Review: Cane Creek Coil IL Shock

Aug 8, 2023 at 17:37
by Mike Kazimer  
photo

Cane Creek's Coil IL shock underwent a refresh this season, receiving thicker inner damper tubes for increased durability, and a slimmer external profile to further expand the number of frames that it will fit. Even before the update, the shock's relatively low profile has been one of its strong selling points – the lack of an external reservoir allows it to fit on bikes where you wouldn't normally expect to find a coil shock.

The DB Coil IL still uses Cane Creek's signature twin tube layout, where oil travels through the main inner chamber during compression, and then returns through the space between the inner and outer tubes during the rebound phase of the stroke. A nitrogen-charged rubber bladder is situated at the top of the shock, where it expands and contracts to deal with the changing oil pressure.
Coil IL Details
• Twin tube damper
• Adjustments: high- and low-speed compression, high- and low-speed rebound, climb switch
• Size: Standard: 190x40, 190x42.5, 190x45, 210x50, 210x52.5, 210x55 / Trunnion: 165x40, 165x42.5, 165x45,185x50, 185x185x52.5, 185x55
• Weight: 310 g (without spring, 185 x 55mm)
• MSRP: $580 without spring
• canecreek.com

The DB Coil's external adjustments include low- and high-speed compression along with low- and high-speed rebound. There's also a lever that can be flipped to quickly add more low speed compression damping, firming up the shock for climbing. The coil spring itself is obviously the main starting point when it comes to achieving the proper setup, and Cane Creek offers two different versions – a linear spring, and a VALT progressive spring, which has increased progression beginning at the halfway point of the stroke due to the more tightly wound coils.

photo

photo
photo

Adjustments

A 2023 Trek Fuel EX served as the test platform for the updated DB Coil IL. With 140mm of travel and a flip chip that allows the bike's progression to be adjusted, it seemed like a prime candidate for this style of shock.

The Coil IL offers a wide range of settings, and with that little allen wrench stuck to the shock there's no reason not to fiddle away until you've found your ideal setup. For my 160 lb weight my final settings (counted from closed) were: LSC 19, LSR: 9, HSR: 2.5 turns; HSC: 2.5 turns. I wasn't maxed out any of the settings, and given what I ended up with the range should work well for a wide spread of rider weights. It would be nice if the high speed compression and rebound adjustments had the same distinct clicks as the low-speed adjustments, but keeping track of the number of revolutions isn't really that hard.

As for spring rate, I found the 475 lb/in spring or the 450 – 550 progressive springs to be the best options for my 160 lb weight. I ended up preferring the progressive spring, since it made the shock a little softer off the top, while still retaining enough bottom out resistance for bigger hits. The progressive spring is handy, but I'd love to see a hydraulic bottom out feature added, or even a more progressive bottom out bumper to minimize any harshness at the end of the stroke.

photo

Performance

Modern air shocks have reached a level where switching to a coil shock isn't the night and day difference it used to be when it comes to initial sensitivity. Still, for riders looking to maximize their bike's level of grip a coil shock is typically the way to go, and on that front the Coil IL delivers. It gave the Fuel EX a more glued to the ground feel on chattery sections of trail, and the back end felt as if it had more freedom to deal with repeated impacts. The Coil IL took the Fuel EX's smashability up a notch, nicely muting rougher sections of trail without taking away too much pep from the bike's handling. In addition, the shock was smooth and quiet through the entire amount of travel, free of any annoyingly loud slurping or squelching sounds.

I did run into an issue early on in testing – the shock had a noticeable top out 'thwunk' that could be felt when jumping. After contacting Cane Creek they sent out a replacement, and it remained trouble-free for the remainder of testing.

The climb switch is easy to use, at least in the orientation it ends up on the Fuel EX, and it does create a firmer platform that's nice to have on smoother climbs. It's not a full lockout, which I prefer – that means if you forget to open it up before a descent you won't get rattled to pieces.


Progressive vs Linear Springs

The Fuel EX's two shock positions change the bike's leverage ratio change from 16% to 21%, allowing me to see how the progressive spring would work on a bike with a more linear leverage curve compared to one that was more progressive.

The progressive spring does work as claimed – there was enough end-stroke ramp up to prevent too many bottom outs from occurring, even in the lower progression frame setting. The point at where the ramp up begins with the progressive spring is noticeable when bouncing around a parking lot, but it's much less defined out on the trail. I actually ended up preferring that lower setting with the progressive spring due to the slightly more supportive feel off the top that's caused by the lower leverage ratio.


photo
I'd love to see a slightly taller bottom out bumper to mute any end-stroke impacts.
photo
The hydraulic bottom out control on the RockShox Super Deluxe coil is a handy feature..


How Does It Compare?

The Coil IL sort of exists in its own corner of the coil shock market due to its inline configuration and wide range of available sizes, all the way down to a 165 x 40 trunnion mounted option. For comparison, the smallest Fox DHX2 that's readily available is 210 x 50mm. RockShox's size range isn't far off from Cane Creek's, though; there's a 165 x 45mm SuperDeluxe Coil.

At $580, the Coil IL price puts it between the $679 Fox DHX2 and the $540 RockShox SuperDeluxe Coil.

Compared to the SuperDeluxe coil, the IL weighs approximately 100 grams less depending on the shock size and spring weight. It also has adjustable high-speed rebound, which the SuperDeluxe lacks. However, the area where the SuperDeluxe pulls ahead is its hydraulic bottom out – that feature is especially handy to have on a shorter travel bike.



Pros

+ Effective adjustments in a small package
+ Quiet, consistent performance


Cons

- No hydraulic bottom out control


Pinkbike's Take

bigquotesI'm a big fan of experimenting with possibly out there, possible amazing bike setup configurations. Putting a coil shock on a short travel trail bike is one of those configurations, and Cane Creek's Coil IL is an excellent way to make it happen. — Mike Kazimer




Author Info:
mikekazimer avatar

Member since Feb 1, 2009
1,733 articles
Must Read This Week
Pinkbike's DH Fantasy League: Get Your Team On The Line - Fort William is in 10 DAYS!
42382 views
Bike Check: Evan Wall's Haro Greer Prototype Enduro Bike
41964 views
Downhill Bikes of Sea Otter - Part 2
41524 views
First Ride: Canyon Neuron:ONfly - a Lighter 140mm eMTB
39520 views
Pinkbike Poll: Riser Bar or Extra Spacers Under the Stem?
39190 views
Vivo Cycling Previews All-Aluminum 12-Speed Derailleur
37807 views
The Ultimate Recap of Sea Otter 2024
37033 views
Dario's Final Sea Otter Randoms
35854 views
Sign Up for the Pinkbike Newsletter - All the Biggest, Most Interesting Stories in your Inbox
PB Newsletter Signup

144 Comments
  • 144 19
 "After contacting Cane Creek they sent out a replacement, and it remained trouble-free for the remainder of testing. "
Nope. Having to replace the shock is not a solution. For your average customer this means weeks (maybe months) of down time.
  • 41 3
 Similar thing happened when PB reviewed the Cane Creek Helm MK2 fork. Not very confidence inspiring!
  • 31 8
 Agree, we're spending $500+ and you can't properly QC your products? C'mon.

I bought a brand new super deluxe coil last December, and one the first ride, the lockout lever just fell off. I figured they could just send me a new lever, no problem. Nope, had to send in the whole shock. Warranty process took 2 months.

I will never buy another aftermarket RS product.
  • 8 0
 apparently topout is an issue on many double barrels. friend in my neck of the woods had one, top out clunked. apparently it's the twintube configuration's fault, can't have a tapered rebound port for hydraulic top out
  • 12 0
 I agree, I've had 3 shocks, one RS 2 Fox and one fork, RS from new that were warranties straight out of the box in the last year. Quality control has gone down proportional to the rise in cost to the customer it seems
  • 99 0
 PB reviewers should conduct their communications with companies who's product their testing under a pseudonym. It would give a more realistic idea of what their support is like for average consumers
  • 2 0
 @baca262: Correct. For top out they need to rely on a thin top out bumper.
  • 53 1
 If it makes any difference, in the last 4 or so years I've run a bunch of suspension products from Rockshox, Fox, Cane Creek etc. and NOT ONE has failed to fail on me. Whether it's a creaky CSU, broken shims, leaky air can, etc etc., every single one has developed a problem well within the recommended service interval, and I'm not exactly a super shredder, just an average rider. Fox shocks being by far the worst but none being completely bulletproof. Fix your shit guys. Honestly.
  • 61 0
 Had a problem with a cane creek shock that came on a brand new frame I had purchased. Called them up and they had a new replacement shock shipped out to me same day. Had it out in california 3 days later. Not weeks or months. 3 days. They even said I could continue riding the faulty one until my new one arrived no worries. Best suspension customer service I have had.
  • 8 0
 @notthatfast: time to give EXT a try? I had similar luck like you until I switched.
  • 13 0
 Ever owned a fox X2?
  • 2 0
 @cogsci:
Not yet, I'm going to need deeper pockets for that, haha.
  • 16 0
 How would this equate to wells or months of downtime? My CC kitsuma coil started making an odd rattle noise bearing a service interval. Emailed cane creek, has an RMA number the same day, new shock in hand 3 days after. Try that with fox or rockshox.
  • 3 1
 @Keegansamonster:
I've had my Rockshox stuff fixed in less than a week pretty consistently.
  • 4 0
 @notthatfast: last time I had a rockshox warranty it was a 3 week turn around. Which isn’t terrible in all honesty. But not a 3 day turn around.
  • 1 0
 @mattg95: Agree but this would also mean they'd have to actually buy the gear.
  • 4 0
 @cogsci: my two ext shocks are extremely durable with excellent performance.
  • 10 0
 Having ridden Cane Creek forks, shocks, and coils on and off for a dozen years, I’m gonna tell you that few companies are as responsive as Cane Creek.

I’m on my second CC DB IL, it works flawlessly as did my first one, been riding my current IL on a Zerode Taniwha and a Lenz Fatillac.
  • 3 0
 @scottyrides5: I have had a similar experience with CC service, I had some questions about shipping and the responded immediately and kindly. That's worth a whole lot in my book.
  • 1 0
 @notthatfast: Customer service / warranty experience earlier this year with a creaking crown on a lyrik was similar and very good.
  • 1 0
 @spinzillathespacelizard: Agree - Shock shock news….they don’t all break! Running EXT eStoria coil, CC Kitsuma coil and DVO JadeX coil on different bikes and never a problem. The EXT had a clicking check valve from new but fixed/upgraded within a few days and free by the service agent. (BTW I need to credit Pinkbike comments for keeping me away from a Fox X2)
  • 1 0
 @generalistgrant: the problem is always "how many" and they'll never tell us. the best QA in the entire planet doesn't solve 0.01% failures. But 5% failures is horrible for example.

Personally i _never_ had a defective rockshox or fox product, and none of my friends either over the past 10 years. But even so, it's not a great sample tbh. A better sample are bikeshop near bike parks. I like to ask them how many issues they got in the season and what the "bad stuff is" Smile (sadly, i never seen canecreek stuff other than headsets, so, that doesn't work either lol)
  • 1 0
 @mattg95: unfortunately, I suspect serial numbers don't lie and may be tied to the process
  • 1 0
 @notthatfast: It’s almost like components are designed and pushed to market so fast that they don’t have time to fix any problems they’d find if they did sufficient durability/longevity testing. Aside from shimano, they generally don’t hurry.
  • 1 0
 @generalistgrant: I see this as a benefit. Why not replace the whole unit?! Fox will only replace whatever is wrong, and you might have to carry the cost of anything else!
  • 2 0
 @cogsci: the oem ext storia's on nukeproof's were recalled so they're not perfect either
  • 1 0
 Probably a pre-production sample
  • 1 0
 @VtVolk: just a 1000 or so slipped through the net and mistakenly got fitted onto a bunch of frames that weren't supposed to be sold
  • 1 0
 @generalistgrant: not many brands taking QC seriously these days, unfortunately. RS, Fox, Cane Creek, they all have the same issues. Apparently, it's easier and cheaper to just replace duds. And while that has worked for RS/SRAM for years (Reverb anyone?), it's starting to become a bit of a problem lately with all the supply issues.
  • 2 0
 @mattg95: Yep. Although as a normal human being there are 3 companies in the industry that get absolutely top-notch props from me for customer service:

- Hayes/Manitou
- E*13
- OneUp

Haven't had a warranty claim on my Mezzer, but when I called them asking for lower seals etc they directed me to SmithTech who they had replace my lowers to a newer version free of charge. In and out of the mail in 5 days flat.

Had a cassette get bent with E*13 (bought it during COVID peak and couldn't find a SRAM cassette for a reasonable price) and 45 minutes after submitting the warranty form on their website there was a new one in the mail - no questions asked.

My OneUp dropper was acting up and it only took a few back/forth emails with them to get the problem sorted and a new part sent out.

Compared to waiting MONTHS for a Reverb to be fixed, being given the run-around multiple times at a few different shops with a Fox Factory 38 that had a misaligned steerer. Waiting weeks for a warranty part for a failed Shimano Saint caliper. I'm sticking to aftermarket parts where I can just email/call the actual manufacturer and get it sorted rather than wait for the shop intermediary.
  • 2 0
 I think for rear shocks in particular it's good to buy through an approved service centre / suspension specialist. You know they should have checked the shock and set it up to your preferences before its shipped, and you have a contact to go back too if required for service and warranty. Not everyone has that luxury I guess.
  • 1 0
 I've got a CC Coil Inline and it's a brilliant performing shock, i also had a little issue not long after getting it but can confirm as an average punter their service was brilliant, the turn around was under a week, there was a small compression knock when locked out, sent to TF tuned (uk warranty centre) and they fixed the issue in the shim stack, gave it a service and sent it back, all free.

Its also worth mentioning the top out issue can be down to too much spring preload, i've been told it's best not to run much preload on these, which if you have the right spring rate is fine and helps it be super supple, i can start to compress my shock with just my pinky pushing on the seat.
  • 1 0
 @maglor: I bought a CC Coil inline new on sale from Jenson and it started developing a knock in lock out after 10 rides :p time for warranty.
  • 53 1
 the year is 2019, @mikekazimer reviews the stumpjumper evo, seems like a good thing and I buy said bike.

After a while, I put a Cane Creek IL coil on (not knowing the kinematic is something like 9% progressive lol) and promptly blow up 3 (and even snap the damper shaft) of these shocks in about a year. It was definitely a yoke driven clevis issue more than a shock issue in my opinion. Simply the shaft wasn't meant for that sort of side loading/leverage.

To Cane Creeks credit, every blowup was quickly handled and had me back on the trail quickly despite been in Australia, what impressed me most is their engineers actually reached out to me and wanted to know the cause of the failures, rather than just fob it off as "another blown shock"

After the 3rd shock, they gave me an Double Barrel Air free of charge, that shock was fantastic on that bike.

Then one day, I get an email from the same engineer saying they had developed a "yoke approved" design and If I would be interested. Sadly I had moved on from the Evo in that time but I was blown away at the thoughtfullness and effort these guys went to remedy the situation and make me a happy customer.

TLDR; Cane Creek customer support is outstanding, would buy again when the time arises.
  • 1 0
 The coil version isn't suitable with the stumpjumper. The shaft is simply too thin for it. Even with the update. That said, the same goes for fox and rs coil shock. You'd have to go to mrp hazard or some other shock with a similar or close to the shaft diameter. The ccdb air will work fine.
  • 1 0
 Damn that's cool to hear. Would have been interesting if you could have tried it out with them.
  • 1 0
 @DrSam: the bike shipped with a fox dhx2 so clearly fox and specialized considered that fine.
  • 1 0
 @EdSawyer: Yeah well, they also specced their bikes with Ohlins previously and had a recall soooo I'll take anything that comes specced on any bike with a grain of salt.

Don't get me wrong, I love the Stumpjumper, so much so that I keep tabs on parts that my buddies uses on their bikes. So I'm well aware of the issues from the new bikes from 2019 til now. The linkage updates, with the current ones that are beefed up etc, one of my bud has a ccdb coil on his and it broke within a month with oil leaking, they updated the shaft for him that lasted a few months before it failed again, they updated that one for him as well.

And I love canecreek stuff as well, I have an inline and a ccdb air installed on 2 of my bikes.
So I have nothing against either brands. I'm just calling it as I see it. I also have a 2022 stumpy evo Ltd at home and that's specced with the mrp hazard, so far so good. If it breaks, I'll update.
  • 35 4
 How is the early top out failure not a "Con"

Great write up.
  • 7 1
 Just guessing, but it would t be a con because it didn’t continue with the new shock and every company has and will make duds because of the tolerances this stuff is built to. So if kaz had gotten a consistent problem then it would be a problem, but the new one was good
  • 26 1
 After a couple of failed CC shocks, including the damper rod snapping on a previous generation of ILCoil... the fact that your test shock had to be replaced just confirms my nope on this one. CC customer service was always excellent, but the fact that I needed it so frequently was a major turn off - just like I9.
  • 1 2
 i don't understand why don't they put a thicker shaft, particularly for 3"+ stroke, this is ridiculous. the only real drawback is needing a bigger piggy
  • 20 12
 Snapping shock shafts means the bike is misaligned, or have a serious design flaw. Not the shock's fault.
  • 3 9
flag baca262 (Aug 11, 2023 at 9:33) (Below Threshold)
 @tobriks: it is a shock's fault. what if your eyelet bushing is worn and has increased friction? snapping a twig is a non issue
  • 8 8
 @baca262: then it's the bushing that's the issue and needs replacement. Again, not the shock's fault...
  • 1 0
 @tobriks: I snapped a shaft on a RS Super Deluxe Coil after riding quite hard (including multiple trips to Whistler and other bike parks) for 3-4 years. I've replaced the bushings and bearings on this bike MANY times over that period. Replacement shock has been fine, including another week in Whistler. Sometimes things just break - i feel like if the bike was misaligned or had some other flaw, I'd have more than 1 broken shock. Bike is a Guerilla Gravity BTW
  • 4 8
flag baca262 (Aug 11, 2023 at 13:14) (Below Threshold)
 @tobriks: you're picking nits. how the **** is an 8mm shaft supposed to hold up to 89mm of stroke? no way in hell, that's how. it's just shit engineering.
  • 2 3
 @tobriks: such as having too small of a shaft diameter. Thanks for agreeing without knowing it.
  • 2 0
 @gtill9000: Id have a look into DHsign spherical bushings. I blew up my kitsuma twice in two months because of how misaligned my nukeproof frame was. Installed the spherical bushings and its been great since.
  • 1 0
 @spicysparkes: Been using those and they don't last for me. The product is interesting but needs a little bit more R&D to be good for the market. I can agree with changing my bushing every 4/5 months of hard riding but not every few days.
  • 2 0
 @tobriks: I would argue it’s both fault. All frames have flex designed into them. A really flexy frame will obviously be harder on shocks. If you take, lets say, a SC Nomad with a 65mm stroke shock, and you try a RS, Fox, and CC, and only the CC shaft snaps, I would say that the CC needs a thicker shaft. Ultimately it’s hard to lay blame on what exactly caused the failure, but if loads more CC shocks are snapping shafts across many frames than other shocks, then something should probably change with the shock.
  • 1 3
 @leon-forfar: it's not the frame flex, it's that a thicker tube is stiffer than a thin one. 8mm over 89mm stroke is asking for it. even asking for it if the shock was perfectly linearly compressed, WITHOUT rotation at the eyelets.
  • 1 0
 @baca262:
  • 24 2
 I have one of these on my Smuggler and its awesome!! Way to go Cane Creek Smile
  • 4 1
 Same here, works perfect on the Smuggler
  • 13 0
 Put this shock on my 2023 Smuggler after disliking the feel of the stock Float X. I happily take the weight penalty for how much more capable the bike is now. I initially doubted how good this shock would or could be but it quickly put my ego and expectations in place after a few rides. 10/10
  • 5 0
 This shock has been amazing on my Pole Evolink 140. Never going back.
  • 4 0
 @bishopsmike: one key thing about these is that the adjustment range is so wide that I can put my kid on a 200 lb spring and the rebound is open enough for it, as well as the compression. Just a heads up for super light riders. II have been lucky as well, my 2018 Coil IL has been flawless, used in 3 frames, currently being rocked hard for 2 months on bikepark,
  • 13 2
 I feel like failing to address why the original unit topped out so badly and how long it took to get a replacement is really burying the lead. 'Failed during the test period' would be a much fairer 'Con' to include than the lack of HBO.
  • 12 5
 They sent one out because PinkBike was writing a review!!! Had the previous version lasted 2 rides(no big jumps or drops normal trail riding). Cane creek made me send it back my bike spent a month out of commission. Got the new one back rear shock lasted about 6 or 7 rides. Stuff looks cool sitting in the garage but it’s not for people riding on trail. Plus maintenance cannot be done by a local bike shop even if it was reliable enough to last that long.
  • 12 2
 that AINT a con! HBO is neither an industry standard or necessary for a shock to perform well.
  • 4 3
 Right! HBO is essentially a waste of time and money on mtb shocks. Just put a better rubber bumper on it.
  • 4 1
 I 100% agree. I only had a bottom out problem once with my Kitsuma coil, I dialed in some HSC, and haven’t had a problem since. I know HBO is great, but sheesh, it’s not like the Kitsuma is a bad shock without it… and I’ve taken it down some serious sh**…
  • 7 0
 is the lockout switch different from what is on the Kitsuma shocks? I have the Kitsuma in both air and coil. it gets very stiff in climb mode. I only use that on service roads or pavement. Otherwise its trail mode for the uphills. (and for the downhills if I forget to switch back at the top before dropping in. lol)
  • 9 0
 Would like to hear how well it performs on long descents, given the relatively small oil volume.
  • 8 1
 because of the double barrel design, the oil volume is actually in between regular inline- and piggyback shocks.
  • 4 0
 Haven't tried the new version but the old one is surprisingly good even on long, rough descent (think 2000', Mont-Sainte-Anne). It sure gets a little hot but it's not too bad and plenty good on shorter tech runs (800'). A really nice options for some locations (Eastern USA or Canada) if you're not in the bike park all the time.
  • 2 2
 Yeah, I feel like this was a bit of an incomplete review.
  • 7 0
 @frorider2, I didn’t have any consistency issues, even on nonstop descents of 2,000+ vertical feet.
  • 9 0
 All these people whining about QC must be fortunate enough to have never owned a Fox X2 or a Rockshox Reverb...
  • 6 0
 Coil suspension is not ideal for folks who like to constantly tweak their setup and obsess over achieving five-nines performance. Those riders are better off with high-end air suspension.

Air will always be the default OEM setup because the retailer can setup the stock suspension to work for almost anyone by simply changing PSI. Shops will never agree to stock dozens of springs for every bike they stock just ot accomodate test rides.

For the other 95% of riders, coil is ideal. Set it and forget it. It's 90% right 90% of the time. The other 10% of the time the terrain is so gnarly that even complex air squishers likely wouldn't do much better.

Coil takes time and money to setup because you may need to swap springs more than once to find the right feel. Once you find the best spring weight, you should not have to touch it again. The Cane Creek gives you comprehensive rebound and damping adjustments and even has a climb mode. My butt has been very happy since putting an IL on my bike.
  • 3 0
 I had the previous generation of this shock on my previous commencal Meta TR. Commencal said at the time that Fox coil shocks were not compatible with their frames but cane Creek options were. There was nothing on the CC website that mentioned compatibility. I sold that frame but I did notice on this most recent generation the website now says it is NOT compatible with frames that have a clevis shock mount. I have presumed this means this newer version is actually less compatible with frames, not more compatible as the review states.
  • 4 0
 I now have it on my Meta TR for 2 season and it's running good...!
  • 2 0
 @jlb1: you have this new one that just came out? Or the old one?

I had the old one for a full season and agreed it was just fine.
  • 2 0
 @gbeaks33: I have the old one. Nice little shock for the Meta, more consistent than a classic inline shock but no piggy back means I can carry a full size bottle on my medium frame.
  • 1 0
 @jlb1: Yes that is why I bought it as well. So I could run a regular sized water bottle and not have it interfere with a shock resevoir. Was a great shock for that bike with a progressive coil. Shame the newer version is now incompatible and would void both the cane creek warranty and the warranty for your frame.
  • 6 0
 How much does it weigh with a spring?
  • 6 0
 It’s 744 grams for the 185 x 55 version and a 450-550 progressive spring.
  • 3 0
 @mikekazimer: chunky shock
  • 3 0
 @souknaysh: EXT Storia weighs a touch less, but the price is quite a bit more.
  • 3 0
 @plustiresaintdead: yes exactly mine weight around 700g. Considering the Storia comes with 2 springs and a custom tune, I would not say it's cheap but decent value for what you get in term of performance versus price.
  • 2 0
 @plustiresaintdead: I weighed a 205x65 EXT Storia with 450 spring and it weighs 688g. The same size Fox X2 weighs 649g.
  • 4 0
 @mikekazimer: notable that the progressive springs weigh something like 80-120g more than the linear springs, even comparing VALT to VALT.
  • 2 0
 @souknaysh: The progressive springs are pretty heavy, I have one and it feels almost twice as heavy as a Fox SLS. Guessing the important number here is the body weight, as I had the previous version Inline w/a non-progressive 400lb vault and it weighed less than the X2 (air) it replaced.
  • 4 0
 I don't know about the shock but i can certainly vouch for the progressive spring! I have one on my Bomber CR and its fantasique Smile
  • 5 1
 I've had two of these shocks and a few Helm forks. All of the trouble free. Fantastic products fantastic quality and fantastic customer service.
  • 3 0
 I haven’t had an issue with bottom out on the Kitsuma on my 153. Once I got the HSC dialed it’s been smooth sailing since (If I do hit it, I can’t feel it). But, I could see it being an issue on shorter travel bikes.
  • 4 0
 I can wholeheartedly agree with others in the comments that Cane Creek is awesome to work with when it comes to warranty/ repair.
They are friendly, fair and SUPER fast.
  • 2 0
 Been running the previous version of this shock with a progressive spring on my Yeti 5.5 (very linear curve rate). It transformed the bike , making it track in the rough stuff WAY better that it did on the Fox air can. Gave new life to my old trail bike and is keeping the “new bike fever” at bay.
  • 4 0
 I have this shock with both progressive and normal coil and a Helm mkII fork. Never had better suspension. And for the money I would say EXTreme value.
  • 2 0
 @mikekazimer if CC let you keep the shock after you are done, would you be keeping it on the bike or putting an air shock on. In my mind that is what matters does the performance excel compared to a air shock?
  • 1 0
 Most times that I've had questions about my product, Cane Creek has got back to me quick.
The one time they didn't, they were very apologetic.
The only mechanical criticism on DB IL Coil shock, is the LSR & LSC don't have a blocker to prevent going past the max number of clicks.
Their instructions for tuning are confusing to me
e.g. Turn the -lsr -3 clicks...so I'm standing there wondering if that's a double negative and it means turn it positive. And their YouTube video is even worse. But the shock is f'n awesome once it's dialed.
  • 1 0
 A lack of reliability isn't really ever acceptable to begin with and a generous warranty policy doesn't change that. Even if I get a free replacement with no questions asked everytime the damn thing develops an issue, that still means a week of downtime every few months.
  • 4 0
 Wish CC would come out with those Heritage shocks again. Those were cool
  • 6 2
 Not too much to say from Mike which is probably a good thing. Just works.
  • 1 0
 I would like to know to what extent can these progressive spring coil shock replace air shocks on frames that were designed around an air shock. Is it comparable with a DHX2 with no tokens?
  • 1 1
 I'm confused about the LSC and LSR settings. They only have "18" clicks of range unless gen 1 changed in amount for gen 2. Are you listing those settings from fully open as they instruct?

I just bought a sale gen 1 and also have "topout" sensation over jumps. It doesn't seem to effect performance otherwise but it is annoying and slightly dangerous in the air.

They told me to add HSC.. which didn't quite work. I'm in the process of contact them again but this review and comments are interesting.
  • 2 0
 The shock I tested has 24 clicks of LSC - my settings are all counted from closed.
  • 2 0
 @mikekazimer: Can you also review their new air version? I'm sure if you asked nicely they'd send one.
  • 2 1
 You clearly need more spring pressure.
  • 1 0
 @mikekazimer How did you like a coil shock on what is considered a trail/am bike? Did it take away some of the efficiency that a 140/150mm platform is usually known for?
  • 2 0
 A properly set up coil shouldn’t take anything away
I have one on a 120 bike and it’s freaking incredible how it rides
  • 1 2
 "– the shock had a noticeable top out 'thwunk' that could be felt when jumping"

Its a design flaw. A service fixes it. mine lasts about a year before it comes back That isn't a lot of ridding either. Assuming its an bladder issue
  • 1 0
 @efalk1181 Me too! Bike rides wayyyy better IMO. Had an 11.6 on my Sentinel - GiddyUp platform feels great with a coil
  • 1 2
 20+ years of riding, never and I mean never had to send a shock or fork back for warranty, had every shock fork combo, no issues I even have fox x2's on both my bikes and no problems.
  • 1 2
 i have 3 x2s. ebike dh and surron all running them. they keep getting skrunchy and i keep sending them in. i guess i should go coil but it seemed too tricky trying different springs to get the sag correct
  • 1 0
 I really wish I had picked up the Gen 1 when they were going cheap.
  • 1 0
 Is it a good choice for 22 stumpy carbon?
  • 1 0
 Kaz flexing with that semicolon!
  • 2 2
 Why no 230 X 60 - 65 size availability???
first version didn't either..
  • 5 0
 That's typically a long travel shock size, my bike takes 230x65 and has 160mm or 180mm travel. I've owned the previous inline coil and I wouldn't want one on a bike with that much travel. Not a bad shock, but not in the same league as the piggyback Cane Creek shocks IMO.
  • 4 0
 Because a shock that big on a frame that big needs an external reservoir tube in order to perform properly over that much stroke. The Cane Creek IL platform (and most other non-res tube platforms from other brands) have always topped out at 210mm.
  • 1 0
 I feel your pain. My bike has 150mm travel and the shock sizing is 230x60. Unfortunately due to clearance issues I can't fit a normal coil with a piggyback. The CC Inline coil would have been perfect.
  • 2 5
 @chakaping: Yes I understand those are longer travel shock sizes.
Kinda defeats the purpose of a offering a "lighter coil shock" product that is limited to shorter travel bikes.
  • 2 0
 @natefield: nope, it's simply that a longer stroke needs more room for displaced oil and therefore a piggy
  • 1 0
 @natefield: mine is a 216x63. which you could get both the air and the coil version in.
  • 1 1
 @baca262:
There have been quite a few non-reservoir shocks both air and coil in 230 x 65 and larger lengths / stroke over the years.
RS offers a coil in larger sizes currently.
I've owned a few myself.
  • 3 4
 When they are working , CC coils are great. But they are often not working.
  • 1 3
 I love this shock but I am changing frames, so I have this for sale in 210x55 (5 rides) if anyone is interested - PM me.
Below threshold threads are hidden







Copyright © 2000 - 2024. Pinkbike.com. All rights reserved.
dv42 0.048862
Mobile Version of Website