Trek rail coil shock is becoming popular among enduro racers, downhillers, tail shredders, and others who use this coil shock. Are these coil shocks more critical and better than other shocks for mountain bikers?
One of the importance of this coil shock is that the spring or coil is always ready to absorb any hit or tension you can encounter while riding down mountains. You do not have to worry about overheating, blowing seals, or leaking oil.
There is also a lower maintenance burden when mountain bikers use trek rail coil shocks for their bikes. Even in heavy terrain or high mountains, your bike will give you consistent and fantastic performance. This article will explain more about this type of mountain bike shock.
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Types of Mountain Bike Shockers
The sport of mountain biking is both exciting and challenging, requiring a high level of ability and stamina. The shock absorber, often known as the shocker, is a crucial part of every mountain bike.
These accessories are designed to cushion the rider from the effects of rough ground. Here, we’ll go over the various options for mountain bike shockers so you can pick the one that works best for you.
1. Coil Shocks
Coil shocks are the most common shock absorber since they have been effective and reliable for decades. They are common on high-end mountain bikes and have a steel or titanium spring. These shocks are trustworthy and offer a comfortable ride with minimal bumps.
2. Air Shocks
Mountain bikers are increasingly likely to use air shocks. Compressed air is used as the spring, and the air used is customizable based on the rider’s weight and preferred riding style. Air shocks are an excellent alternative for people who want to play with their suspension settings because they are lightweight and straightforward to adjust.
3. Oil Shocks
Comparable to air shocks, oil shocks use oil as the dampening fluid. They are common on high-end mountain bikes because of their reliability and consistent performance. They are more long-lasting than air shocks but cost more as a result.
4. Hybrid Shocks
You can think of hybrid shocks as a cross between coil and air shocks. They use a combination of a spring and an air chamber, allowing for customization to the rider’s weight and preferred riding style. They combine the most significant features of both long life and customization, making them a superb choice.
5. E-Shocks
E-shocks, or electronic shocks, are the newest mountain bike suspension systems being developed. These shocks are equipped with an electronic control system and a small battery to automatically adjust the suspension to the surface.
Riders can make modifications on the go with the help of a remote control or a mobile app. High-end mountain bikes often include the most expensive shocks.
Why Coil Shocks Are Increasingly Becoming Popular Among Mountain Bike Shockers
More and more mountain bikes are switching from air shocks to coil shocks, often known as “trek rail coil shocks,” due to their benefits. Below are some reasons Coil shocks are increasingly becoming popular among mountain bikes.
- First, coil shocks have a stellar reputation for being quite dependable. Coil shocks keep their spring rate and provide consistent performance throughout a ride, while temperature fluctuations and pressure loss might influence air shocks. Those who frequently bike in hot or cold climates or high or low elevations may benefit the most from this.
- Secondly, the spring rate of a coil shock is more linear. As the shock is compressed, the spring rate gradually increases rather than rapidly growing, as with air shocks. This shock compression can make for a smoother and more consistent ride, which is especially helpful for riders who frequently take technical routes.
- Thirdly, coil shocks have a longer lifespan than air shocks. They are less likely to develop leaks or experience other problems that plague air shocks because of the reduced number of moving parts. Those who spend many kilometers on their bikes or ride in rugged terrain may benefit the most from this.
- Finally, some riders prefer the feeling of coil shocks as they tend to provide a more consistent and firm platform, which some riders find more comfortable and efficient for their riding.
Overall, the popularity of trail coil shocks among mountain bikers can be attributed to their consistent and reliable performance, linear spring rate, durability, the riding preference of some riders, and personal choice.
Benefits of Trek Rail Coil Shock
1. Lower maintenance
Trek rail coil shock is made with fewer seals, which means there is less maintenance, as the shock will not be affected by much dirt, grime, or dust. The manufacturers recommend that users of coil shock rebuild their shock once every 12 months.
However, with the lower maintenance associated with trek rail coil shock, many mountain bikers use their shock for many years without rebuilding it (this is not advisable).
2. Consistent Downhill Performance
One benefit of coil shock compared to air shock is that coil shock does not heat up excessively on downhills. The damper oil on a coil shock does not quickly heat up, so the bike consistently maintains its performance. The more the performance remains consistent, the more the shock’s spring rate remains constant during intense cycles.
3. Less Stiction
Trek rail coil shock causes less static friction created by seals when they are against a shock, and this is because this shock lowers the amount of force needed to break friction. There is also better sensitivity that improves traction and allows the rear wheel to track the ground consistently.
Coil shock helps the bike feel smoother, supple, and comfortable on rough grounds and lands.
4. Durability:
Due to the lower maintenance of coil shocks, they are durable as compared to other mountain bike shocks. Air shocks, for example, have added heat that can range the shock’s internals, and there is much work needed to maintain them; this does not apply to coil shocks as there is less friction and improved performance.
5. Better climbers:
The demand for trek rail coil shock has been high due to the consistent performance of this coil. Coil shocks are made with climb switches that remove the pedal bob when bikers climb uphill. The removal of the pedal bob gives better control than air shocks.
How To Choose The Right Trek Rail Coil Shock For Your Bike
Getting a trek rail coil shock for your mountain bike requires knowing which coil shock will be suitable to avoid having a bike that rides too soft or too stiff. If this is your first time using a coil shock, you may need help to get the best. We have three ways to choose the correct coil shock for your bike.
1. Call the Manufacturer of Your Bike.
The company that makes your bike is the best to call if you want to choose a coil shock; they will be able to tell you not just the coil shock but also the spring rate you should choose. Most companies have a spring rate chart for each model of their bikes; using another spring chart will only make your riding stressful.
If larger companies like Giant make your bike, it may be challenging to get the above information. An alternative is to call a bike shop that sells the same brand as your bike, and it may have a coil shock perfect for your bike and know the correct spring rate for the body weight of your bike.
Getting the information from a trusted source is better than guessing or making a choice, mainly if you have never used a trek rail coil shock before.
2. Search Groups and Forums
Mountain bikers have different forums where they discuss everything about their bikes. You can get information about your bike’s best trek rail coil shock. You can either go through the existing threads and answers dropped by other members or ask for help, and you will find the correct information.
However, one downside of this option is that a lot of information comes from different people simultaneously. The information may be overwhelming or even inaccurate, as some members may need a better understanding of bikes and their parts.
3. Check with a Spring Rate Calculator.
Using a spring rate calculator is advised if the bike has never used a coil shock; the spring rate has lots of effects on the coil shock. So, riding will be difficult if the spring rate does not match the trek rail coil shock.
Many spring rate calculators are available online; you only need to type in your riding body weight, the stroke of your shocks, and your bike’s rear-wheel travel. Choose if your ride will be supportive with 28% sag or plush with 33% sag, and click on “get spring results.”
The calculator will give you two numbers – one for a single pivot/DW link and the other for a 4-bar/VPP suspension design. You can work with any of the spring rates for your coil shock.
If you are a gentle rider and feel comfortable with many tractions, you should round down your spring rate and choose more sag for a softer ride. However, an aggressive rider will round up the spring rate and choose less sag for more resistance while riding.
Conclusion
There are many bike shocks for your mountain bike. Still, trek rail coil shocks are popular and significant choices due to their lower maintenance, durability, consistent downhill performance, better uphill climbing, and less friction.
Using a Trek rail coil shock means you do not have to worry about issues like leaking oil, overheating, or blow seals. If you want to know more about trek rail coil shock, you can visit your mountain bike’s manufacturer’s website or any offline store.
