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I assumed that m279 prototype would have been close to production by now but maybe not?
Personally I won't touch a coil again unless the bike has 35%++ progression to be honest. And preferably a Virtual Pivot Point system for lower spring weight and frankly to even need a coil.
Sure you can make a coil not bottom constantly on a more typical/ linear rear suspension leverage rate, but then you have to run excessive damping. Which isn't the correct way.
PS. Just did a quick google and it would appear that MX bikes have historically ran over 50% progression if I'm reading correctly.
Modern motocross bikes utilize about 60% progression on coil shocks and I think that at least should give you an idea how far off we are with 15-22% progression rates with coils.
I'd like to try a coil again but it won't happen unless I have a bike with 35%+ progression.
My apologies if it isn't correct.
That said, the coil springrates just never worked for me on my SJ Evo neither with the standard link or the Cascade. I was 7 spring purchases in and just frustrated, first ride back on an air shock and the rear suspension was better right away.
I'll be sticking to air unless I buy a DH rig.
25% is the sweet spot in my eyes, I've gone from all extremes of the progression window. That's the goldilocks number!
I doubt brands will make bikes with that level of progression, so you're probably stuck with an air shock. Lucky for you there's a new one from EXT on the way!
Short:
[url]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FweX78b87H4[/url]
Full version:
[url]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsuHi_XdH8Y[/url]
Just don't personally think coils belong on these bikes. You really can't 'fix' leverage ratio with damping ime. Just because you can prevent bottom outs, doesn't make it work correctly.
I'm very interested in the EXT air shock and firmly believe that air suspension represents the future of MTB suspension, not coils.
Moving on.
A very progressive spring rate will require more rebound damping from a deep stroke, but less from a more shallow stroke. And a very progressive/digressive leverage ratio might give weird feeling damping in different parts of the stroke as well. Remember, damping is speed (rod/piston speed) sensitive, not position sensitive.
As for shock stroke vs. suspension travel, the overall leverage ratio and overall suitability for heavier riders, yes, from the spring rate standpoint, while it depends on the damping rate stand point, as a longer stroke shock will usually require a lighter tune as well (my 150 mm bike running a 230x65 shock requires an L-L tune to prevent an overdamped feel and achieve full travel). Each click might not be as pronounced in that case anymore. Yes if you're running the same tune with a longer stroke shock as 'before' (if we're talking about custom links), but I'm guessing it would be the same as with a heavier tune on the original stroke, if shocks are designed correctly, as in regardless of a tune, a click gives a set percentage change on the overall damping force, not a set change in damping force.
Sadly I don't any damping force measurements to be able to give concrete numbers here, so I'm just rambling (as usual).
As for the Atherton bike, thanks for the dream build. Seeing this, DAMN, these bikes are CHEAP given how much work goes into a frame.
And to be honest I’m kind of surprised that they’ve opted to show this process as it is. At this price plywood jigs and G clamps aren’t cutting it. Unno blows them out of the water.
At some point it would make sense to do it, for sure, but it's at a point, where 3D printing half the frame doesn't make any sense anymore, so...
This is essentially selling prototypes to be hones.