Cane Creek Announces The New DBAir [IL] Rear Shock and OPT/DROPT Remotes

by Brian Mullin on January 10, 2017

Cane Creek announced the release of the new DBAir [IL] rear shock, which prominently features their new LinEair Air Spring along with an Oil Seal Head Redesign and Reconfigured Air Piston for improved reliability and more consistent performance. The shock will utilize their Twin Tube damping, 4-way independent adjustments including high and low-speed compression, high and low-speed rebound along with their fantastic and highly functional Climb Switch technology. The DBcoil [IL], short for Inline, is intended for mid-travel bikes in the 140-160mm travel range.

For additional information refer to canecreek.com

Press Release

FLETCHER, N.C. – January 10th, 2017. Cane Creek Cycling Components is very proud to introduce the newest product to the Double Barrel family, the DBAIR [IL]. Three years in the making, the DBAIR [IL] is the next evolution of the most advanced inline shock. Launched in 2014, the Cane Creek DBINLINE was a leap forward in mountain bike suspension technology that was revered as a game changer to the industry. However, we acknowledged the need for a big jump in reliability.

With the development of the DBAIR [IL], we have brought forth great advancements in our design and manufacturing processes, all in an effort to make our shocks more robust compared to the previous generation of in-line Double Barrel technology. These successful advancements that were used to create the DBAIR [IL] have also been employed into the new 2017 DBINLINE and DBCOIL [IL] shocks, ensuring increased reliability across the entire in-line Double Barrel shock family. The DBAIR [IL] retails for $475 and is available for purchase and shipment now.

For DBINLINE owners, Cane Creek and its service centers are providing the new internal parts during every rebuild at no cost; that’s new air piston and new oil seal head, for both warranty or paid service. Also, riders can upgrade their DBINLINE to the new DBAIR [IL] while it is in for service or warranty at Cane Creek. Under warranty, a DBINLINE can be upgraded to a DBAIR [IL] for $65 USD. If not a warranty, DBINLINE owners can upgrade to a DBAIR [IL] for $225 USD.

In addition to the DBAIR [IL], Cane Creek Cycling Components is also introducing two new handlebar remote systems for 2017:

The OPT climb switch handlebar remote – allows handlebar access and optimized control to the climb switch function of any DBAIR [IL], DBCOIL [IL], and DBINLINE shocks. OPT’s mechanical cable design was intended to keep the remote simple and reliable. OPT has two different mounting options to cater to several types of shock mounting orientations. To learn more about the OPT climb switch remote, please refer to the OPT product profile below. OPT will be available for purchase and shipment February 1st.

The DROPT dropper seat post remote – designed with OPT in mind, is a universal remote that is compatible with any cable actuated dropper seat post. DROPT can be easily mounted on the same handlebar clamp with OPT to reduce handlebar clutter and holds several adjustment features to create the ideal dropper post handlebar set up for all types of cable orientations and requirements. To learn more about the DROPT dropper seat post remote, please refer to the DROPT product profile document below. DROPT will be available for purchase and shipment February 1st.


Features

  • Weight – 397 grams (216 mm x 63mm no hardware)
  • Damping – Twin-tube independent compression and rebound in two high-speed and four low-speed damping circuits
  • Adjustments
    • 4-way independent adjustment:
      • High-speed compression
      • Low-speed compression
      • High speed rebound
      • Low speed rebound
    • Climb Switch on/off
  • Air Spring – LinEair Air Spring
  • Lengths
    • 165 x 38mm (6.5″ x 1.5″), 184 x 44mm (7.25″ x 1.73″), 190 x 50mm (7.5″ x 2.0″), 200 x 50mm (7.87″ x 2.0″), 200 x 57mm (7.87 x 2.25″), 216 x 63mm (8.5″ x 2.5″)
    • Metric – 170 x 30mm, 170 x 35mm, 190 x 40mm, 190 x 45mm, 210 x 50mm, 210 x 55mm

New Air Spring – LinEair

Introducing the DBAIR [IL], an all new twin-tube inline shock with superior performance and reliability. The first shock to feature Cane Creek’s LinEair Spring, the DBAIR [IL] is the best of both worlds, an air shock that feels more supple, linear and seamlessly supportive throughout its travel.

When developing the DBAIR [IL], our engineering team brought forth great advancements in our design and manufacturing processes, all devised to make our shocks more robust compared to the previous generation. The fully loaded functions of the DBAIR [IL] far outstrips other inline shocks and now offers even greater performance and reliability to unleash the full potential of trail and enduro bikes.

The DBAIR [IL]is the first shock to feature our LinEair Spring. Requiring a lower force to activate, the LinEair Spring provides the consistent feel of a coil shock from the initial stroke, full support during mid-stroke and the added bonus of a progressive air spring curve when deep in the travel.

The Next Revolution – Enhanced Reliability

With the development of the DBAIR [IL], we brought forth great advancements in our design and manufacturing processes, all designed to make our shocks more robust compared to the previous generation.

Oil Seal Head Redesign

For consistent performance, the DBAIR [IL] features a completely redesigned oil seal head. In air shocks, this critical component separates the damping oil from the air spring. The continual compression and rebound damping action along with seal friction on long descents generate a large amount of heat, which is then insulated by the air spring.

To combat this assault, our new oil seal head features a specialty quad ring made of a high-performance synthetic rubber material that is far more resistant to heat and compression set, (the tendency for an elastomeric material to relax over time) and is 26% larger than the previous design, which provides better sealing under adverse conditions. Made of an advanced material, it is more durable and smoother than standard seals. The shaft bearing has also been redesigned to improve shaft to seal alignment.

Reconfigured Air Piston

A common disorder with air shocks is the tendency for seals to leak. Our engineering team addressed this on two fronts with a more robust air piston that features an upgraded seal.

The first step was to make the seal 26% thicker so that it would be able to maintain better contact with the sealing surface. The second step was to change the material to one that is tougher (more cut and tear resistant), as well as more wear and heat-resistant. This seal also has lubricants embedded in the material itself that reduce friction and wear and further reduce the probability of seal damage. The end result is greater flexibility for the shock to meet the demands of any trail.


OPT

Cane Creek’s patented Climb Switch technology has changed the way riders think about suspension. No other shock on the market offers climbing-specific damping for both compression and rebound. Keeping suspension active while climbing results in better connection to the trail and increased efficiency without annoying pedal-bob. The Double Barrel in-line valve body was
designed to be retrofitted with a remote accessing the CS feature at the sway of a thumb – never leaving the handlebars.

Introducing OPT – the Climb Switch handlebar remote that is optimized throughout its travel from off to on. Thus giving riders the option to tune their Climb Switch to their desired riding preference. OPT offers two mounting options (Top or Bottom) to allow for a variety of fitment orientations.

  • Mounting
    • Top mount (Cable enters shock mount from the top eyelet side of the shock)
    • Bottom mount (Cable enters shock mount from stanchion side of the shock)
  • Compatibility
    • DBINLINE
    • DBCOIL [IL]
    • DBAIR [IL]
  • Finish
    • Hard Anodized
    • Forged Aluminum
  • Cable Required
    • Brake Cable and Shifter Housing

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