Shock choice/improvement on my AM9

Probably best and cheapest to get it retuned, unless you really want to go coil .

I'm not on an am9 but I really liked a coil for my am160 and my friend loves his coil on his am9. They're both RS super deluxe so I don't think you need to go high end.

Annoyingly I sold a coil deluxe ultimate on my am160

CURRENTLY have a super deluxe ultimate with the wrong tune (was cheap) ML350 so options are stick or twist!

Send to slick and slide to be retuned

Has Rick given you an idea of what he could do for you?

I have an Aeris 9, so different bike but maybe similar generally?

Came with a Formula Mod coil shock, on which the stock "medium" tune was way too firm for the very progressive frame. Swapped to low compression CTS widget (quick user job) and it's a big improvement. So if you see a cheap Mod shock I'd recommend that.

Also tried the air X2 and it's OK but still working out the settings TBH, got that half price. I think a Cane Creek coil would work well with the frame, just based on owning a few on other bikes.

What feels "wrong" with the current shock, out of interest?

I think I’ve already commented on fb but not the X2. I’ve got one and it’s ok, but it’s not worth the money. In theory the 2024 version is fixed so it won’t crap itself in about 10 mins but I haven’t got enough time on it since rebuilt to fully be confident yet.

If you want air I’d just get your current shock tuned - super deluxe is ok.

Coil I think they’ve discontinued the RS Super Deluxe - been replaced with the Vivid. I bought one and it’s absolutely ace - the hbo is a game changer for me. Struggled a bit with my previous Cane Creek Kitsuma - I had to run a really stiff spring to avoid bottoming out no matter what I did with hsc / lsc damping sessions.

Another thumbs up for the RS coil, can't fault it, there's got to be options knocking around 2nd hand.

If you're sticking with the SD I can recommend either MegNeg or XL can, with probably L1LN tune (is weight dependent).

If X2 (Which is my favourite air shock) then CX002/BX001 is the tune of choice for an AM9 probably. Ive not tested it myself, but thats where I would start.

Coils all work well on AM9s as a rule, its a good option if you don't mind the weight.

Cheers ben

Is the megneg imperative or can that be and at a later date in your opinion @benpinnick

Megneg when I’ve had one (on an Aether 7 and an Aeris 145lt) filled out the midrange to resist wallowing. For the money it was a decent upgrade.

Picking one up tomorrow from @sussedbikes ??

My AM9 , no shock required.

That Curtis has overtaken Joebristol’s Transition as the most shoehorned into threads about a totally different bike 😉

Thank you @razorrazoo I try my best ?

Not sure where you live oldfart, I'm sure it's a lovely bike, but as a main bike here it wouldn't be as good I'm afraid

@oldfart just as well it’s a lovely looking thing

@bikerevivesheffield I do have other options

We all do dude

Not sure why you are in this thread but it's fine and up to you

@razorrazoo - where did that comment come from??!

Megneg can fitted and sag reset - 30psi more! No tokens or bands fitted as no point messing until it's had the rebound and compression tune sorted by slick and slide on the 6th

I always think the Megneg looks nice and chunky. I found 2 bands in the negative and none in the positive worked for me on the Aeris 145LT and the Aether 7. I started both times with no bands - but found it too harsh. Gradually added bands until I found my happy place.

Cheers Joe

Could always fit some Lego volume reducers though fear it'll cost more than a new complete shock.

😉 x

??