Volume Spacers Explained

[@lukeday2169]

very useful and well made video, cheers

[@JakeBrookesBiking]

Thank you very much Luke. Appreciate the feedback 😊

[@Emtbtoday]

I need a bit of help. Can you confirm something for me, please? I got a new eMTB. It came with the 160 mm Fox Float X. It came with a 0.9 volume spacer in the rear shock. I weigh 270 lbs at the moment, but I feel I can't get my sag set to 30%. The PSI is maxing out at the same as my weight, 270 PSI. With the 0.9 spacer inserted, I am about 35% to 40% sag. I could do with at least another 20 PSI to bring the shock to sag. From my understanding of the loss of max PSI in the EVOL can with adding spacers, if I remove it and put in a 0.6 or 0.7, I should, in theory, be able to get the extra PSI I need?

[@JakeBrookesBiking]

@@Emtbtoday Hello, sorry about my slow reply… Ideally volume spacers should be left until sag is set correctly and the bike has been ridden to see how it feels and how progressive or linear it is. However I understand your issue, I would say give it a go and see what you find 😊 As long as you do not go over the max pressure for your shock then you shouldn’t have any issues. Just be aware that reducing the volume spacers size will make the bike more linear and easier to bottom out. On the other hand adding a volume spacer or increasing the volume spacers size will increase how progressive your bike is. If your running a large amount of sag - this will certainly help to reduce bottom outs I would personally start by trying a slightly larger volume spacer, go back to your max pressure and see where you sit with sag 😊 I’m sorry I can’t give you a definitive answer but hopefully the info above is helpful.

[@UMuhligMTB]

As i understand it. When installing VS you can reduce the air pressure. Is this correct? I am currently riding with a RS megneg with no VS in the positive chamber and none in the negative chamber. I ride wth around 240psi and 28% sag. If i want to go down in psi should I then and VS to the positive chamber??

[@JakeBrookesBiking]

Hello, it depends what you are looking for to be honest… If you want a more small bump sensitivity but maintain bottom out resistance then adding a volume spacer and decreasing pressure slightly may be a solution. I would start with 2 volume spacers as it makes noticing the difference that little bit easier. However if you are not using all your travel and want more small bump sensitivity then maybe try reducing your pressure slightly. There is also compression to think about. Is yours is adjustable? What are the current settings?

[@UMuhligMTB]

@@JakeBrookesBiking my shock is a rs super deluxe with only rebound so no compression. Currently I switch between 4 and 6 clicks on rebound. I’ve tried 1 vs the positive and both 2 and 4 bands in the negative. Felt at bit harsh but very planted. I just think it’s a lot of air I have I the shock. I want to go down in air pressure but still have the 28% sag.

[@JakeBrookesBiking]

@@UMuhligMTB as long as your are under the maximum pressure for your shock then I wouldn’t worry about it. Adding a load of tokens to the positive chamber will mean the pressure might be slightly less to still give 28% but that will change the characteristics of the shock and make it much more progressive.