I'm looking at trying a coil shock on my Bird Aether 7 as I'm hearing lots of positive feedback around how well it runs with a coil, and as I want to try and keep room for a bottle I'm looking at the Cane Creek DB Inline Coil (it also seems to be aimed squarely at use on shorter travel trail bikes so should be ideal for the 130mm Aether).
Has anyone got/had one and can share any feedback? They seem to be pretty adjustable for damping/rebound which I'm not completely savvy on, but CC have a setup app - has anyone used that and did it give a good baseline setting? I've seen some mention of issues on the early Gen 1 shocks (mostly the air) but that seems to be 5+ years ago and hopefully remedied by the Gen 2 anyway?
I ran a CC Kitsuma coil on a Transition Sentinel and it was ok ish - but as standard did have a tendency to bottom out - the damping couldn’t slow it down in the midrange with the standard linkage on the bike. When I changed the linkage to one that upped the progression to 30% (Cascade link) it was then alright - although I still think the RS Vivid Coil I’ve replaced it with is a superior shock.
Given the Aether is up around 30% progression to start with I’d expect the CC inline coil to do well enough for you whilst being lighter than a piggyback coil shock.
The Cane Creek Valt springs are decent enough and fairly light (and quite cheap). Much lighter than Rockshox ones but heavier than Fox SLS and EXT coils I think.
I have one on my Deviate Highlander. I bought it for an old cotic rocket (27.5 version) then moved it onto the aether 7, aether 9 and finally current deviate. Yes they are very adjustable and I've found that it is possible to achieve a similar feeling with a variety of setting combinations. Mostly though once its one the bike and setup I don't fiddle with it again. As with all coil shocks getting the correct weight coil is key. The early gen 1 air issues are long since resolved. Is the app still available, I did use an app at one point but thought it had been discontinued. Maybe there is a new one.
As for using it on the aether 7 I really liked that combination, more so than the 9 that replaced it. I never ran the 7 with an air shock but did use both on the 9 and preferred how it felt with coil.
Absolutely transformed my old heckler that came with an air shock. Still have the bike even though it's 26"and it's still fun to ride. Would have broken for parts by now if I didn't have the ccdb IL
Superb shock.
I fitted one to my previous Geometron G15 then moved it to the G16. Recommended to me by TF Tuned after my X2 developed the squelch and was economically unviable to repair - I was initially looking at the Marzocchi Bomber coil but TF recommended the CC IL for its more robust steel shaft. I sold it with the frame but would happily use one again.
Can't remember how I arrived at my preferred setup but don't recall it being too onerous. Worked for me on all rides including decent length Alpine descents.
I'm looking myself at the DBs (air and coil) for my A9c... if you buy Cane Creek shocks from J-Tech, you get a custom tune into the deal. I've had their tune and settings done on all three forks I own now and all have been much better than anything I came with on my own with an out of the box tune.
Thanks all! It definitely seems like a good fit for the Aether 7 so glad to hear you feel the same @nixie having actually ridden that combination.
I would definitely like to set it up and leave it alone within reason, but happy to invest the time to get it set up initially as it sounds like it will pay off. I think this plus a Valt spring is the way forwards, the linear as I think that the bike already being 30% progressive means it shouldn't need/want a progressive spring?
Yes I have one. Used to run it on a Aeris 120LT, worked well.
If the adjustment app is on more then there is a single page set up guide that explains what to do
Awesome, thanks!
I have one. I like it. I got to my settings through trial and error based on the feel over a number of rides, rather than by bracketing in a given length of trail as the terrain where I ride varies a lot on a single ride.
I do tend to adjust it for conditions, though not by much, if I’m finding it a bit slippery, or feeling like I’d prefer more plushness. I like how it is possible to feel the change in the bike with the adjustments. When I first fitted it I was worried about finding the perfect set up, but that soon passed. I ride for fun and it was fun being able to adjust the feel of the bike.
I get mine serviced annually and it definitely needs attention. Ohlins are apparently more robust in this area, but like you I was drawn to the compact size.
I had an older one (and also in the same frame a ccdb air). I've had full size ccdb coils in the past. TBH they've all been completely superb. You've got a ton of adjustment and that can be a bit overwhelming but it's also pretty transparent and easy to understand because there's so little/almost no overlap between circuits so every adjustment is nice and distinct. Easier to set up than some simpler shocks as a result.
That's good to hear, thank you! I'm not completely averse to tinkering once it's set up, but I'm also not really sensitive to changes generally so as long as I can get it into the ballpark and keep it there I'll enjoy it I'm sure.
I've had a couple of these shocks. Best shocks i've ever had and they feel amazing once you get them dialed. And super light weight. The climb switch is seriously excellent. I never really use climb switches, but this one increases LSC and reduces LSR so makes for very smooth and efficient tech climbing.
Unfortunately my current bike isn't compatable due to it's yoke mount (Stumpy Evo).
Yes I saw lots of warnings about it not being suitable for bikes with a Yoke even with the larger Gen2 shaft etc.
Good to know on the climb switch, I don't really have to use it on the current air shock (Deluxe Ultimate with the bigger air can) but it's easily accessible with where the shock sits and would be on the Cane Creek as well.