Photo from NSMB.com
With the popularity of enduro racing and 150mm-160mm trail bikes designed for increasingly aggressive terrain, many have called for a bombproof coil shock (good for larger, heavier riders, or extremely technical descents) to be married with the performance of a climb switch for pedaling efficiency.
And last month at Eurobike, the magicians at Cane Creek answered that call with the launch of the Double Barrel Coil rear shock with Climb Switch!
NSMB’s Tim Coleman has put more than two months of riding on the DB Coil CS, mounted to his Norco Range.
Here’s what he had to report on the ride:
“Since installing the DB Coil CS I have logged over 600 km of riding. The DB Coil CS has transformed my Range into a bump eating monster that somehow devours trail at a rate and ease that defies belief. With the DB Coil CS the bike seems to make more traction climbing, is no less efficient than any of the air shocks I’ve used, and I really don’t notice the extra pound nestled between my ankles.
The top of the climb is where the DB Coil CS really shines. I still regularly finish a trail with my mouth wide open, a stunned look on my face, trying to understand how a 160 mm bike can be so good. The Range has always been good through rough ground, but with the DB Coil CS it seems to float over bumps all while developing more grip than expected. Holding high lines on root infest trail with ease. The small bump absorption is like no other shock I’ve ridden on this bike.
For years I’ve yearned for downhill bike-level suspension on my trail bike, and it’s finally here. For me the weight gain of the DB Coil CS over an air spring is a small compromise for the improvement in suspension performance. Simply put, since installing the DB Coil CS I’m faster, having more fun on the trail, and I’m less fatigued after long descents. I have gladly removed the shock pump from my pack, and I don’t foresee an air spring returning to my bike any time soon. If you like going fast on your longer travel trail bike, I highly recommend checking out the DB Coil CS.”
Read the full review and shock spec at NSMB.com, and learn more at canecreek.com.
