If you’re looking for a new rear shock, one of the biggest decisions is whether to go for a coil or air-sprung shock.
The RockShox Vivid is available in both forms, and neither is simply “better” than the other. They have different characteristics, and the right choice depends on how you ride, your bike, and what you want from your suspension.
So, Vivid Coil or Vivid Air — which is right for you?
Vivid Coil
A coil shock uses a physical spring rather than an air chamber to support the rider and bike.
The biggest advantage is consistency. A coil spring behaves in a very linear and predictable way through its travel, giving the bike a smooth, controlled feel that many aggressive riders really like.
One unforeseen advantage I noticed when moving from an air can to a coil is how much more composed the shock felt when climbing. The linear nature gives more consistent support in the mid stroke of the travel and as a result I rarely find myself reaching for the compression adjuster when climbing.
Why choose a Vivid Coil?
Excellent small-bump sensitivity
A coil shock can feel particularly smooth over small, repeated bumps and rough terrain. The rear wheel is able to track the ground without feeling harsh or unsettled.
Consistent performance
Unlike an air spring, a coil doesn’t rely on air pressure, so its spring characteristics remain very consistent throughout a long descent.
Predictable support
The linear nature of a coil spring gives you a very consistent feel through the stroke, which can be particularly useful when riding steep, technical terrain or hitting bigger features.
Ideal for aggressive riding
If you’re riding enduro, downhill or particularly rough terrain, the planted and predictable feel of a coil can be a major advantage.
The downside?
A coil shock needs the correct spring rate for your bike and rider weight. Unlike an air shock, you can’t simply change the pressure with a shock pump.
You may need to change the coil spring if your requirements change significantly.
Coil shocks can also add some weight compared with an equivalent air shock.
RockShox Vivid Air
The Vivid Air uses an air spring, giving you a highly adjustable shock with the convenience of changing spring rate using air pressure.
Modern air shocks have come a long way, and the Vivid Air is designed to provide much of the controlled, supple feel associated with a larger-volume shock while retaining the adjustability of an air spring.
Why choose a Vivid Air?
Easy spring-rate adjustment
Changing air pressure allows you to adjust the shock to suit your weight, riding style and bike setup without buying a different spring.
That’s particularly useful if you’re experimenting with your suspension setup.
Lower weight
An air shock will generally be lighter than a coil equivalent, which can be worthwhile if you’re conscious of overall bike weight.
Highly tuneable
Air pressure, volume spacers and the shock’s damping adjustments give you plenty of scope to fine-tune the feel.
Great all-rounder
For riders who use the same bike for everything from local trails to enduro racing, an air shock can offer a very versatile setup.
So which should you choose?
There’s no universal answer.
Choose a Vivid Coil if you:
- Ride aggressive enduro or downhill
- Prioritise grip and small-bump sensitivity
- Like a planted, predictable rear end
- Regularly ride long, rough descents
- Prefer a more linear suspension feel
- Don’t mind the additional weight
- Are happy to select and fit the correct spring rate
Choose a Vivid Air if you:
- Want easy spring-rate adjustment
- Want to keep weight down
- Like experimenting with your suspension setup
- Ride a mixture of terrain
- Want a versatile shock for different riding conditions
- Don’t want to carry or change coil springs
What about enduro racing?
This is where things get interesting.
For aggressive enduro riding, both can work extremely well.
A coil can give you an incredibly planted feel and excellent traction through rough sections, while an air shock can offer a little more flexibility when you’re trying to balance pedalling efficiency, weight and downhill performance.
Your bike’s suspension design also makes a big difference. Some frames are naturally better suited to a coil shock, while others are designed around an air shock.
So don’t choose purely based on what another rider uses.
The bottom line
If you want maximum grip, consistency and that planted coil-sprung feel, the Vivid Coil is worth serious consideration.
If you want adjustability, lower weight and an easy-to-tune setup, the Vivid Air is likely to be the better choice.
Neither is the “better” shock.
The better shock is the one that suits your bike, your riding and what you want the bike to feel like.
Still unsure? Check your bike’s shock size and manufacturer’s recommendations before ordering. If you’re not sure which Vivid is right for your bike, get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.