline can be upgraded to a DB AIR [IL] for $65 USD. If not a warranty, DBInline owners can upgrade to a DB AIR [IL] for $225 USD.
In addition to the DB AIR [IL], Cane Creek Cycling Components is also introducing two new handlebar remote systems for 2017.
Cane Creek’s patented Climb Switch technology has changed the way riders think about suspension. No other shock on the market offers climbing-specific damping for both compression and rebound. Keeping suspension active while climbing results in better connection to the trail and increased efficiency without annoying pedal-bob. The Double Barrel in-line valve body was designed to be retrofitted with a remote accessing the CS feature at the sway of a thumb – never leaving the handlebars.
Introducing OPT – the Climb Switch handlebar remote that is optimized throughout its travel from off to on. Thus giving riders the option to tune their Climb Switch to their desired riding preference. OPT offers two mounting options (Top or Bottom) to allow for a variety of fitment orientations and costs $49 USD.
The DROPT dropper seat post remote – designed with OPT in mind, is a universal remote that is compatible with any cable actuated dropper seat post. DROPT can be easily mounted on the same handlebar clamp with OPT to reduce handlebar clutter, and holds several adjustment features to create the ideal dropper post handlebar set up for all types of cable orientations and requirements. The $69 USD DROPT remote will be available for purchase and shipment February 1st.
With so many options for on-the-fly adjustments on handlebars, it’s easy to clutter this valuable space with a variety of levers. To maximize handlebar real estate, this cable-actuating dropper post remote was designed to couple with the OPT Climb Switch and create one clean connection to the handlebar for two remote systems. Adjustable lever positioning, cable pull options to limit lever movement, and two types of cable insertion methods make the Cane Creek dropper remote the most versatile on the market. Provided with a handlebar mount, this remote system can also be used separately from OPT for a high-quality dropper remote.
www.canecreek.com
If Cane Creek (or anyone) were to just give away it's brand new shock (which probably will have a new set of issues btw) to all customers who had problems with the last model, it's not hard to see where the company would be in 4-5 years. This is economics 101.
Sometimes the fly trap catches you.
Also, this isn't a 'new' shock. It's the same shock with the changes they illustrate. Some of us will "be the change" and ask CC directly if the piston and air can is backwards compatible. Won't help for yolk mount frames I bet (did you know about this issue as well?). So yea, not good to assume it was just the first run. It affected the same shocks *after* CC promised the issue was corrected. Speaking with a well known suspension guru who posts here after, it became clear the issue was deeper than a 'clean room and new seal'.
CC could offer the shock at a discounted rate with a return of existing CC IL shocks. Not sure if you understand business at all (I do, I own one), but not keeping existing customers happy is a sure fire way to hinder sales. All good business understand there is always a way to find an opportunity when something is a problem. This is an opportunity to maintain market share, not alienate current customers.
Yeah right... more likely you are a keyboard warrior, in your Mom's basement, trolling away and have never had the unfortunate experience of weeks and months being taken away from riding because a company pushed a product out to the market before it was ready to be.
The fact remains that if you buy into new tech, you volunteer to be the guinea pig. Is it right? Absolutely not. But it is reality.
For DBInline owners, Cane Creek and its service centers are providing the new internal parts during every rebuild at no cost; that's new air piston and new oil seal head, for both warranty or paid service. Also, riders can upgrade their DBInline to the new DB AIR [IL] while it is in for service or warranty at Cane Creek. Under warranty, a DBInline can be upgraded to a DB AIR [IL] for $65 USD. If not a warranty, DBInline owners can upgrade to a DB AIR [IL] for $225 USD.
Please call in or email Cane Creek at 1-800-234-2725 or info@canecreek.com with any additional questions.
Cheers,
Sam
@CaneCreekCyclingComponents thanks. that will make life easier if this can be upgraded and the solution is backwards compatable. THIS is taking an opportunity to set it right, pay attention @TheRaven .
Please, do not repeat ANYTHING. In fact, save us the annoyance and just stop completely.
Whether you had problems with the original CCDB Inline, or the fix Cane Creek offered for it, you fall under the umbrella of my original comment. You bought into new tech, and had issues with it. There's nothing wrong with being unhappy about that, but when you cross into demanding that the company give you free stuff you become a whiner. Just chalk this up to a bad decision and move on. You are well within your rights and reason to never buy a Cane Creek shock again...I might feel that way too if I had the same experience you did.
My point is, you guys have the ability to make some great stuff, but you need to get the house in order and do what's right by your customers. Oh, and no one told me about the upgrade options 13 days ago...
That said, I had 2 Inlines fail before being offered an upgrade to the DB AIR CS. I was a little annoyed that I had to pay $100 to upgrade but my DB AIR CS is no doubt an amazing product. I put over 200 hours of abuse and it still felt amazing before I had it rebuilt. I'll take my chances with that over the lame Float, explosive X2, or the consistently disappointing performance of the latest RS rear shock offerings...
The reality is that CC is a business and they made a business decision to not do a recall ... probably a smart move given they likely poured the profit they made from the Inline into a redesign. But ethically, it was a sh1t decision.
Otherwise, your second paragraph is the reality of the situation...i.e. the Fight Club example - is the cost of a recall less than the cost of not doing a recall? Again - right? No. Reality? Yes.
So we're back again to the wisdom of the decision to buy into a brand new design. See what I meant with my original post?
To the underlying millennial jab coming from others ... Not accepting CC's original approach on this doesn't make me entitled, it shows I have some semblance of self-respect to not allow others to walk all over me ... there is a big f**king difference.
As for the wisdom to buy into a new design ... its Cane Creek! They were the guys that brought out the DB Coil and the DB Air ... what evidence up until this point, showed they were the types to rush a product out, not stand by it and screw their customers? None. That's why I had no problem buying it when it first came out.
No question they have changed their approach, and I commend them on that, but f**k ... that first 12 months, 4 Inlines later (and countless weeks of riding lost), were not fun. I know I am not the only one too.
will TFTuned do this internal rebuild in the UK when I get my 2nd hand, not in warranty DBinline serviced? cheers. That would be awesome - in effect you are upgrading the existing units to get rid of the design flaws. Respect.
Matt
Checked records of service and it got a full flush of the tranny at 39.5k miles and sold to me at 40k miles. Irony being 500 miles is how long they require someone to drive it to confirm SMOD after a full flush, so I had 'em dead to rights.
Yes i have had reliability issues (which seems to be the source of most hate) and since it was out of warranty i got it serviced and fixed by TF tuned who replaced and upgraded the necessary parts under warranty anyway all in the service cost which it probably needed anyway after a year and a half of abuse. its been perfect since too and most shocks would need some TLC in that period anyway.
Think this new one looks like the perfect evolution (remember the inline was the first of its kind so teething issues can always be expected) quite fancy that remote combined with my dropper too. although another cable around my bars is starting to get a bit busy!
i tell you what sad, the amount of negativity and complaining.
1st Cane Creek has messed up and owned it. they are trying to help and resolve accordingly.
yes they could have handled it differently from the beginning with a recall from the start. im sure they've
learned from the experience. having said that their costumer service has always been good to myself and
plenty of mtb riders in my community (most of them with a DB inline issue).
2nd from my experience (reading on forums, riding and friends experiences with inline's) fair amount of people are
not servicing the shocks within the suggested service hours. this is HIGH PERFORMANCE SHOCK not your standard RS monach or fox float (nothing against those shocks). if they are any gear heads in here, auto or moto you know anything high performance needs more attention. i built race engines for years in professional motorsports and we were strict on service hours or be subject to less performance or failure. so running or high performance shock with a 500miles or 400hrs your asking for failure IMO.
3rd going back to both points Cane Creek is pushing the technology in the industry.thus is makes better components, with out the double barrel implemented in mtb from motorsports fox wouldn't have made the float x2. with pushing innovation comes failure or your not trying. the inline has had its issues and is being addressed, lets move on, look forward and stop beating a dead horse. These shocks are for the true enthusiast if you really want to unlock your bikes true potential and suit your riding style. yes it cost to maintain them but once you get it dialed its worth every penny
PB has become so negative in the comments its depressing. its like watching the news nothing but the blues. how about informative questions and more info rather then bashing to get a rise and become a keyboard thug. seems like the mtb community has become so negative specially on pinkbike.
just my 2 cents
im out
My new Transition is 230mm and it seems like there is no alternative to the OEM Super Deluxe at the moment. Metric is kind of annoying.
i hate dividing and multiplying by 10
Hey guys, we were waiting on the website update for DB COIL CS and DB AIR CS until we finalized the Bill of Materials for the 230mm and 250mm metric lengths. But we are doing these sizes in Metric for both AIR CS and COIL CS! These shocks will we available to ship by the end of January.
Hope this helps clean up the confusion!
Can you get the shaft eyelet off the coil IL with the help of some soft jaws? Maybe I'll machine my own eyelet to make up for the 14mm difference and deal with 2mm less stroke...
I know I wouldn't want the extra ~200g heft on my daily driver for a piggyback coil shock if I could avoid it, but maybe I'm being too picky. Most of the air shocks in the 216x63 size have a piggyback for the base valve to give additional compression adjustment and lower nitrogen pressures and not for increased oil capacity, no? I've done plenty of 3000+ ft descents on my DBinline and heat/fade is never an issue so I don't buy the whole temperature argument for bikes with a ~0.42 motion ratio
What is the difference between this and the 17 DBInline?
So the shock will last 5 rides not 4 before blowing up...
I have a cane creek headset, and once it goes it'll be a cold day in hell before I send that company any of my hard earned money. Chris King from here on out, lost customer for life.
Is this avalible? if not, it really should be. it would be a real upgrade far more useful than most gizmo gimicks.
The updated Air Piston and quad ring, and the new oil seal head quad ring are being implemented into every DBInline when its in for service or warranty. The new air spring (Inner and outer air can are different) is compatible with a DBInline damper.
For DBInline owners, Cane Creek and its service centers are providing the new internal parts during every rebuild at no cost; that's new air piston and new oil seal head, for both warranty or paid service. Also, riders can upgrade their DBInline to the new DB AIR [IL] while it is in for service or warranty at Cane Creek. Under warranty, a DBInline can be upgraded to a DB AIR [IL] for $65 USD. If not a warranty, DBInline owners can upgrade to a DB AIR [IL] for $225 USD.
www.dirtlabs.com/cane-creek-inline-updates
i don't think that's a thing
This of course does not apply to moaning about a new version being released if your current version performs in the manner in which it was intended.
CC tarnished their rep with the Inline. I have a DBAcs and love it, glad I bought my Riot frame without the Inline.
Definitely wouldn't buy a CC new release ever again. DVO is going on the frame I have ordered.
Agreed, this is basically just a "fix" to the original db inline's inherent issues dressed up as a new product with some gold anodizing. Nice work marketing with your diversion tactics.
Still won't spend my money on this if they were to offer a discount or trade-in to current db owners - that's throwing good money after bad.
Are these new internals in the DB Coil IL?
Your right no comparaison.
The cc air shocks fail plenty.
My durolux works perfectly.
You doubt it?
You just dont know.