Coil vs. Air forks?
 

Hello!

What is the difference between a coil spring fork and a air spring fork? I know one difference is weight and price, but what about the characteristics/performance of the fork?

What are the advantages/disadvantages of each type of suspension?

Which type is better, in your opinion, and why?

I'm just looking for some information on the two different types of forks.

Thanks a lot!

-well a spring fork won't leak air
-you need a shock pump for the air (i think you can use a regular pump very carefully?)
-when its cold you will need to add air
-when its hot you will need to remove air

I think some people have done it, but I wouldn't risk using a standard pump.

And an air fork won't either.

Air forks are a lot more adjustable/tuneable than coil forks since you can set the pressure to exactly where you want it, instead of choosing between different springs.

I never had the pleasure of riding a spring fork, but those that do say the action is much smoother and linear than an air fork.

The biggest advantage to air forks is that you can fine tune it and don't need to get different springs.

Coil forks on the other hand are IMO usually more plush and linear (which I prefer).

So if you ask me I would choose a coil over an air fork anyday.

Me too.

Smooooooooooooooooooooooooth.

Matter of opinion and skill actually. The argument could easily be made coil forks are more tuneable. oil weight, spring length and weight, usually rebound, compression and preload adjustments. BEyond that you can tune the oil fork using a drill and some skill to increase the oil release.

Fair enough, I should have stated that it is easier to tune since you don't need different springs or mod it yourself. I stand corrected

Both have their strong points. Current rig is fully sprung by air, and I'm perfectly fine with it. Air shocks and forks have come a long ways in the past few years. I am hard on my suspension and it's holding up just fine.

Air: Fine adjustments, no need to buy springs.

Coil: Simple, no need for a shock pump.

Do springs wear out regularly?

How much do new/different springs cost?

no.

and depends on what weight really...50$ a spring is common here.

Please explain.....

Any fork will leak regardless if the stanchions are scratched.

meaning it is not an inevitability. Not enough to make a dramatic difference anyhow. Meaning if the seals are working properly, and as Smashy said, the stanchions aren't leaking, there will be little noticeable leaking.

Dont forget Air Forks are much lighter then Coil forks. With an air fork, you almost have an infinite adjustment without pulling the fork apart. Some people prefer the response of a coil fork, but like Mr Smashy said above, Airforks have certainly come a long way in recent years, so unless your dead set on getting a coil fork, i would embrace the air technology.

and if you don't mind paying money, you can have titanium springs wound to spec :eek: