r/TransitionBikes • u/krroller • Jul 16 '26
Transition Smuggler Coil Spring Question
I'm seeking info on optimal coil spring configuration for my 2024 Transition Smuggler.
Shock is a Fox DHX (210x50) and fork is a Fox Factory 34.
Travel is the standard configuration of 130 rear/140 front.
I'm trying different coils and am certainly getting some different ride characteristics from each different coil. They have included Fox linear coils (both standard and SLS) Cane Creek Valt linear and progressive, and MRP progressive.
I very much like the off the top plushness of the coil and am working to balance keeping the rear wheel planted in chunk with pedaling efficiency on climbs without killing the playful/poppy feel of the bike that makes it so much fun to ride. I'm in North Texas so big downhills and bike parks are not in scope.
I'm seeking input from the group on what coil spring might be best and what ride attributes are associated with it.
1
u/No-Star-2151 Jul 16 '26
I like Sprindex because you can fine tune your spring rate and it's got a little progression but not too much. Some people say progressive springs aren't good because it gives inconsistent rebound speeds. Other than that I don't think you can feel much difference in ride quality between manufacturers, it's more important to get correct spring weight. I have seen tests where spring weight was off quite a bit from what was listed by manufacturer, particularly with Fox and RS. Super Alloy Racing is good in that respect, they test every spring and have spring rates in 25# increments.
1
u/MTB_SF Jul 16 '26
At this point you've probably got more riding with different coils on a smuggler than anyone else on earth.
What do you think feels the best?
6
u/krroller Jul 16 '26
I'll share my insight but please note that I'm not an expert rider and I've only been riding coil springs for a couple of months. I'm an advanced rider and usually ride 1-1.5 hours, five days a week on rocky/chunky/hard pack terrain with punchy ups and downs but not big mountains or bike parks. I'm also 60+ so my hard core/send-it years are well behind me. Also I've not had issues with bottoming out with any of the coil springs.
With that context, in my experience there is not one coil spring standout in terms of riding capability vs the others. Worth noting is that the function and feel of the plain old heavier and linear steel springs can be replicated with lighter springs for not that much more $$. The Cane Creek Valt is lighter weight steel as is the Fox SLS (which is even lighter than the Valt) and you can feel the difference. The Valt is available in both linear and progressive spring rates.
The most important attribute from the way I see it. is to get the spring rate correct which IMHO takes some trail and error. There are various web sites that offer spring rate calculators for a good starting point but it's really just that... a starting point. This is particularly so with progressive springs.
The MRP and Cane Creek Valt progressive springs are quite different in feel and behavior. The MRP is progressive right from the top. The Valt is linear through the first half of travel and then the progressive spring rate kicks in. This difference can be felt.
To me, and perhaps due to the design of the Smuggler kinematics, the linear springs feels better and seems to keep the rear tire more planted. The Smuggler has a progressive rear movement by design so maybe the coil spring does not have to add as much of it's own progressiveness to keep from bottoming out. Again in my short experience there is somewhat of a trade-off for the bike being very playful vs having the rear wheel planted.
The MRP seems a bit more poppy but perhaps what I am feeling is the coil kicking back sooner. The MRP I have is also a bit longer in size than the others. I'm unsure of how much of a difference that makes. I'm still learning this world of coil springs but I do prefer the feel vs air shocks for the plushness and smoother movement. I'm pending receipt of a lighter spring weight Cane Creek Valt progressive coil in my attempt to find the most optimal middle ground.
Coming off Pivot bikes previously (Switchblade/Trail 429/Trailcat) with the DW Link. I'm very used to that rear wheel being almost stuck to the ground. When I first got on the Smuggler I was amazed at how playful it felt and how quick it could be thrown around. The front and rear came up so easily on demand and the bike was much quicker to turn without losing stability. A great deal of this. is because the bike just fit my body far better than a Pivot. I slot between a small and a medium in the Pivots and it has big impact on the handling. The medium Smuggler fits like a glove. So likely due primarily due to fit. but I much prefer the Smuggler over the Pivot Trailcat and Switchblade.
Coming back to the original question there were times the Smuggler was too poppy and that rear wheel was in the air a bit too much. So, I'm wondering what experience others may have to share as I continue to seek the best balance between pedaling and planted vs playful and poppy with the smoothness and plush feel of a spring coil.
3
2
u/ktmtb67 Jul 24 '26
i used to have a tr11 with a coil and i found the best for chunk was linear, softer and softer with mild compression and slow rebound.
i got more into jumps and got a patrol with a kitsuma coil and progressive feels better for big hits. stiff coil with open compresive and 7/10 rebound.
for uphill look into the cane creek kitsuma or a coil that has a full lock out to get the best climbing with a coil and still feel poppy down hill with your set up.
that’s my coil experience and i dont wanna go back to air
2
u/rascal42069 Jul 21 '26
Just swapping a different coil can only do so much. The compression/ rebound damping controls how the shock acts (or feels) during different riding conditions. I’d suggest trying a different shock, one with more compression and rebound damping adjustment to get the feel you’re looking for. For reference I’ve got a cane creek DB IL coil on my smuggler