Beginner Advice - Air Shocks or Coil

[Dru]

Hello,

Quick query regarding Shocks on my first MTB (Air/Coil), and what is the best way to go. Obviously I assume the air shocks will give me a softer ride, but is it a key factor I should consider now?

I also heard that the maintenance on the coil shocks is a lot higher/more costly?

When looking at entry-level bikes (8k price range), this obviously disqualifies quite a few if I focus on getting air shocks. Thoughts?

[Beefy]

As with most choices in cycling there tend to be advantages and disadvantages for each option.

 

Air forks are lighter, more expensive and have a greater degree of adjustability.

 

In comparison coil forks offer a plusher feel and have lower maintenance.

 

Good luck with the decision!

[Vetseun]

Air FTW

[BSG]

If I knew back in 2012 when I bought my mtb that air is so much better, I would have paid a few R more and get the bike with air shock. My Merida has got a coil shock and costs on a replacement air shock is flippen ridiculous being a straight steerer as well.

[deanbean]

For an entry level bike I'd try to get an air fork. I've got a Sektor spring fork on my Yeti, and I'd not swop it for any fork but a Pike, it's that good. Plush, but not light. But then I'm not a weight weenie.

[Beefy]

It is important to remember when comparing these to compare relative forks. (E.g. An air vs coil RS Sektor)

 

Very entry level forks are often coil and then people upgrade to in comparison a far more expensive air fork and then think that the difference is exclusively air vs coil.

[Odinson]

There are very good coil forks, but you won't find them on a entry-level bike.

 

Try and stretch your budget to where you can get something along the lines of a Suntour XCR-AIR, Rockshox  XC32 or 30 Gold - all of which air air-sprung forks. 

[David Marshall]

In the price range that you are looking at I would suggest a hard tail with the best air fork you can get.  Group set secondary.  Wheels will be very entry level anyway and will probably be the first upgrade you make.  Upgraded wheels you can move on to your next bike.  The economics of upgrading a fork on a cheaper frame is just not on.

[Dru]

There are very good coil forks, but you won't find them on a entry-level bike.

 

Try and stretch your budget to where you can get something along the lines of a Suntour XCR-AIR, Rockshox  XC32 or 30 Gold - all of which air air-sprung forks. 

Thanx. Thoughts on this: SR SF14 XCR Air 100mm

 

​Reason I ask is because out of most of the bikes I was looking at in my price range, the Titan 29R Trail seems to be one of the few I can get with the Air Shock:

 

http://www.titanracingbikes.com/29rtrail.html