What's the difference between an air or coil shocks for MTB?

Question

what are the pro's and con's? I'm setting it up for an all-mountain type of bike.

Answer 1

As far as shocks are concerned, air shocks are much more tuneable and adjustable, but they are also more expensive and I dont like their feel.  My dad has a fairly expensive Rockshox monarch rear air shock, and I cant even feel it moving when i ride the bike.  I have a cheep Fox Vanilla R Coil shock and it gives easily for the little hits, but is still stiff enough for the drop offs.  

As far as forks are concerned I think air forks feel great and are very tunable.  My dads Marzzochi air fork is awesom, and My rockshox tora with the coil-over and the oil is just so-so.

Ride what feels right.

Answer 2

With air shocks you get a lot of adjustment, and often a weight savings (although that's not always true).  Air springs are also inherently progressive, so often you can use less compression dampening than you would a coil (unless you have a progressive coil which a lot are)  

I've had bikes with both, actually both on the same bike.  Right now I have coils on my front shock and an air rear shock and that seems to work best for me.   Most of my riding is cross country single track.. so I can't speak for DS or downhill set ups.  Its true air shocks can leak, but I've had more trouble with dampeners blowing out that air seals leaking, either air or coil.

Answer 3

Air is generally lighter and micro adjustable but less dependable than a coil spring. I beleive that the general consensus is, if you're not climbing much, go for the more dependable setup.