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Tuning suspension forks using volume spacers - we show you how its done!
A correctly set up suspension fork is a requirement for riding trails fast and safe. Using "volume spacers" or "bottomless tokens", you can set up your MTB air suspension perfectly.
Have fun following our instructions!
Some advice before we start
- Volume spacers affect your suspension. If you have never set up your suspension before, first watch our beginner's guide: Setting up MTB suspension
- What does adding or removing volume spacers do? Using these tokens, you can tweak the suspension properties of your fork. The more tokens you add, the smaller the positive air chamber gets, and the suspension gets more progressive. You can prevent bottoming out the forks without having to add more air pressure. Adding spacers is worth a try especially if you are an advanced or heavier rider. Beginners or less heavy riders can remove tokens to get a more linear spring rate and use all the travel.
- When adding or removing volume spacers, pay attention not to let any dirt into your air chamber.
- The correct function of your suspension does not only depend on your setup, but also on the service condition. Check when the last service was done. Dry gaskets and old oil can affect the function of your suspension.
- Try different setups! Volume spacers are an easy and effective way of tuning your suspension. Try out various numbers of tokens and air pressures until you have found your perfect setup.
You have read that? Then we can now begin tuning!
1. Adding or removing volume spacers
- Remove the dust cap of the valve and let out the air from the air chamber. Make sure to let out all the air before opening the chamber.
- Remove the top cap of the air chamber using a wrench.
- Clean and grease the gasket.
- Now you can put spacers onto your top cap and put them into your air chamber. When screwing the top cap back on, pay attention not to damage the thread and use the right amount of torque.
- After putting air into your forks, you can test them out. For the best comparison, use your old air pressure. Depending on the desired riding properties, you can add/remove air or volume spacers. Done!
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