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Tuning MTB suspension with volume spacers

Christian Artmann

 · 04.11.2016

Tuning MTB suspension with volume spacersPhoto: Hersteller
Tuning MTB suspension with volume spacers
Using the example of a Rockshox Pike suspension fork and a Monarch damper, we show you how to install the volume spacers (tokens) - the process is very similar for Fox suspension elements.

With modern suspension forks and dampers, the volume of the positive spring can be adjusted using so-called volume spacers (tokens). The more the air volume is reduced, the greater the progression. The whole thing becomes clear when you look at the spring characteristic curve in the diagram. It becomes steeper and steeper towards the rear with more spacers. Manufacturers such as Rockshox offer their own plastic inserts for this purpose, which reduce the volume of the positive chamber with little effort and are often even included in the scope of delivery. Using a Rock Shox Pike and a Monarch shock, we show you how to install the tokens correctly. It works very similarly with suspension forks and shocks from Fox.

1. install volume spacers on the suspension fork

The fork can remain on the bike. You do not need any special tools for this work. The working time is just a few minutes.

Unscrew the cover cap to access the pressure valve.Photo: Hersteller Unscrew the cover cap to access the pressure valve. Release all the air pressure in the fork. Squeeze the fork several times and release the air again.Photo: Hersteller Release all the air pressure in the fork. Squeeze the fork several times and release the air again. Unscrew the pressure cover using the appropriate hexagon socket, here 24 mm.Photo: Hersteller Unscrew the pressure cover using the appropriate hexagon socket, here 24 mm. The "Bottomless Tokens" (volume spacers) can be screwed directly into the pressure lid by hand.Photo: Hersteller The "Bottomless Tokens" (volume spacers) can be screwed directly into the pressure lid by hand. For an optimum fit, screw in the tokens hand-tight and tighten lightly with a 6 mm Allen key. Depending on the fork model, a maximum of 4-6 tokens can be screwed together. However, more than two are rarely necessary.Photo: Hersteller For an optimum fit, screw in the tokens hand-tight and tighten lightly with a 6 mm Allen key. Depending on the fork model, a maximum of 4-6 tokens can be screwed together. However, more than two are rarely necessary. The modified pressure cap is then carefully screwed back on (keep the fine thread free of lint, otherwise there is a risk of gradual air loss) and tightened to 28 Nm. Bring back up to operating pressure and you're done.Photo: Hersteller The modified pressure cap is then carefully screwed back on (keep the fine thread free of lint, otherwise there is a risk of gradual air loss) and tightened to 28 Nm. Bring back up to operating pressure and you're done.
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2. install volume spacer on the damper

The Monarch shock must be unscrewed for the modification with volume spacers. Fox CTD/DPS dampers can even remain installed in the bike.

Firstly, all the air must be removed from the damper. To do this, compress the damper several times to release the pressure from the negative spring.Photo: Hersteller Firstly, all the air must be removed from the damper. To do this, compress the damper several times to release the pressure from the negative spring. Some air chambers, such as this one on the Monarch Debonair, are secured with a large O-ring. Carefully remove this with a blunt needle.Photo: Hersteller Some air chambers, such as this one on the Monarch Debonair, are secured with a large O-ring. Carefully remove this with a blunt needle. The outer air chamber sleeve can then simply be removed.Photo: Hersteller The outer air chamber sleeve can then simply be removed. By slipping the "bottomless rings" (rubber rings) over the inner sleeve, the effective volume of the positive air chamber is reduced.Photo: Hersteller By slipping the "bottomless rings" (rubber rings) over the inner sleeve, the effective volume of the positive air chamber is reduced. Depending on the degree of desired change, several rings can also be attached. Make sure that the rings lie flat and next to each other.Photo: Hersteller Depending on the degree of desired change, several rings can also be attached. Make sure that the rings lie flat and next to each other. The maximum number of spacers is reached when the rear space is completely filled up to the constriction. However, this rarely makes sense. A few spacer rings are usually sufficient. Once the spacers have been pulled out, the outer sleeve can be pushed back on as far as it will go and secured with the black O-ring. Here, too, it is essential to avoid soiling.Photo: Hersteller The maximum number of spacers is reached when the rear space is completely filled up to the constriction. However, this rarely makes sense. A few spacer rings are usually sufficient. Once the spacers have been pulled out, the outer sleeve can be pushed back on as far as it will go and secured with the black O-ring. Here, too, it is essential to avoid soiling.
Before reinstalling the damper, you should pressurise it to check that it remains tight.Photo: Hersteller Before reinstalling the damper, you should pressurise it to check that it remains tight.

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