Air vs Coil : Which Is Better for You?

If you’ve hung around the 'inners' car park long enough, you’ve heard it all:

“Coil’s the only way, mate – feels like riding a magic carpet.”

“Nah man, air’s lighter, faster, and you can actually adjust it without carrying spare springs in your enduro bum bag.”

Welcome to the Air vs Coil Suspension Debate. Riders have argued about it since the dawn of dropper posts, and the truth is… both sides have a point. Let’s strip it back, clear up the myths, and talk about what really matters for your riding.

Coil vs Air, but which one is better for you?

Air Suspension: Lightweight and Highly Adjustable

Air forks and shocks rely on compressed air as the spring medium. The beauty is in the adjustability: with a shock pump, you can fine-tune sag for different rider weights, conditions, or even how much kit you’re carrying.

• Weight: Air is lighter – a big plus for trail and enduro bikes where efficiency matters.

• Spring Curve: Air is naturally progressive — it ramps up deeper in the stroke, giving bottom-out resistance. You can also fine-tune progression with tokens (RockShox) or volume spacers (Fox).

• Common Examples:

- Forks: Fox 36/38 Factory Grip2, RockShox Lyrik Ultimate, RockShox ZEB Ultimate.

- Shocks: Fox Float X2, RockShox Super Deluxe Air.

Real-World Ride Feel: Supportive in the mid-stroke, playful, and poppy. Great for jumps, pumping through rollers, and aggressive cornering.

Coil Suspension: Consistency and Traction

Coil shocks and forks use a steel spring. No air canisters, no pressure loss — just predictable, linear travel. The feel is different: where air gives you support, coil gives you glue.

• Weight: Heavier, especially on shocks. Not such an issue on DH bikes, but noticeable on long climbs.

• Spring Curve: Linear by nature – plush off the top, consistent through the travel. Bottom-out resistance comes from bump stops and damper tuning, not the spring.

• Common Examples:

- Shocks: Fox DHX2, RockShox Super Deluxe Coil.

- Fork conversions: coil kits available for Fox 36/38 and RockShox Lyrik/ZEB.

Real-World Ride Feel: Outstanding small-bump sensitivity, traction in wet UK roots, and consistency on long descents (no heat fade in the spring).

Technical Comparison: Coil vs Air

Characteristic	Air Suspension	Coil Suspension
Adjustability	Easily tuned with pressure, tokens, rebound/comp clicks	Limited – changing springs for big differences
Progression	Progressive, tuneable with spacers	Linear – harder to resist bottom-out
Small Bump Feel	Can feel firm due to seal friction	Plush and sensitive off the top
Consistency	Air pressure can fluctuate with temperature/altitude	Consistent performance run after run
Weight	Lighter, especially in shocks	Heavier, though forks are less affected

Which Riders Benefit Most?

Air Suspension

Air suspension is ideal for trail and enduro riders who climb as much as they descend. Racers who need tunability and lighter riders benefit from being able to set exact sag percentages.

Coil Suspension

Coil suspension suits downhill riders and bike park addicts. Heavier riders who struggle with support on air shocks will find coil more beneficial. Anyone who values grip and consistency over saving a few hundred grams should consider coil.

Quick-Fire FAQs

Is coil always better for downhill?

For pure DH racing, yes – most World Cup riders run coil for consistency. But some run air forks for added progression and weight savings.

Can I make my air shock feel like a coil?

You can get close by reducing volume spacers and running lower pressures for suppleness, but it’ll never be exactly coil.

Do coil shocks last longer?

The spring itself is durable, but the damper still needs the same regular servicing as air.

The Importance of Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance is crucial for both air and coil suspension. A well-maintained suspension system enhances performance and safety. Neglecting it can lead to poor handling and increased wear on components.

Signs Your Suspension Needs Servicing

• Unusual Noises: If you hear clunking or squeaking, it’s time for a check-up.

• Loss of Performance: If your bike feels less responsive, it may need servicing.

• Visible Wear: Check for leaks or damage on seals and components.

  
  

How to Maintain Your Suspension

1. Regular Cleaning: Keep your suspension clean to prevent dirt build-up.

2. Inspect Seals: Check seals for wear and replace them if necessary.

3. Professional Servicing: Schedule regular servicing with a professional to ensure optimal performance.

   
   

Final Thoughts

If you’re chasing ultimate traction and that “magic carpet” feel, coil is unbeatable. If you want the lightest, most versatile option that can be tuned to any rider weight and trail, air suspension is the smart call.

The truth? Neither wins without proper setup. A badly tuned coil is worse than a well-set-up air shock. And here’s the bit most riders forget: suspension only works properly if it’s regularly serviced by a professional. Worn seals, contaminated oil, or a damper that’s past its service interval will undo all the benefits, whether you’re on coil or air.

That’s where I come in — if your fork or shock is due for a service, or if you’re unsure what setup is right for your riding, get in touch and I’ll get your suspension running exactly how it should.