Volume Spacers: Do I need one?

A volume spacer is a small, typically plastic or rubber component placed in the air chamber of a suspension fork or shock to adjust the air volume. They impact the suspension’s progressivity and bottom-out resistance.

Adding volume spacers increases progression, making the suspension feel more supportive towards the end of its travel. Removing them makes the suspension more linear, providing a plusher feel.

Ride Quality and Volume Spacers:

With Additional Volume Spacers: The suspension will feel more progressive, resisting bottoming out easily. This is beneficial for aggressive riders tackling challenging descents or jumps, providing support through the travel.

Adding volume spacers may slightly reduce sensitivity to small bumps due to increased initial spring rate but enhances control and stability on larger impacts.

With Fewer or No Volume Spacers:  The suspension will be more linear, offering a plusher feel throughout the travel. This can enhance sensitivity to small bumps and improve traction in technical sections. The risk of bottoming out increases as the suspension becomes more linear without the added progression from volume spacers.

Add Volume Spacers if:

• you feel like the suspension uses all its travel too quickly.
• you frequently bottom out your suspension on rough terrain or jumps.
• you want a more supportive and controlled feel towards the end of the travel.

Remove Volume Spacers if:

• the suspension feels too harsh or lacks sensitivity to smaller bumps.
• you want a more linear and plush feel throughout the travel.
• You have difficulty in achieving full suspension travel.