How to change the travel on your fork (air shaft assembly swap) | Syd Fixes Bikes

[@sydfixesbikes]

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[@Leo_Inclan]

I run RockShox and have no interest in changing their travel. Stil watching this all the way through. I just really enjoy Syd and Macky's way of doing things.

[@blvck______]

Me too

[@sydfixesbikes]

One thing we forgot to mention: when you're adding pressure back into the fork, every 20 psi or so, leave the shock pump attached and slowly compress the fork a couple times to allow the positive and negative air chambers to equalize. It will also slightly decrease the pressure in the upper chamber (what the pump is reading), so do the same when you get to your desired pressure and then double check that the pressure is what you want it to be.

[@ricksmith2127]

I like learning about bikes from someone who is learning as well (and who has a great instructor like Maki to answer her questions and explain the technical aspects). Keep the videos coming. I hope your channel continues to grow.

[@JustAGlitchFL]

*Macky I think

[@WorldoftheWoods]

I watched your video among many others when preparing to adjust the travel on my 36 Performance Elite, and it helped immensely! Thanks!!

[@superawesomefuntimego]

I actually bought the 160mm air shaft to upgrade my 2020 RIP 9 RDO's 36 about a month ago. Been sitting on it waiting to have time to do it. Figure it would compliment my upgrade to the Fox DHX2 Coil for the rear (which I LOVE much, much more than the DPX2). Thanks for the vid!

[@89yjrj]

Great video! I did the same thing on my Rockshox Reba and went from 130 to 140mm.

[@halfgeek1394]

I wanted to drop the travel in my Fox 36 from 160 to 140mm but I let my local bike shop deal with the mess. This video was informative, to know what exactly they did to my fork.

[@russellh22a]

How much did they charge you?

[@halfgeek1394]

@@russellh22a I don't remember, tbh. it was bundled in with some other items I bought, but it depends on your local shop's labor rate. I think it was less than $100, plus parts, but it's essentially a fork service with an extra step.

[@tsiturbotsi]

Love your videos! Thanks for all the great info and fun.

[@mathewcampbell8479]

Great vid as usual, informative and fun at the same time! As a matter of interest, what's the most you can extend the travel?

[@sydfixesbikes]

Depends on the fork. I believe for most versions of the Fox 36, it's 180mm.

[@unforgivenx8]

Does this work on rythm 36 for 180?

[@1969Escobar]

Great work!! cheers 🤘

[@vicvic19841]

I’m trying to change my steel front wheel but the front fork is too tight. Pls. Help me

[@vicvic19841]

By the way I have a ridgid fork

[@mudkayak6305]

Is there a limit to the bump up... like 140 to 160 is that allowable?

[@sydfixesbikes]

As long as they make an air shaft for that fork, then yes, you can bump it up. Also make sure to check the max fork size for your bicycle.

[@ManuelMartinez09]

The best part of your shop guys is no Park Tools at all

[@tomahoks]

My shed is below freezing right now, no desire to go in there.

[@sydfixesbikes]

Yeah, ours is too 🥶

[@Dopeassbikevids]

Lol. Wah-hoooooooo

[@mikecarter6758]

This channel is becoming my go to reference for both service and smiles. Lucky to have a great shop, DirtLabs, here in NoCO. They just extend a Pike to 150 for me. Nice to know I can do this in the future. Thanks!

[@RobBrewster-c4c]

Nice Video, I highly recommend safety glasses and gloves when servicing suspension. Synthetic oils are caustic and not for human contact!

[@ANTheWhizkid]

So either this is a coincidence or we both like watching gmbn tech^^ Thanks a lot for the episode, you two :P You´re great!

[@janmaly1591]

0:52 Syd's maniacal expression when wielding a rubber mallet. 👌Great vid! Didn't know one could actually increase the travel on my fork.

[@nimbuscycles2354]

Thanks for this vid, gave me confidence to order and consider tackling doing maintenance on the lowers and changing to a longer airshaft. I gotta ask, what were your thoughts after having gone from 150 to 160? Experience? Feel? Happy? Regret?

[@tfraz99]

Great content guys. Syd still surprises herself when she fixes things, which is great.

[@jimr3179]

She surprises ME! when she fixes things....

[@Justkeepshredding]

I get that you were replacing the air shaft but, if you are servicing the forks getting the circlip out with a flat head and pick is game over after you scratched it to death.

[@dadlife8289]

Hey Mackey, I just performed this on a Marzocchi Bomber Z2 and it worked like a dream! Thanks for making this video!! They use the same air shaft as Fox 34.

[@MrPyadster]

same shaft as 34 rythm not float :)

[@DavidMaruca_]

Great timing. I’ve got 45/50 hours into my fork lol. Slickoleum and my fork oils coming in soon.

[@johnromain1885]

Great video! I have the parts to do a 130 to 140 change on my 34. Just needed some motivation. As a FYI, search for a nylon veterinary syringe. They are easy to clean and work great for brake bleeds too. Works a lot better than the disposables.

[@IvanGarcia-sj5bc]

Were you able yo do it?

[@toven89]

When putting pressure back in shouldn't you go through the travel a bit from time to time? To have equal pressure in negative and positive chamber?

[@sydfixesbikes]

Yes, we forgot to show that, but that is recommended.

[@johnnyballgame463]

Does this travel change impact geometry? Head angle, reach, stack, etc. Thanks!

[@sydfixesbikes]

Head angle for sure

[@DavidTurner-t3e]

Thanks for a great explanation and demonstration, just converted my wife’s NOS Fox 34 to a 150. Thanks so much DT

[@barryray275]

Great vid, I'm learning loads. Keep 'em coming.

[@DiegoPerezOrtega]

question.... I have a 34 rhythm 2017 of 100mm and I want to change it to how it was before (150mm) I want to buy the air shaft but I want to know if it would fit the air shaft of 2019 34 float of 150mm

[@karlosxzy]

Doing this job in half an hour!

[@ThomasTiotto]

Is it absolutely necessary to remove the top cap or could I get away with not doing so as long as I put the necessary oil in the top chamber? My fork only has 100km so I don’t think I’d need to clean the inside of the stanchions or anything.

[@markperry7055]

I noticed you put the air spring in with a big gap in the negative chamber and then had alot of negative fork suck when pulling on the air spring. If you have yet to fix that problem, just pull it back out and slide it back in with the neg plate slid all the way against the piston so that there is no air in the negative chamber and the shaft is fully extended out of the bottom of the fork.

[@mymorristribe]

Excellent. I Learned more about Fox forks in this video than in any other I've watched. Love the diy, amateur, feel of the the leaning process coupled with the clearly knowledgeable MacMentoring. Haha.

[@rainerwahnsinn9672]

You are a super enjoyable couple ! That was pretty chill watching. Cheers from germany.

[@LuisManuelHdez]

Bout to change mine from 160-150.. go figure.😁for better climbing.

[@markkligerman6861]

Syd and Mackey, I followed your steps to change the travel in my 36. Really good step by step tutorial, thank you.

[@irfanhaffianto324]

can we just add clip spacer between the rubber and top piston?

[@brgstrm]

Chamferless socket is the tool you ask for if you have to buy one at an auto parts store.

[@brianmbremer]

I have a Fox Float 32 100mm from a 2021 Niner Air 9 RDO 3 Star. I'm reading conflicting information online. Is the stock 100mm fork able to be bumped up to 120mm?

[@sydfixesbikes]

I don't think so, but not completely sure. Probably worth reaching out to Fox to see if they can give you a firm answer.

[@johnmason3506]

As always good information for DIY bike maintenance that is entertaining as well!

[@scmtbnomad]

Just increased my 2022 36 Rhythm from 140mm to 150mm and now have a knocking sound each time the fork expands again. Not loud, not metallic, but audible. Also there is more noise from the fork just compressing. Like a swooshing sound I did. compress the fork multiple times when putting pressure back in to level the negative spring Any ideas?

[@sydfixesbikes]

Weird. The swooshing could just be that the oil in the damper is traveling faster through the shims since it has farther to do not that there's more travel. You could try readjusting the compression, rebound, etc. In terms of the knock, might be worth confirming everything is tight, especially on the air side where you were changing things. Besides that though, I don't know...

[@scmtbnomad]

@@sydfixesbikes thnx. I actually disassembled the fork again today. When moving the damper side shaft I get the noise. It is not the air shaft It actually sounds as if there was too little oil in the damper cartridge and some air 🤷‍♂️ This causes the swooshing sound I didn’t do anything to the damper side though…. Reassembled again, rode a few meters including a short trail. Rides fine but when bunny hopping the swoosh is audible..

[@31acruz]

Fastforward to the 2minute mark, it's really what we came in to see.

[@williambiname2405]

This was so helpful, thanks a lot for making these tech videos!

[@jaydance405]

Hey guys love the content! I have to 2021 niner rip rdo, of course niner would come out with the wfo as soon as I get this lol question how was the 160mm, I have been in contact with niner and they suggested not doing it, and sticking with 150mm? Just curious if it’s worth it? Keep up the great work guys!

[@sydfixesbikes]

We've actually only run them at 160 so can't compare, but it's pretty fun at 160 😁

[@ThunderStruckMTB]

Really, really love the whole vibe on this channel from you guys! Super informative while being laid back and funny.

[@harryls1283]

Hey Cid, I am thinking of getting an XC bike with 130 mm front and back travel, can I buy newer suspension with more travel?

[@sydfixesbikes]

You can put a bigger fork (front suspension) on, but many bikes have a maximum fork travel that you shouldn't exceed (you'll need to look it up for your bike). You can change the shock (rear suspension) too but it doesn't change the amount of travel as that is determined by the linkage of the bicycle.

[@efwewfwef1549]

did she just fail opening an oil bottle?????

[@xylerkajiyama7544]

Much needed! Thanks Syd you have a way with explaining stuff!

[@nicholkid]

I'm a noob but aren't there spacers that can do this more quickly? Or is this the only way to do this on an air fork? I was planning on getting a 150mm air fork and changing it to 140 most of the time and then swapping to 150 on more intense stuff

[@sydfixesbikes]

Nope, volume spacers serve a different purpose (check our previous video) and, at least with Fox forks, this is the only way to adjust the travel. Side note: they used to make the Talas fork that allowed you to adjust the travel by spinning a knob, but no longer make it.

[@evilbanks]

Well done, guys! Always fun to watch. =)

[@mariopeguerop]

Only one more step, after you pump the air at least 50psi, push the fork on the floor to equalize the positive and negative air chambers.

[@sydfixesbikes]

Yes! We forgot to mention this.

[@martinschwartz7342]

Thanks, Syd for another great video. Good timing, since this is the perfect time of the year to do this service/upgrade.

[@sneakyray9160]

Which grease is best? Slick Honey 🍯 or Muc-Off bio-grease?

[@sydfixesbikes]

We've never used the Muc-off grease and Fox specifically recommends Slick Honey, so that's what we'd recommend

[@paulmaul]

You didn’t say how much suspension oil went into each leg lower…. And what weight did you use?? The Fox Gold 20w??? More info would be helpful

[@sydfixesbikes]

It depends on the fork so you should check Fox's recommendations for your fork (link in description)

[@AnotherMrLizard]

Generally 40cc damper side and 10cc spring side for a 36. Fox have charts that will tell you the volume of your year and travel. 20wt both sides for rc2 and fit4 dampers 20wt in the spring side and 5wt in the damper side for grip and grip2 dampers.

[@Cfass1]

We know Syd. We know Macky. Who’s Mr. Cackles in the background? Here’s my other question. Did you need to remove the top cap with the special socket. Could you have pulled the air spring out while depressing the air valve to relieve the suction or was there another component in the stanchion? Also something I’ve learned while working on cars is you can put a latex glove over the socket before you place it in the nut. This creates an extra snug fit and helps prevent marring on nice shiny expensive parts like this. Cheerio

[@sydfixesbikes]

Yeah, removing the top cap isn't necessary, but it sure makes it easier!

[@Cfass1]

@@sydfixesbikes thanks. I’m learning myself and trying to put this all together. I love the channel with combo you two.

[@calrc123]

Love your channel very refreshing

[@Happy_Biker]

Can you do the same video for coil forks? 🤔 Is it possible? Asking for a friend.

[@sydfixesbikes]

I think it should be the same but you might have to replace the coil too?

[@michellesmith8355]

I channeled my inner Syd today and put on my new tires without too much hubby intervention. Thanks for your great tutorials!!

[@sydfixesbikes]

Congrats!! 🎉

[@wadsworthred]

Prior to removing the lowers, does anything need to be done with the high speed and low speed compression settings? i.e. should everything be in full open prior to letting all the air out etc? Thanks!

[@sydfixesbikes]

Nope, the damper is a closed system (looks kinda like the air shaft but is on other side of the fork) so you can leave it alone.

[@wadsworthred]

@@sydfixesbikes Thanks!!

[@illgazillion]

That’s a lot of things

[@j.s.1967]

I only can get fox 38 180, can i change to 160 travel?

[@sydfixesbikes]

I think so, but you need to make sure the 160 air shaft kit is available.

[@danielkaz6280]

Love the vids

[@davelloyd8454]

Great to see you back. Did you work out why there wasn't oil in the other leg?

[@sydfixesbikes]

Nope, but hopefully it'll be happier now 😁

[@dimitrifayolle896]

What are these numbers around the threaded hole that receives the axle?

[@sydfixesbikes]

You can rotate that piece so your thru axle tightens in different spots (to adjust the axle lever position). The numbers are just there for reference so you know how much you have moved it while adjusting.

[@garradmiller5025]

Does the top of the air side need to come off or can it stay on and remove the air shaft?

[@sydfixesbikes]

It can stay on, but you need to either remove the valve core or depress the core while removing the air shaft or the vacuum will make it stick.

[@garradmiller5025]

@@sydfixesbikes that's what i figured thanks. Have a really sticky airshaft that was causing me suck down

[@MADDIww]

First step: Remove the fork from the Bike 🤔

[@paulmaul]

You actually don’t need to remove the fork from the bike. I’ve done it while it’s on the bike. Although it is much easier when it’s removed.

[@odinsejf6533]

Nej Girl

[@frakafrocka]

Syd rules. Thank you for this educational video. The guy talks too much 🤦🏿‍♂️. Let the woman do her job.

[@sydfixesbikes]

You should watch our channel trailer (kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5rdqat8jJxgh8k), it explains that the idea behind this channel is that Macky is teaching me to work on bikes. He has a lot more experience working on bikes and until recently did all the bike work for both of us. That's why he's providing advice, suggestions, and teaching me while I actually do the work so I can learn.

[@tl2913]

Go Girl!!

[@philfortner1805]

You need to put 3cc of oil evenly applied to the rotors then coat with fine sand for higher performance.

[@jmanswat2457]

How-To with a host that doesn't know how to 😂

[@joriz5869]

I wouldn't let her touch my bike.

[@UncleFjester]

You're Cute! and if you would dress like Sara -N- Tuned you'd have a million Followers by now

[@rudyruelas9779]

yeah you're 100% a creepy uncle

[@Dopeassbikevids]

U lost me at ??????