Should you convert your fork to coil? | MTB FAQ #1

In the premiere episode of MTB FAQ, we answer some simple questions about air spring compatibility of the RockShox Lyrik and Fox 36, Marzocchi Bomber Z1 Coil Conversion Kit compatibility with the Fox 36 and GRIP2 damper upgrade compatibility.

The main question of today's video covers a very common question wondering if you should convert your fork to coil or not. We cover the pro's and con's of the most popular coil conversion kits on the market, the PUSH ACS3 and Vorsprung Smashpot, and give some advice wether or not this is a change you should consider making.

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The Lost Co.

Bellingham, WA

360-306-8827

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#mountainbike

#thelostco

#ridelost

[TheLostCo]

What do YOU think of our new show? What would you like to see us change for future episodes? 🤔

[steelwing]

Thanks for the video! I recently did the coil conversion on my 2020 Fox Factory 36 160mm (Vorsprung Smashpot). Yes, there is some more weight, but you forget about it after one ride. Maybe I'm lucky or just set it up right, but I don't notice any additional noise on normal riding. There is a little "spring crunch" when going deep in the travel, but it doesn't bother me.

I don't worry about lower leg air buildup on the spring side. It's nice not to have to worry about adjusting the pressure, one less item to consider. If considering, I recommend going for a firmer spring to keep you high in the travel and avoid wallowing. May seem counter-intuitive to go firmer for more plushness, but its nice to stay higher in the travel (I went from 50lb spring to 55lb spring, I weigh 195lb at 6'1"). Use more low-speed compression for support to keep that nose up when braking and hitting corners. Don't over-preload!

[keehotee]

Got about 10 rides on the Smashpot in a Fox Factory 36 - it is so good, really really good. Increase in traction up front is unreal.

[Tigerkicks]

Every time I watch a video from the lost co I learn something.

[flyingnorseman]

I put a 140mm Z1 on my Tallboy. Had a 140mm Fox 34 before. Made huge difference in stability in fast, rough situations. Way stiffer. Completely changed the bike,

[mtbhux]

Did the ACS3 on my lyric and love it. Not as linear as people said. Small bump is amazing and still playful

[VelkePivo]

My Vorsprung Smashpot is completely silent other than a soft squishing noise on really hard hits.

[MrNickHanson]

Love my ACS-03 coil in the Fox36 GRIP2.

[dandantillthen]

Loving my hc97 push with low friction dust wiper!

[rodrod]

Good stuff! Can you guys go over how much air loss is normal from a tubeless tire setup? For example after 3 to 4 days of not riding what is the normal and expected PSI loss?

[drewsenthused]

Great answers! Decent questions. I look forward to more of these.

[aidenthwaits]

My thoughts on converting a fork to coil is - as long as you’re not a weight weenie and you like the downhills it’s seems like a no brainer to me. The fork is more sensitive and plush and that is just what I personally want

[madbassist]

Which would you say performs better, a Z1 Coil or a Rockshox Yari with a Charger damper using a PUSH ASC3 coil conversion kit?

[RCKING]

Should I get a bomber coil and a grip2 damper or a push kit for my lyrik and a rct3 damper??

[jonathane]

If I could only choose one, where would I see the biggest bang for the buck performance upgrade on my 2021 Yari - Debonair, Motion Control, 180mm travel (Yari RC B3) between:
1. Vorsprung Smashpot
Or
2. RC Charger 2.1 RC2 Damper?

[mdmtb]

Great info guys! Keep up the good work.

[yaishmatheen]

Pls continue. You could rival gmbn tech

[MatroniFitness]

what would happen if the installer who rebuilt your fox 36, used the 20wt gold on your foam ring and shot in the PTFE into the lower. I custom built a bike and they changed my CSU so i could get a orange lowers on my 27.5, as they said 37mm 27.5 doesn't come with orange lowers. i am assuming they know about PTFE but was curious if they didnt, how would i know? and what would the symptoms be?

[tonyhowell]

Wow so my DDRY Fox 36 27.5 160 can go to 180? great!!! I have fit 4 on a Canondale Moterra LT1 2018, and I want to make it as good as my old Marz 888, So I am thinking smash pot, but which is better Fractive Valve or Grip2?

[josephsielen]

The on screen chemistry between the two of you could be studied in a high school science class.