Cane Creek Announces C-Quent Shock

Jun 13, 2016 at 10:00
by Pinkbike Staff  
Press Release

Cane Creek C-Quent

Cane Creek Cycling Components is proud to announce they are now offering a new rear shock to meet the demand for simplicity coupled with Double Barrel performance. Currently available only through bike manufacturers, the C-Quent is Cane Creek’s first Double Barrel shock built for the rider who prefers fewer tuning options and a tool-free interface. Cane Creek works closely with their OEM partners to determine a custom build that will provide optimum suspension performance. C-Quent has all of the capability that award-winning DB shocks are known for and comes pre-set with a custom tune. For minor adjustments, the C-Quent has a Low Speed Rebound (LSR) adjuster and a Climb Switch.

The primary goal of the C-Quent is user-friendliness. Each shock has an internal base tune which Cane Creek engineers have developed with each bike manufacturer through extensive ride testing and ten well-defined clicks of LSR to provide meaningful adjustment without risk of going too far. Cane Creek’s uber-adjustable Double Barrel shock line was first introduced in 2005. To make it easy for riders to have the perfect starting point, Cane Creek engineers began developing Base Tunes with their OEM partners. Over the years, Cane Creek has learned that many riders don’t change their Base Tune because they find it so well defined out of the box.

“Twin-tube technology in the DB damper affords the sophisticated tuner a broad spectrum of adjustment to ensure that any rider, on any terrain, can wring every last bit of performance from their suspension,” says Director of Engineering, Jim Morrison. “But for the many riders who don’t live and breathe force vs. velocity curves, the Base- Tune settings their shock arrives with feel really good and the adjusters may go un-turned.”

The damping mechanism on the C-Quent is a hybrid between twin-tube technology and a mono-tube design that retains the key benefits of twin-tube, less cavitation, more control, and damping consistency. Like all Double Barrel shocks, the C-Quent houses all of its low-speed damping circuitry in the valve body, allowing for the revolutionary Climb Switch to address both compression and rebound when engaged. Unlike other Cane Creek shocks; however, C-Quent controls the high-speed damping circuits via shim-stacks on the main piston. The extreme tune-ability of the DB is retained at the factory, giving rise to a lighter-weight, high-value Double Barrel with ultra consistent damping levels.

C-Quent was designed to serve those customers who want the performance of a Climb Switch equipped, twintube damper, but without the added weight and complexity of adjusters they’re not interested in using. Starting with a fully adjustable DB shock that has nearly limitless tune-ability, the development team analyzes frame kinematics and utilizes field-testing to produce precise settings that meet the performance goals and desired feel for the bike. Rear-suspension performance is all about how well the kinematics of the frame; work with the damping and spring characteristics of the shock.
Cane Creek C-Quent

Double Barrel shocks have a wide-range of adjustment because they are intended for not just a wide range of riders, but also a wide range of frames with different suspension kinematics and design philosophies. Once this base tune is determined, the C-Quent is assembled with High Speed Compression, High Speed Rebound, and Low Speed Compression fixed at the factory. Since the C-QUENT is assembled specifically for each frame, the range and number of adjustments required for most riders is much smaller.

“When we work with our OEM customers, we take the DB’s adjustment range and distill it down so the bicycle performs exactly the way the frame engineers and product managers intended,” says Morrison. “By doing so we help the designer realize their vision of the perfect ride and the C-QUENT conveys that vision more directly to the rider than a shock with limitless adjustability.”

C-Quent is currently only available through Cane Creek suspension partners on their bike models that come specified with this shock. For a list of these bike models – please contact Cane Creek.


www.canecreek.com

Author Info:
pinkbikeaudience avatar

Member since Jul 22, 2013
3,465 articles

110 Comments
  • 87 4
 But does it come in Metric?
  • 10 2
 Damn...exactly my first thought...
  • 41 58
flag fmogan77 (Jun 13, 2016 at 11:10) (Below Threshold)
 fuck metric
  • 60 3
 Seems inline with what we should expect.
  • 6 0
 Yep, cane creek announced they would be doing shocks in metric at the same time sram did
  • 33 4
 What's with all the negative air around metric?
  • 15 13
 @dtax: The fact that you'll need a new bike to fit a new shock .-.
  • 8 0
 But can it ride switch?
  • 11 0
 It'll be a double barrel of fun trying to sell that custom-tuned, not-really-adjustable shock on the used market.
  • 3 3
 @bishopsmike: only the same as the lower level air shock offerings from fox and SRAM surely? Adjustable rebound damping and a lockout of some flavour is pretty industry standard.
  • 3 2
 @ermoldaker: exactly. Rebound adjust only, oem only. Get on the sales bandwagon.
  • 3 1
 @ermoldaker: Dammit you're ruining my pun! Smile
  • 2 3
 @fmogan77: even tho my country uses metric, I up voted you for that
  • 2 1
 This air shock is full of foul wind.
  • 3 1
 @jaame "Rebound adjust only, oem only. Get on the sales bandwagon."

Yep. Some people do not care what their shock does... Does it work? Yes? Done. No need to TRY to sell a DB ($$$) on a $2K bike to people who don't care to learn about shock settings. The C-Quent allows CC to enter a larger and lower priced market against Fox, Rock Shox, X-Fusion, Suntour, etc.

You can't only produce high-spec, high $$$ shocks with multiple competitors and expect to survive financially. It sure is about sales.
  • 2 0
 @MDHunter117: Shouldn't really be an issue here as it is an OEM shock. I thought this also goes for now with the new "metric" RS rear shocks. They won't offer it as an aftermarket for now as there are no old frames around which require such a shock.
  • 1 0
 I wonder how many double barrels they sell annually. It's probably not many in the grand scheme of things. It's all about OEM.
  • 1 0
 @jaame: @CaneCreekCyclingComponents responded to other posts on this page, I would have hoped they would add some insight in to this.
  • 45 4
 No mention by CC about addressing the widely reported reliability issues that have plagued the dB Inline. I personally have sent 3 back for repair in the past 6 months and witnessed another rider's in lock-down mode just yesterday. Buyer beware.
  • 7 4
 Huh I've had mine for a few months and it's still working like new even though I hardly do anything to service it. I guess I'm lucky
  • 6 0
 @dropoffsticks: Very lucky!!! Two rebuilds for me. When working, great shock!
  • 84 10
 Sorry to hear your troubles with your Inline.

Like the DBcoil, the DBinline was the first shock of its kind. Our engineering team was tasked with bringing to market a product that would be revered as a game changer to the industry. With this leap forward in mountain bike suspension technology, we learned many lessons. Reliability is one of our highest goals at Cane Creek. Not only are failed parts costly for us to replace, but they are also very frustrating for you. That hurts our reputation, which is even more costly than the part replacement.

Advancements in both the design and production of the DBinline have been employed to eliminate any and all elements affecting reliability. Never stopping, we will continue to build and improve both the product itself and our processes. Our promise to you is a high quality product, that works as it should.

As with any Cane Creek product, please feel free to contact us directly at info@canecreek.com , 800 234 2725 or 828 684 3551.
  • 29 10
 @CaneCreekCyclingComponents: basically just give them a call before you start running your mouth on the Internet. Cane creek db air customers here. No issues.
  • 14 1
 @CaneCreekCyclingComponents: ive noticed that my rebuilt inline came back with a new blue colored seal around the shaft. is this a change to increase the reliability?

like the others here, ive had problems with my inline, but i will say that you guys took care of everything, and did it quickly and professionally!
  • 22 2
 I will never understand why people get neg propped for saying their stuff works... I like my Cane Creek shock, I like my Cane Creek headset they've got my approval (which probably means nothing)
  • 21 5
 @CaneCreekCyclingComponents: fricking perfect answer, and a model for all other customer service replies: our stuff is very good, but we make mistakes, you're the most important thing in the world to us, let us make it better. Wow, just awesome.
  • 16 13
 @bishopsmike: I think you should read CC's response again. A perfect response would say that they will fix these user's problems. They don't mention fixing DBs, they just make broad mission statements of what they want to do in the future, but do not talk specifics. That is a marketing response that sidesteps the current issues of the users.
  • 12 1
 @iamamodel: Well it makes sense that they're not going to get into specific promises based on someone's internet comment blurb, and they're asking him to call their service department to get into specifics.
  • 4 2
 @iamamodel: Nailed it. Easy to make broad, general statements about the company's commitment to customer service and product reliability. No need to get specific here but just "walk the talk" when someone calls in with a known issue.
  • 13 14
 Bunch of crap....you call the number and they tell you it's out of warranty.....but we'll sell you a new one for $$$$..... I will never buy another Cane Creek product. They want to fix this...buy back your R&D experiment you had the general public pay for or replace them with something that doesn't suck ass.....No I'm not going to spend an extra $200 to get what I already paid for......
  • 2 1
 @Otiro: check your 'lemon' law in your state. You could get a totally new unit or your money back. Assert your legal rights, like few mountain bikers ever do.
  • 1 0
 @Otiro: if you had purchased something from REI or Bed Bath and Table you wouldn't hesitate to take back a product that was not fit for purpose. The consumer laws in the USA are in heavily favour of the consumer. You've got nothing to lose and much to gain.
  • 4 2
 @CaneCreekCyclingComponents: Two rebuilds for me so far in 3 months for a 9 months old CCDB inline. In both cases squeaking sounds and loss of LS-Compression.
No reply on emails after contacting the support "info@canecreek.com" after the Problems occurred. First rebuild for about 170$ at "flatout-suspension" in germany. Same problems after 4 weeks. Second rebuild at "flatout" (took more than 6 weeks, luckily they did not charge anything for the second rebuild).
In the meantime (to keep riding): installed Monarch RCT3HV (got it pretty cheap) as a temporary solution.
Did not install the "inline"any more, yet being afraid of more issues. My CCDB inline will stay a "spare part".

Besides the CCDB Air in my DH-rig is working properly für 1.5 years now without issues.
  • 5 1
 My DBcoil was perfect, my DBairCS is flawless, just purchased the coilCS to replace the air.... They responded to my questions via email within 24 hours.... I'm a huge Cane Creek fan
  • 3 1
 @CaneCreekCyclingComponents: Hello Sir,

I have a CC Inline that was warrantied late last year. Would this have the updated internals? The issue was the CS causing problems. I've not used it since, for fear of it breaking again. If the updated bits eliminate the problem I'll be happy to use the CS on those long climbs. Great shock, a definite improvement over ANYTHING the competition puts out for shorter travel rides, but hopefully the reliability is good again. I also have a CCDB that Ive had since 2007 with no issues.
  • 1 1
 @tetonlarry:

The truth is some are defective and some riders expect things to work like new after being put away dirty again and again.
  • 2 1
 @xeren:

It's a seal. Maybe they have a batch with new colours, maybe their using lower friction SKF seals. A seal alone won't improve the reliability of the shock, that's mostly up to the design and construction of the internals, IMO.
  • 3 0
 I'm on my third one as well. When it works,it works well. But reliability has left me wanting more. First instance was on the very first day that i bought my bike(Enduro elite). Was pretty frustrating having to go back 30miles to the bike shop because my brand new shock wouldn't hold air reliably. Did fine in the pedal around the parking lot,but when i got home the pedals would strike the ground when i pedaled it. The second instance was out on the trail,same thing. Had to ride a sketchy fire road back to the car,praying my pedals wouldn't dig into the ground.
  • 2 0
 @CaneCreekCyclingComponents: possible to address whether or not the issues with the inline have been resolved? I'd like to know my new rebuild is going to have corrective actions implemented for the root cause of the issue, rather than just good customer service for each rebuild, which after warranty, would add up to be another new shock.
  • 2 0
 @CaneCreekCyclingComponents:
When working the DBinline is great, but dropping $125.00 each trip to Dirt Labs to have them fix it is frustrating. Its nice to have the quick turn around from them (1 week including shipping). That's just my opinion.
  • 2 0
 @dropoffsticks:
I've owned a CC DB(on a Spec Enduro) and in addition to the PITA of having to remove the climb switch every time I wanted to adjust the damping, I could never get it to even feel as good as the Fox CTD it replaced, so I pitched it.
I also bought an CC Angleset and the two different shops I used could never get the thing to stop making a horrendous noise whenever I landed a jump.
Having said all that, after not being able to 'fix' the angleset I called CC to see what could be done.
The dude I spoke with sent me out another one, FREE OF CHARGE, and WITHOUT wanting the other one back!
I even asked for their address so I could ship it back to them, and he told me not to worry about it.
Not everybody like every product made by every company, and I might be one of those who don't seem to get along with CC products, but I have yet to deal with another company that's exceeded CC's level of customer service.
Because of this, I am not afraid to try another CC product in the future.
  • 27 4
 I bought the DB CS for the fine tune adjustments but I had to cope with the reliability. If I wanted simplicity, I will settle for Rockshox.
  • 29 1
 I like to twiddle my knobs....
  • 12 2
 reliability reliability reliability pick two?
  • 3 3
 And you could rebuild a rockshox yourself...
  • 8 13
flag WAKIdesigns (Jun 13, 2016 at 13:28) (Below Threshold)
 @c-dale99: Vivid coil also uses Nitrogen charge so no, you can't service it yourself...
  • 6 5
 @WAKIdesigns: works fine with air instead of nitrogen...so yes you can service it yourself....
  • 4 3
 @WAKIdesigns: Get a small bottle of nitrogen with a regulator and proper interface to fill the shock. Problem solved.
  • 13 0
 Urr let's remember that "air" is 80% nitrogen anyway, so having a purely nitrogen charged shock really makes bugger all difference
  • 1 3
 @c-dale99: there is good reasons reputable shops use pure nitrogen, it's not about the high nitro content in the air we breath, it's more to do with keeping contaminates out of a highly pressurized system.

Yes, some Fox shocks call for standard air via a shock pump, however there's probably a reason we don't see that any more.
  • 2 0
 @IllestT: bad info, sorry
  • 9 5
 Yes, you can use air instead of Nitrogen and motorcycle suspension fluid from gas station instead of quality suspension oil. Maybe you can use some cheap grease on seal heads too and then rave about suckers who pay too much for overpriced products which obviously is the way of dealing mentally with your ignorance and limited budget

Haha! In your feysh! Big Grin
  • 18 1
 Well if we're comparing completely unrelated things, then I should also point out that Lasagne is way better than paint
  • 2 0
 @IllestT: that f*cking made me laugh.
  • 10 4
 @IllestT: what is unrelated? The conspiracy theory according to which you can use air instead of pure nitrogen in modern shocks? And you still need the needle to fill the shock with air. Yes air is made mainly from nitrogen, but such similarity can be deceptive, like pee is made mostly of water. Cheers then!
  • 2 1
 two years in and mine's working perfectly. not missed a beat in all that time..
  • 3 0
 @ad15: Sadly, I only got two rides in before mine went tits up. The guys I've spoken to in CS are nice enough but this is starting to smell like an Ellsworth situation. If you can't tell, there's a pattern of failures here, but it's cheaper (in the short term) to deny any issues. Glad you were one of the lucky ones but mine's a fancy looking, $600 paper weight.
  • 3 1
 @IllestT: The reason Nitrogen is the gas of choice is due to heat. Atmospheric air, when compressed repeatedly, heats up. The resulting expansion of the heated air changes the dampening/spring characteristics of the shock i.e. it gets stiffer due to expansion. Pure Nitrogen is much more resistant to heat variation when repeatedly compressed and is much more stable. That is the reason it is used in Dampers. Additionally, the O2 present in Air, when heated and cooled, can mix with hydrogen, also present in Atmospheric air, condense inside the shock resulting in water vapor, however minute, and contaminate the seals and sliding surfaces of the damper.
  • 2 0
 @Bobbyd82: Thank you. Everyone else: I'm all for DIY, but get your facts straight. A wise tech once said, just because you can doesn't mean you should. Carry on.
  • 1 0
 Simplicity and reliability, my hardtail does that Smile . I run a Magura MX shock in the fully, also simple and reliable. Just not everyone loves to have air for damping.
  • 15 0
 done with cane creek.....blew through 4 inlines in less than 6 months.
  • 17 44
flag CaneCreekCyclingComponents (Jun 13, 2016 at 14:06) (Below Threshold)
 Sorry to hear your troubles with your Inline.

Like the DBcoil, the DBinline was the first shock of its kind. Our engineering team was tasked with bringing to market a product that would be revered as a game changer to the industry. With this leap forward in mountain bike suspension technology, we learned many lessons. Reliability is one of our highest goals at Cane Creek. Not only are failed parts costly for us to replace, but they are also very frustrating for you. That hurts our reputation, which is even more costly than the part replacement.

Advancements in both the design and production of the DBinline have been employed to eliminate any and all elements affecting reliability. Never stopping, we will continue to build and improve both the product itself and our processes. Our promise to you is a high quality product, that works as it should.

As with any Cane Creek product, please feel free to contact us directly at info@canecreek.com , 800 234 2725 or 828 684 3551.
  • 44 6
 @CaneCreekCyclingComponents: I keep scrolling and see a *copy/paste comment to every issue(s) each customer brings up. They paid big money for your product and they get 1second of your time. I am not a owner, but you guys seriously need to think about how you handle your customer service - your about to have a mess on your hands beyond producing one bad product..this PR is a mess - this looks like you don't care. It's hard to move on....work with your customer. Goodluck
  • 9 4
 @nicolai12: meh, give them a call if you have a problem (like they say in the copy pasta), their otp customer service is excellent
  • 8 2
 @xeren: meh? This is just not a customer service issue anymore (it was for a while when my LBS had seven in a box all failed) but it's now a branding/marketing/company image crisis.
  • 7 1
 @nicolai12: my point wasn't that they haven't had any reliability issues, my point was that a copy paste directing people to call them isnt bad customer service. its much easier to resolve complicated issues like shock repair over the phone than on an internet forum
  • 22 4
 @nicolai12:

Sorry we got a little copy and paste happy, our intention was to make it easy for customers to contact us.
  • 3 0
 @CaneCreekCyclingComponents: you make great stuff, and yes every company has engineering and design challenges after the project leaves the building - I just wanted to put this on the radar, that it's become a company not just a product issue for many. cheers
  • 2 0
 @nicolai12: sorry but I disagree, this is the only product that cane creek have produced that has had significant issues.

It's people's choice to purchase the inline over their other offerings.
I had a a Fox CTD on my bike and it was junk. I knew I wanted a Double Barrel, but had to fork out more for the AirCS because of my concerns with the inline.

Paid off in dividends because I have not had any problems with any of their shocks for 6 years now.
  • 15 4
 Hey Cane Creek, can you please drop this ridiculous policy for ordering 500 service kits annually for a workshop to become your service station? You are actually losing money here. I fi d it hard to find a place to service my shock ok?
  • 7 0
 My inline feels great but I replaced it with a float X2 because I didn't want to deal with reliability issues that seem to be so common. CC dont realease a product unless it's reliable wtf. Even though my shock never failed I'm nervous to run it just to have it die mid ride !?
  • 12 2
 C-QUENT
C-UENT
C**T

Who named this shock? Didn't run it past the back room bike wrenches.
  • 8 1
 CC has great customer service, but I'm on my third Inline/rebuild in 9 months which is totally unacceptable. Hopefully they worked out the reliability issues with the C Quent.
  • 11 27
flag CaneCreekCyclingComponents (Jun 13, 2016 at 14:06) (Below Threshold)
 Sorry to hear your troubles with your Inline.

Like the DBcoil, the DBinline was the first shock of its kind. Our engineering team was tasked with bringing to market a product that would be revered as a game changer to the industry. With this leap forward in mountain bike suspension technology, we learned many lessons. Reliability is one of our highest goals at Cane Creek. Not only are failed parts costly for us to replace, but they are also very frustrating for you. That hurts our reputation, which is even more costly than the part replacement.

Advancements in both the design and production of the DBinline have been employed to eliminate any and all elements affecting reliability. Never stopping, we will continue to build and improve both the product itself and our processes. Our promise to you is a high quality product, that works as it should.

As with any Cane Creek product, please feel free to contact us directly at info@canecreek.com , 800 234 2725 or 828 684 3551.
  • 6 0
 I always try to support local NC companies but CC has huge quality/reliability issues across their suspension line. Love the way I can tune them and feel great on the bike but I could only get 30-60 days out of the shock before the negative air chamber seal would blow. Never was addressed properly so I can't go back to CC sus.
  • 10 1
 Black shaft
  • 5 0
 They matter
  • 8 1
 once you go you never go back
  • 8 1
 I would just settle for on that would last for more than a couple of rides.
  • 5 2
 Had both a DB and a DBInline, both shock felt great. I couldn't tune the Inline quite to my liking and I was always scared to use the CS in fear of getting the dreaded high-pitched squeak that signaled that something was wrong inside the shock. I ended up selling both and a run a Monarch RC3+Debonair. Tuned well right out of the box for me plus a lot more reliable and easy to work on. I'd kept my DB if I could have worked on either of them myself instead of having to send them out to CC.
  • 4 0
 All the adjustability of a low end SRAM/Fox Product but with none of the reliability. Sign me up!

If they really want to treat us like children, they should make a version with Specialized AutoSag on it.
  • 1 1
 If you want the adjustability, you have the higher-end option. If you want to ride your new bike without thinking about knobs then you have this one.
  • 2 0
 This is a great idea but only problem is buying used shocks down the line, as u will need to make sure the frame it's going to has very similar leverage ratio as the one it's come off or it will not work very well at all! (Apologies if this has already been written, must of missed it.)
  • 5 0
 Butch was not invited to test ride one.
  • 1 0
 Wow. I decided to Google " @ShreddieMercury pinkbike butch " .

Seems you have a problem with me. Next time, send me a fukking message gaydar.
  • 4 3
 Will it be more reliable than my POS DBair? It's stuck down and leaking again. I have run fox ahocks with no maintenance for 6seasons but I cant ride a complete season on my DB air.

Stick to headsets, they are the most complex parts you guys can male reliably!
  • 5 1
 is it still going to be terrible on my enduro
  • 7 0
 Yes, chicks still won't notice you
  • 4 0
 but will it blow up after a week of use like the other inlines?
  • 3 0
 I wonder if it will last 2 rides before blowing up.... rather than just one.
  • 2 0
 WHAT? Jim Morrison resurrects to be Cane Creek's Director of Engineering? What about The Doors?
  • 6 3
 kinda a pointless announcement given that its OEM only
  • 8 1
 The word "currently" is key here.
  • 5 1
 @codfather1234: Considering what they say in the article, it makes absolute sense for this shock to be OEM only. Each shock has been tuned for that particular frame in mind so that they could get rid of some external adjustments. If it is going to be aftermarket, it will have to be tuned to order but that makes little sense considering the adjustable DB shocks already available. I think it is more likely that you'll see fewer regular DB inline shocks spec'd on complete bikes now that there is a cheaper lighter option available. Still it makes sense to introduce a new product in a press release even if it is OEM only. If people see it spec'd on a complete 2017 bike at least they know what it is and that it isn't necessarily lower quality (according to CC) than the regular DB shocks.
  • 3 0
 Looks like Cane Creek rebuilt the Monarch
  • 4 2
 - all the reliability....I'm sure...
  • 1 0
 I like fine tuning my suspension over a couple days to get it just the way I like, I like to learn how to use my knobs properly
  • 5 0
 I hear cane creek is coming out with a new shock in 2014, called the DB Inline, it should suit your needs Smile
  • 3 0
 'Cane Creek Copy Claims Competency, Chaps Challenge'
  • 2 0
 Cane Creek annouces a fully working shock that doesn't need rebuiliding within 6mo.
  • 2 0
 Cane Creek for dummies lol
  • 1 4
 The good news is it's adjustable, the bad news is it'll blow up one ride after you get it right....oh.....and you can only have it fixed at one or two shops the Cane Creek has graced with parts.....best fix for CC....replace with anything else that fits.
  • 1 0
 How much weight is saved by the removal of the adjusters?
  • 1 1
 dammm. High and low speed compression dampening
  • 2 4
 I have to have the black damper on my DBCS.

PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! All my stealth spitty needs is a black damper. Make this happen! #firstworldproblems
  • 1 0
 AWESOME......
  • 1 2
 Price ?? 2399$?
  • 17 0
 2399 $ in Canada, 239.9 $ in the rest of the world...







Copyright © 2000 - 2024. Pinkbike.com. All rights reserved.
dv65 0.029395
Mobile Version of Website