Saddle Slang is sponsored by Rehook. Check out our tools, bike care and apparel

Koil Suh-spen-shun Fawk

Noun, Suspension Fork

A type of mountain bike fork that uses a coil spring for suspension

Example usage: My mountain bike has a coil suspension fork for added comfort and control.

Most used in: Mountain biking communities across the world.

Most used by: Mountain bikers, particularly those who prefer more technical terrain.

Popularity: 8/10

Comedy Value: 3/10

Also see: Rigid Fork, Coil Spring Fork, Coil-Sprung Fork, Coil-Over Fork,

What is a Coil Suspension Fork?

A coil suspension fork is a type of suspension fork used on mountain bikes. It uses a steel coil spring to provide a smoother ride over rough terrain. The coil spring is housed in a sealed unit, and as the wheel encounters obstacles, the spring compresses and rebounds, absorbing the shock.

Coil suspension forks are generally heavier than air-sprung or oil-damped forks, but offer increased durability and better small-bump sensitivity. The spring rate of a coil suspension fork can be adjusted to suit the rider's weight and riding style, making it a popular choice for heavier riders or those who prefer a more controlled ride.

Statistics from a 2019 survey showed that coil suspension forks accounted for 17% of the mountain bike suspension forks in use. This makes the coil suspension fork the second most popular option behind the air-sprung fork, which accounted for a majority of the forks in use at 57%.

.

The Origin of the Coil Suspension Fork in Cycling

The term 'Coil Suspension Fork' is used to describe a type of bicycle suspension fork that uses a coil spring to absorb shocks and vibrations. This type of suspension fork has been around since the late 1980s, with the first examples being used on mountain bikes in the United States.

The earliest recorded use of the term 'Coil Suspension Fork' to refer to this type of suspension was in a 1992 advertisement from the company Rock Shox in the magazine Mountain Bike Action. Since then, the term has been widely adopted by cyclists and manufacturers of suspension forks.

The use of coil suspension forks on mountain bikes has become increasingly popular over the years, and today they are used on many types of bikes, including road, cyclocross, and gravel bikes. Coil suspension forks provide a smooth ride and are generally durable and reliable.

The term 'Coil Suspension Fork' has become an integral part of the cycling lexicon, and is widely used to refer to this type of suspension fork.

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

Saddle Slang

Find definitions for all of the technical terms, slang, and acronyms used in cycling. From the different types of bikes and their components, to training techniques, racing terminology and put downs, this dictionary has it all.

Talk the Talk
1 of 3

EXCLUSIVE OFFERS AND THE LATEST UPDATES BY EMAIL

FOLLOW THE NEWSLETTER