Coil sprung vs Air fork and some advice/opinions

[ibbz]

Just wondering what the advantages of coil sprung vs Air forks are?

I have a Magura Quake Air (prob 2000 ish) on my Raleigh RSP and have the opportunity to buy a Magura Odur (2007) which has slightly more travel but is heavier.
Any thoughts on whether the Odur would be a better investment regarding longevity, build and maintenance along with ability on a variety of trails?

cheers

 

[Bullpup]

I have 4 sets of the Quakes - admittedly all coil versions. What are you trying to achieve?

 

[mattr]

Air tend to be lighter, a little less plush/active (unless they have massive air chambers), and easy to tune (change oil or air pressure) ideally suited for XC.

Coil are heavier, much more active/plush (no air seal friction to overcome) and harder to tune (you might need a different spring) ideally suited to Trail/DH type stuff. They also tend to be cheaper than air forks as the fine tolerances and finishes (for moving air seals) aren't needed.

Obviously there are many exceptions to this, but if you are comparing 10 year old forks to 15 year old forks, its not going to be a million miles out.

FWIW i went from some proto/pre prod Quake Airs to some Pace RC36 coils and the performance is night and day. Even with the Pace set to 80mm. The pace are heavier tho. Not enough to offset the improved performance.

 

[ibbz]

Thanks for that, it was the plushness I was questioning along with the longevity and maintenance and that's cleared up.
I think `i will stick with the Quake Air.
On a related note, I have Pace RC36 on another bike and I find the Rond Quake Air far better in all respects - but I suppose it's all subjective and relative.

 

[mattr]

It may be that your Paces are one of the friday afternoon specials (Pace quality in that era always seemed to be very hit and miss), or you are running them too long (100mm on an 80mm frame for instance) or you just don't get on with them. As with all suspension forks, if they aren't set up for you, and the sort of riding you do (or maybe they physically can't achieve a suitable set up!) they'll not feel right.

I know it took a long time to get the rear shock on my Scott Genius set up just right for me, and the Specialised Enduro that predated the Scott i simply gave up on, as there was no way to get it to not be shit. Not too bothered about that, sold it to someone for 50 quid less than i bought it for, a cheap lesson.

 

[Thias]

Coil is less and easyer maintainance.
Air is lighter and better to adjust.

The thing with the high air seal friction is not the case for those forks with negative spring, like the RS SID.