Ask MBAction

HAPPY FOR THE (COIL) SPRING

Q: I am positively surprised to see how coil springs are coming back strong. Indeed, I am deeply concerned with all of the complications and cost of the pneumatic systems. Whatever new trick engineers may develop, they will never be able to get rid of the tight O-rings working [im]properly. And, they will never be able to avoid the heating that dramatically changes the air suspension’s performance in a long descent. In fact, when the temperature goes up, the pressure grows as well, while oil becomes less dense, even if engineered specifically for suspension. Furthermore, I’d like to find the spring (air or coil) in both the stanchion tubes, as it was in the past. I remember that Italian manufacturer with progressive coil springs in both the legs. That was a fork! Next time I have to buy one, I hope I will have a choice between coil and air springs.

Roger

A: We agree, especially when thinking of the lightest forks and of their asymmetrical construction, given how much their deformation influences ease of movement. We understand the complications, weight and cost of having a spring in both legs, but you might have noticed how much more sensible the most robust forks are, such as the buttery RockShox Lyrik, just because of being less prone to deformation. In fact, with the lightest forks, your bike loses its perfect alignment the moment you sit on it. Imperceptible? Not always. The Italian manufacturer was Marzocchi, which was recently purchased by Fox and has just released a new Bomber fork.

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