It’s been several years in the making, but the coil-spring comeback is now in full effect. What began with enduro racing wanting the fade-free performance and improved small bump sensitivity that coils provide has now moved from shocks to forks.
Suspension manufacturers MRP and Cane Creek are launching coil versions of their popular long-travel forks to satisfy the pent up demand for coil-sprung goodness. Let’s dive into these new American-made boingy bits.
MRP Ribbon Coil
The Colorado-based company is offering a coil-sprung version of the Ribbon in 27.5 and 29er versions.
The 27.5in fork comes in 150, 160 and 170mm options. The claimed weight is 4.6lb/2.09kg.
The 29er model comes in 140, 150 and 160mm versions. The claimed weight is 4.65lb/2.11kg. The 29in fork is also compatible with 27.5 wheels and tires.
Suspension travel can be internally adjusted in 10mm increments within the range to suit your needs. Each Ribbon Coil ships with soft, medium and firm springs. Riders can purchase extra-soft and extra-firm springs separately.
A 4mm hex located where the air valve would normally live allows riders to fine-tune the spring preload.
Coil springs have linear spring rates, which can result in wallowing or blowing through the suspension travel.To make the Ribbon Coil more progressive, MRP integrated the company’s Ramp Control System, which allows riders to dial in more bottom-out support.
On the damper side of the fork, the Ribbon Coil offers externally adjustable low-speed compression and rebound damping.
Like the air-sprung Ribbon fork introduced last year, the Ribbon Coil has 35mm stanchions and employs the Outcast arch design to minimize the arch’s crud-catching potential. There are also ‘PSST’ pressure relief valves on the lowers to bleed off air that can build up with changes in elevation and temperature changes.
Pricing is set at $989. (UK and Australian pricing have yet to be announced.) MRP will begin shipping the Ribbon Coil in October.
Visit www.MRPbike.com for more information.
null
Cane Creek Helm Coil
The Ashville, North Carolina-based suspension manufacturer will offer the Helm Coil for 27.5in wheels. A 29in version may be introduced in the future.
The Helm Coil uses the same 35mm chassis as the air-sprung version. It is available from the factory in 150 and 160mm versions with the option to internally-adjust the travel from 130 to 160mm in 10mm increments.
The claimed weight of this new coil-sprung trail fork is 4.98lb/2.26kg.
In terms of adjustments, the Helm Coil offers high- and low-speed compression damping and rebound damping.
Pricing is set at $1,100. (UK and Australian pricing have yet to be announced.) Cane Creek will begin shipping the Helm Coil in November.
Visit www.canecreek.com for more information.
