MTB Shocks Diff?

[Express]

Hi Guys,

 

I am stupid with MTB details and still learning as much as I am serious road bike rider.

 

Can you help me out and explain the different application of coil spring, gas and air shocks? Also which is better?

 

And which group set would you recommend for general riding and just having fun?

[Daniel J Méssem]

2 main types, coil and air. There are hybrids too

 

coil springs usually have a linear spring curve, they follow Hooke's law

so a given force will compress the spring by given amount, no matter how compressed the spring is

 

Air springs are not linear, they get "stiffer" as they become more compressed

 

for shorter travel bikes an argument can be made that air is better since is is. soft at the top gets harder

 

frames are also somewhat specific in their requirements, if its designed for an air shock a coil probably wont work well

 

coil is also usually heavier (metal heavier that air or something)

 

so, depends on your riding and preference

[TheV]

Uhm... No need to over complicate things. With regards to groupsets, and unlike road, you will find its common to get bikes that have a mix of components. I don't like it, but it's just the way it is. If your building your own bike, SLX for Shimano and X7 Sram more than Ok, same as 105 for eg on road. XT or X0 are awesome, but X1, X01 would be excellent investment... But seriously, you need to give us more info like budget, type of riding, where you ride,etc etc

[Express]

Thanks for all the advice guys.

 

I don't own one yet, still shopping thus the question.

 

But the plan is to use it for good fun ride, from flat to technical. But no serious racing, road will still be my main focus.

 

But if I decide to go do a 60km ride...I want to be able to do it with the bike.

[Tumbleweed]

Coil forks on many larger-wheeled entry level bikes are to be avoided. They have narrower stanchions, and flex too much.

[Wyatt Earp]

One question .

 

Budget ?

[canfan]

One question .

 

Budget ?

Yip, Thats always the first question.

[Express]

Budget is as little as possible.

 

I had a look in the shops, and the bikes I like is around R6000

[SimpleDom]

One way mtb is very different from road..... You are going to spend more. And then some more.

[Express]

I am coming to realize that entry level MTB bikes is way more expensive than road bike. On top end road is more expensive than MTB.

 

But I think as well MTB is more expensive to maintain as well.