Cheapish rear shock comparison. Kind air shock dual V DNM 22 coil

[benphyr]

I remember seeing the weights elsewhere however could not find them so I weighed the shocks I have for comparison. My kitchen scale is probably +- 10g but the relative weights of shocks should be pretty accurate - same digital scale, in same hard, flat location, weigh one then replace with other). (I am re-using the Cruzbike ones because the lower Cruzbike frame uses a longer sleeve/nut (whatever you call it) and because I want to be able to fold the bike easily so I am keeping the Cruzbike quick release instead of the 5mm allen (hex) bolt. Weights are without mounting hardware:

507g = 1.1 lbs = QX100 Cruzbike stock spring shock
172g = 0.38 lbs = 6 oz = Kind A5RR1 Air shock with Main and Negative pressure

335g = 0.74 lbs = 11.8 oz = Difference - The Air shock is 1/3rd the weight = 3/4 lbs weight savings.

Switching mounting hardware would save a further more:
46g = Quick release hardware
18g = Bolt/Sleeve (provided by Kind)

28g = Difference

 

[benphyr]

The new Q45 has a full-size 165mm shock so 40mm travel.

And the Q45 shock is at a more relaxed angle.

Vertical travel at the shock mount might be more like
22mm Qx100
47mm Q45

 

[billyk]

Notes to those changing the shock and/or adjusting the pivot on the QX100 (not sure if this applies to Quests or Q45):

-When tightened down hard the bolts pinch the shock/pivot slightly giving a little friction to them so they do not move completely freely. It is very little and doesn't seem noticeable when riding, it also means that when you fold the bike you are not fighting with a completely freely swinging aluminum baseball bat - err rear swing arm. It may be slightly less stiff than when I received this QX100 used 2 years ago with two full seasons commuting on it. I guess it may work as a very slight friction based damper.

-The bottom bolt for the shock is in from the right side of the bike, the sleeve goes in from the left. This can make it easier to remove/install.

-You may need two 5mm Allen (hex) keys (unless you can take one out without the other slipping).

-To help get the sleeve out you can: 1) lift the seat up so that there is no weight holding onto the sleeve, then 2) screw the bolt in some and push on that with your allen key to get it started moving - that will help prevent damage to the threads.

Replying also to @jond

The ride on the Q45 with the longer shock is better than on my Q2/100 (upgraded with Q100 front end parts). I would say plusher, even though I have it pumped up much harder. I am much more willing to jump the curb on the Q45, and it doesn't feel like I'm stressing the bike or myself.

Also worth noting is that I can feel it compress and push back, but there is near-zero second bounce. I guess this is the negative chamber doing its job.

WRT @benphyr 's point about friction at the shock joints, Phil Wood grease on those bolts helps.

I wish I had the money to test out these different shocks but I don't ... I'm happy enough with the Kind.

 

[super slim]

@jond

The new Q45 has a full-size 165mm shock so 40mm travel.

I have the QX100 and the shock is a 125mm so only 20mm travel. I took a ride last night after doing the switch. It was my normal commute so I knew what to expect and when I got back the o-ring indicated 14mm of the 20mm total travel. The bumps included rough transitions from road to sidewalk that I would consider quite tough and would not want to bottom out on. Is 2/3rds travel good? That is where I don't know. I did not drop off any curbs however which would be pushing the maximum I would want to subject this shock and my bike to. It is not my mountain bike.

I weigh approximately 135lbs + 33 lbs of bike. I had the shock set at 100psi main and 65psi negative pressure which are the minimum recommended pressures.

I think that you have the correct pressure and movement!
How did the ride feel compared to the coil spring?