Is an $1100 coil shock really worth it? High Low Ep 5
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
- Is a $1100 EXT Storia V3 coil shock that much better than an air shock?
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Credit to Donut Media & Pinkbike for the inspiration behind this mega series.
Links to the parts seen in this video (affiliate links):
Polygon Siskiu D5 (red one) - bikesonline-us...
Polygon Siskiu D7 (yellow bike, my main) - bikesonline-us...
SRAM Monarch Plus RC3 - amzn.to/3O75wxW
Eyelet Bushing Tool - amzn.to/3riKF1b
Feedback Bike Stand - amzn.to/3NZtuLP
Shock Pump - amzn.to/3uuUGdA
5" Bench Vice - amzn.to/3EbTW0c
Soft Vise Jaws - amzn.to/3KFRvpa
AC Delco Brushless Electric Ratchet - amzn.to/3xlaqSg
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Goodyear, AZ 85338
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Isn't Siskiu 5 rear suspension travel 120mm how did you update with coil suspension
@@BikashThapa-s2u brands make coil shocks 190x45
This is absolutely the series PinkBike SHOULD have done! Great videos man!
But how else could they advertise overpriced components and make people feel inadequate???
i feel like they just did it more for fun but yeah this is a better representation of what people would normally get
Surprised pinkbike downgrades the yari to a 150 dollar china fork but kept the shock
@@eugene44569 the whole thing was a joke. Why not spend the money on getting stuff serviced? Seems like someone in the office wanted to see how bad the cheap parts were and shoehorned it into that series
Truueeee
Key points you neglected to mention: - coil shocks require less maintenance due to fewer seals (coil vs air spring) and ultimately can be cheaper to own; - setup is NOT more difficult as you just select the coil based on weight and riding style, in fact, EXT will do it for you using a survey when you buy new, damper adjustments are the same and most manufactuers will give you suggested settings for the spring rate; - not all frames are well suited to coil shocks;
yes, all correct.
about the frames:
yes clearance is an issue with some frames, some won't fit the coils, some won't fit beefier coils.
It isn't correct. The air spring service is super easy, and you do not even need to do it in a 50-hour service. The most tricky (and leaky) part is the damper. Which is the same. Ok. Not the same but it differs depending on brand and model, but not coil/air.
@@AntonKhomutenko , it is correct. A coil shock simply has fewer seals and parts to service.
The nice thing about air shocks is the damper is less likely to ingest dirt or moisture as it's internal.
@@tcv4 so is the damper in a coil shock.
loving this series, you’re doing a great job with it evan!
Thanks Miata!!
Not sure how you climbed 25,000 feet to the top of South Mountain. ;) Great video. These are so much better than the Pink Bike version. It really gives me some insight as to what upgrades really make a difference.
Soon as I heard that I was all wtf?? USA doesn't have anything close to that lol.
🤦
You're doing a really good job with this series. Very realistic of what experienced riders will do either way depending on their wants and budget.
Short term suspension isn't a huge issue, but on any sustained course the more forgiving the suspension the less wear on the body and rider. Everything in biking is a trade off. Love the series Evan.
Really great series Evan! Another class video. Giving great insight into value for $ parts! Happy Tuesday ☕️
Worth it and worth it.. What else are you going to do with the money? I mean you could save up, pay for stuff for your kids, college tuition, almost a used car, or some overpriced sofa that your wife tells you that you "need".
Or! You get a bling rear shock (With performance way higher than your riding abilities) to impress your mtb buddies.
The choice is obvious.
Yeah, the rear shock for sure
I personally believe that you should have got both air shock or both coil shock to make it a fair test
I second to this. The Fox Float DPX2 would be a great comparison to the Rockshock Monarch+
@@kmmui9671 you can get the dpx2 performance elite for stupid cheap if you look around since it's an oem only shock and there's left overs as brands switch to the new float x. I got mine brand new for £280 which is cheaper then one of these monarchs.
EXT air shock Coming soon...
I really gotta make sure that i subscribe to you because i've both stripped out my cranks and have had my bike fall of the car! Both felt terrible and i dont wanna experience that ever again, so subscribe to Evan!!!!
Haha dude that's a bummer! Thanks for the support dude!!
Love what you’re doing. Super stoked to know that you are a fellow nurse. Keep it up.
I had issues with the same RS Monarch Plus, and I came across a used EXT Storia, the PO had the same bike as mine, so tuned. Yes!!! Worth it! Actually, I bought the whole frame minus the broken rear end, which I'm using since it is a better fit.
As far as set-up, once you have the right spring to achieve the desired sag, it's not much different to set up the compression and rebound. I don't have to faff around with air anymore.
Oh dude no way! Same shocks as this video haha!! I'm sending the EXT off tomorrow for service and tuning, should be back by the end of the series!
@@EvansMTBSaga Have it tuned for the bike as well if you can. Good luck! The Storia has been awesome on my Pole Evolink! My Monarch had what appeared to be a clunk when in the open position, and a full rebuild didn't solve it.
Its like hi/low from donut but for bikes instead of cars i absolutely love it
The correct way to tighten bolts/nuts is to use the torque wrench on the nut. You won't get a true reading by using it on the bolt.
I want to understand what you mean but I have no clue
@@celzolsen8988 When he tightened the shock mounting bolts he put the torque wrench on the bolt. The correct method is to hold the bolt with an allen key & tighten the the nut with a socket mounted on a torque wrench...tighten the nut into the bolt.
@@Tumid1 wat...... isn't the bolt and the nut the same thing if they are stuck to each other 100%?
@@celzolsen8988 No, not really. I understand why you would think that, but there can be differences due to the length of the bolt - it "twists" a bit, like a torsion bar. As a result, the applied torque doesn't "stay".
@@quentinnine9441 to support this more it is also rubbing against the frame so some of the torque applied is turning into friction against the frame rather then into tightening the bolt
I'll say when I first started riding with my EXT I didn't think it was very poppy. However, some adjustments to the compression and it was just as poppy as my air shock. Overall, I'd pay the money for it and not even question it. More-over, it's made me not want to buy a bike that can't run a coil. I'm completely sold.
Pumped to have met you and looking forward to your next release on Hi/Low Bike Challenge. Thanks for the tip on the Z2 Bomber. My son made the adjustment. 👊🏼
Hey Richard, sorry the video got delayed! Tomorrow is the plan. Glad you made the adjustment on the Bomber!
Great videos Evan still tuned for the series on what’s next keep up the good work
This series is so fun to watch! Great video!
Really love the way you did this series. I think I actually prefer the look of the low bike with the fork that matches the frame color lol
“OoOOoOOooOhH kashima! :O”
This was great! I love the practicality of it. Sure the coil is better but $800 better? You nailed it!
Wow those two extra springs sure are cool. I'd bet whomever sold them to you is a real shredder.
Haha thanks for sending them so fast! They didn't fit, I was so bummed! That white one would've looked so cool
This current series is awesome and funny! I bought my son a 2021 D5 and its been fun upgrading it.
man this series is gonna explode in popularity
You should definitely install a 12000W hub motor
Evan, I love your videos, best thing to watch on the down time down in the field!
It is confirmed that he watches Dount Media
0:34 This is not an extra oil reservoir, it's a gas filled chamber (nitrogen) to were the oil can expand when it's getting hotter. This equals the pressure inside the shock. 1:07 Time to use a Titan spring. This test lacks of reason. You can also buy air-shocks for over 1000$. A compairson between low and high airshock and low and high coilshock would make morte sense. In the end you can use a coilshock even when there's no oil in it. An airshock without air ends in walking home (or you have always a spare shock in your pocket).
We really need to realize how good Evan is doing with this series, so far every test he has gone above and beyond to give us fair results!
Another solid video. Good coverage of the coil shock. The performance seemed incomparable but yes, the setup looked rough and buying second hand is a wild card. Carbon rims next? Can't wait! Was curious what your day job was. Thanks!
The monarch plus was also unlocked, so you're guaranteed "pedal bob" as you weirdly called it, if you'd of switched it into climb mode for the climb, you'll of found that there is next to no squish, just enough to stop them harder hits sending the flex somewhere else on the bike.
I bought a used ext storia from a 95kg speci enduro (very progressive kinematic) rider. With the new coil it isn't even much cheaper than a new one... Now I bought a custom to my bike (linear single pivot) ext and the difference is noticable.
plus your compareson is a bit infair. you say the downside is the hassle and instalation but you'll get it custom tuned with bushings already if not bought used so no hassle it is already 99% setup right.
The "what's that? How much die you spend?" Gets me every time🤣
100% better than pink bike, nice video man hope you gain more subs so you can buy more parts and upload more
Evan man where do you get your money your spending so much money but still it’s entertaining and we all learn something from cheap vs expensive your videos are really good keep up the good work
LOL this reminds me of Hi low on donut media😂
I had the Monarch RC3 on my Banshee, and yes I had it rebuilt multiple times. Swapped it out for a Fox DHX2, what a revelation, coil every time for me.
the coil is more work at the start but is fit and forget
"Pro-tip" for the Air Shock: set the lever to firm for a firmer ride when climbing ;)
6:39 made me snort and laugh 😂
I LOVE the feel of my DHX2 coil... my bike feels so planted compared to the X2 I had on before! Definitely worth the upgrade IMO!
Big question any one needs to a answer before you swap to coil is wether your frame suspension design is designed to accommodate a coil. Many suspension curves are designed around the progressive nature of an air spring, particularly in shorter travel bikes. This may account for why the EXT worked well in the bumps and traction department with the polygon, but not in the drop test. This is also where the EXT custom tuning really comes to the fore as they use that to deal with the linear draw backs of a coil.
You explained that perfectly. Going to have EXT tune it for the Polygon when I send it off
I LOVE my RC3. Fitted perfectly on my ol 2010 Giant Faith, Easy to keep an eye on as the O-Ring drops off the end of the well printed piston if it gets a little low on air.. and I have added air 2-3 times in as many years it has been on there.. about time I did it's 1st service, very little oil leakage.. Ok I'm not abusing the Faith as it was designed (I'm a 54yo mediocre MTB'er) but it survives 1m drop to flat etc and still feels plush.
It came unboxed from a US dealer, I'm guessing it was an upgrade offcast of a new bike as it was in mint condition, yet cost about $140 US delivered to NZ. (Ok, Just before Covid like the bike)
That bushing tool looks soo much easier than the bolt and socket set I use...
5:16 to be fair, if the video is the actual climb for the RC#... it appears it was left on low compression where High is an almost lockout (but thats what I love... "Almost" means it still deflects those roots/rocks you can't avoid on the often smooth climbs. I'm looking to retro a Morse cable so I can change the compression at a flick from the handle bars... Maybe at the same time I make a hydraulic trigger for my dropper...
Absolute fire as usual Evan, STILL SERIOUSLY HYPED FOR NEXT EPISODE
The EXT Storia v3 is great shock, I have one. But mine has spherical bearings so the shock can tilt. Less stiction.
I did not find the shock to be hard to set up. Buy i dont know how yours feels. Mine felt great. But I see you defenitly was satesfied with the rough stuff. I have the Ext Era fork too, but there is a v2 version out. Also air shock coming soon.
@@thiosemicarbizidebenzoylal2921 rockshox and fox both have amazing coil shocks out as well 🥴
@@thiosemicarbizidebenzoylal2921 the best dmm coil shock isn't even really comparable to the ext. The dnm has less adjustments, no lockout lever, no way to internally tune it, weights more, and you can't get it tuned to suit your bikes suspension. I personally have a rockshox super deluxe coil and I love it, it is expensive yes but worth it to me.
@@thiosemicarbizidebenzoylal2921 the website only says compression and rebound, it doesn't even show if it's high or low speed for either one. The ext has low speed and high speed rebound/ compression. Plus there isn't even a lockout lever on the dnm which is quite ridiculous. When ordering an ext shock you also get the option to get the damping shaft/shims and the spring built to your specific suspension on your bike, which means you can run a coil on a bike that is not meant to have one. So yes it's really not comparable
@@thiosemicarbizidebenzoylal2921 I respect opinion. I do agree with things being overpriced but I personally like different adjustments so its worth the waste to me
@@bentoth2494 I've not tried those, but I read stuff from ppl who havr they preffered the EXT.
OH MY GOD I'VE JUST DISCOVERED YOUR CHANNEL AND I LOVE YOUR CONTENT I NEEDED THIS FOR MY BUDGET MOUNTAIN BIKE 😭
didnt know ure a nurse !!!!!! respect!!!
Quote of the century:
Ooo kashima!
I just switched to a coil last week and I don't think that I can ever go back haha
this is the donut media of bikes
Need to get donut media on this. High Low !
I love your siskiu D5 videos bro!!!
Yeahhhhhh i love the low setup.
i love coil, simple to maintain.
i was and used to air shock, but my friend keeps asking me to try using coil,
and yes im not regreting it , i use öhlins.
So perfect
donutmedia but in bikes :DD even the same music. love it
evan , for the budget bike you should've gotten a Bomber Cr Coil rear shock , and painted the coil red so it matches the color scheme
Stoked to know you're a nurse evan
Great video Evan!
Now I'm your new fan 💥
So this is basically a MTB version of Donut Media’s Hi-Low?
Heck yeah man!
These videos make my day
If it's not tuned for your bike, it doesn't really work. I went for the new E-Storia and I'd say it's worth it, if you keep the bike for a long time. If you buy and sell your bikes every year, you may go for another. By the way, if you buy the Storia V3 from EXT directly, they tune it for you, give you some suggestions on the base setting and there are two springs included. I've bought two of their shox already and it has always worked out for me.
Well I'd only be using this shock for another month, and that's it. Should I just sell it leaking, as is and cut my losses?
@@EvansMTBSaga Why sell it? Get it repaired by EXT and tuned for your bik. It's cheaper than a Rock Shox.
Oh because I'm only using the D5 for a few more weeks then swapping all expensive parts onto a carbon frame that can't use coil shocks because of fitment.
You deserve a million subscribers, atleast
I woulda liked to see a Marzoci coil on the low
I would've, but there's not a Marzocchi that fits the D5
@@EvansMTBSaga What's the shock size on the Siskiu D5? 190x51mm aka 7.5x2.0"?
@@redinho1994 Yeah... it's old style imperial. Not many fit, but older coil shocks like DHX2 can. My Firebird is 8.5 x 2.5 and it's real hard to find modern shocks for it. Probably why he had to jump for a Monarch
Why does it feel like I'm watching a Donut Media high low video lol
I like how you integrate the sponsor sections while challenging someone like mrbeast
Good work! Enjoyed the reviewage!
when it comes to hard riding, coil shocks are the way to go
I like the donut style vids
I think most people would agree that an air shock is better for the average mountain biker. If you’re bike came with a nice coil shock and it’s the right Spring Rate for your riding style and weight then consider yourself very lucky. But an air shock will be easier to adjust and get set up properly for the average person.
I bought an EXT storia Lok V3(the exact one in the video) new from suspension syndicate and custom tuned for my bike and riding experience/style. I can absolutely tell you right now that you will almost ALWAYS be fine with something as simple as a rockshox deluxe air shock. It's not the coolest thing in the world to rip around on one of those things but it literally does NOT matter how nice of a bike you have if you don't have the skill to push the equipment hard enough to make it worth it.
One thing that EXT tries to make VERY clear when you're buying their stuff is that you NEED to ride the coil shock very hard because it is tuned for racing unless you specify otherwise. I ride hard and am very confident in the air and in loose terrain but the skill that it takes to REALLY make the shock wake up is kind of crazy and well beyond me. Yes, it's an amazing shock, yes you should go buy one if you have the money because if it's traction that you're looking for then it doesn't really get much better than that but i can also promise you that unless youve been riding for years and are in tune with the way your bike rides and what you want out of it, you probably won't be able to discern a $700 difference in the two
Very well put!!! You said it much better than I could have. Thanks Adza!
Nice video my fellow Rider/nurse
Buenisimo Evan!! Vamos con un video en español!!
“Hey so there’s this great new shock I found and I think you gonna like it,”
“Really?? How much does it weigh?”
“Well that’s the thing it’s actually a pound heavier.
On one of those hill bikes having that 300$ one would 100% sell your bike quicker ...I mean that 1100$ one just look cheap with that spring and don't think it add any spring action value that much either
There are also cheap coil shocks that perform really good, just with less settings. For example: Marzocchi Bomber CR
I would've, but I couldn't find one 190x51
Nc work man! You have a new subscriber! Cheers
You owe it to yourself to get the vorsprung tractive upgrade on the monarch plus!
Do it :D makes for great content too!!!
Don't know if available for your Siskiu D and coil, but the way to go for much easier setup and resistance to bottoming out alike, is a progressive and adjustable coil spring from Sprindex.
this is basically donut media for mtb
Thank you for these distinctive videos and Wago to communicate well in the future
I think the bike livery suits a red or black fork. the Ext shock suits the livery.
Have you considered installing spherical bearings and do a test on both shocks?
I did, but the bearing sizes are way too small unfortunately
@@EvansMTBSaga the Ext shock will fit it, but I guess you mean the eyelet of the Rock Shox won't fit it.
Standard mounts have a lot of friction, and then you add the flex of the frame and it's even more, so the shock won't perform optimally. Not that flex is bad, flex is good if it's the correct amount. Too flexy and bike will perform bad, butt too stiff, and it's not good either. right mix of flex and stiffness makes a robust frame, that won't snap, crack too easily. But all frames have some flex, so shock won't perform optimally without spherical bearings. But of course you can tune the shock to perform better.
I feel so bad using a $8 coil with only preload adjustment on my 90s mtb after seeing the $1100 coil shock
I love your videos bro. And also, I know that buy used is risky, I recently bought a used and I broke it after two rides, I was so sad because I save money for a long time for get my first full suspension (and I bought it used because the new are too expensive). Sometimes people is not honest at all. I hope you can repair the shock, regards from a Mexican fan!
Me installing bushings, hammer 😂😂😂
Nice video Evan. like the POV on SOMO
Oh hey Kevin!! I got my Garbaruk cassette and chain ring! And pulley wheels for the derailleur. Have you raced since White Tanks?
@@EvansMTBSaga I saw the pulley wheels on the last video they look good. I haven’t got to do any more races after the White Tanks race and I ended up buying a Fox 32 SC fork and Haven’t had a chance to ride.
That high bike shock is worth more than my bike
before buying a used shock, make sure that servicekits a still available. No Roco or swinger for example...
Now you just have to change the frame !
I agree! Stay tuned
Quality and quantity keep it up!
This is like donut media but bike edition
I love how the low bike weighs less than the high bike
You need 2 people for this show like donut
That shock is worth more then both my bikes combined 😐
The cheap shock too
Agreed with the two people!
Coil is the best! Yeah they weigh more but it worth it. I would love an EXT! ♥️♥️♥️
I own an ext storia v3 brand new. I can tell you that its a piece of sht. They invested more money in media marketing than in engineering or materials. You should try it before say.
Got the idea from donut media nice
This is literally the bike version of donut media high vs low car
👍
Same rear rockshox I have due for a rebuild funny in the UK I never experienced fade where oil heats up mabey because of the hot desert aid was a factor to
MRP HAZZARD is not leaking 🥳
A coil shock can be a down side if it is not compatible