One of the questions that often comes up among mountain bikers is whether Fox forks come with volume spacers as a standard feature. Volume spacers are small plastic or rubber rings that can be added or removed from the fork’s air chamber to adjust its air volume and, consequently, its spring rate.
The answer to the question is: it depends. Fox forks are known for their high-quality construction and performance, but whether they come with volume spacers as standard varies depending on the specific model. Some Fox forks do come with volume spacers included, while others don’t.
Why would you want volume spacers?
Volume spacers can be a useful tool for fine-tuning your fork’s performance. Adding volume spacers can make the fork feel more progressive, meaning it becomes harder to bottom out and provides more support in the mid-stroke. On the other hand, removing volume spacers can make the fork feel more linear, giving it a more supple feel and increasing its sensitivity to small bumps.
It’s important to note that adjusting the air volume and spring rate of your fork should always be done carefully and following the manufacturer’s recommendations. Incorrect installation or adjustment of volume spacers can affect the fork’s performance and potentially lead to damage.
If you’re unsure whether your Fox fork comes with volume spacers or not, it’s best to consult the fork’s user manual or contact Fox directly for clarification. They will be able to provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding your specific model.
Are Fox Forks Shipped with Volume Spacers as Standard?
When purchasing a Fox fork, it is important to consider whether or not it comes with volume spacers as a standard inclusion. Volume spacers are small rings or tokens that can be added to the air chamber of a suspension fork to adjust its spring rate and make it more progressive.
While Fox forks are known for their high-quality performance and durability, the inclusion of volume spacers may vary depending on the specific model and version. Some Fox forks are shipped with volume spacers as a standard feature, while others may require them to be purchased separately.
Before making a purchase, it is recommended to check the product description and specifications to see if volume spacers are included. Additionally, Fox offers user manuals and online resources that provide detailed instructions on how to install and adjust volume spacers in their forks.
Whether or not a Fox fork comes with volume spacers as standard should be taken into consideration when evaluating its suitability for your riding style and preferences. If you prefer a more progressive feel or want to fine-tune the fork’s performance, having volume spacers included can be a valuable feature.
It is worth noting that even if a Fox fork does not come with volume spacers as standard, they can usually be purchased separately from Fox or other aftermarket retailers. This allows riders to customize and optimize their suspension setup to meet their specific needs.
In conclusion, the inclusion of volume spacers with Fox forks may vary depending on the model and version. Checking the product description and specifications is recommended, and even if they are not included, they can usually be purchased separately for those who desire to fine-tune their suspension performance.
Understanding Fox Forks
Fox forks are high-performance suspension forks designed for mountain bikes. They are known for their durability, smooth operation, and precise handling. Fox offers a range of forks with different features and technologies to suit various riding styles and terrains.
Fox Fork Technologies
Fox forks incorporate several advanced technologies to enhance performance and improve the overall riding experience.
1. FIT (Fox Isolated Technology)
FIT is a cartridge system used in Fox forks that separates the damping and air spring systems. This design allows for independent tuning of the compression and rebound damping, resulting in better control and responsiveness on the trails.
2. EVOL (Extra Volume)
EVOL is a patented air spring technology by Fox that increases the negative air spring volume. This results in a more linear spring curve, providing improved sensitivity and small bump compliance. Additionally, EVOL allows for better mid-stroke support and bottom-out resistance.
Volume Spacer
Now, to answer your question, volume spacers are not included as standard with Fox forks. However, they can be purchased separately and installed in the air chamber to adjust the spring curve and progressiveness of the fork. Volume spacers are used to fine-tune the fork’s performance according to rider preferences and the specific trail conditions.
Volume spacers come in different sizes and can be easily installed or removed with the appropriate tools. Adding volume spacers can make the fork more progressive, providing additional support and reducing the likelihood of harsh bottom-outs. Conversely, removing volume spacers can make the fork more linear, increasing overall travel and sensitivity.
| Pros of Volume Spacers | Cons of Volume Spacers |
|---|---|
| – Allows for precise tuning of spring curve | – Requires additional purchase and installation time |
| – Provides better mid-stroke support | – May require trial and error to find the ideal setup |
| – Reduces the likelihood of bottoming out | – Can affect the overall feel and responsiveness of the fork |
In conclusion, understanding the technologies and features of Fox forks, such as FIT and EVOL, can help riders make informed decisions when selecting and customizing their suspension setup. Volume spacers are a valuable tool for fine-tuning the performance of Fox forks and achieving the desired riding experience.
Importance of Volume Spacers in Forks
Volume spacers are essential components in fork suspensions that play a crucial role in fine-tuning the performance of the fork. These small pieces of plastic or rubber are inserted into the air chamber of a fork and effectively reduce the volume of the chamber.
One of the primary benefits of using volume spacers is the ability to adjust the spring rate of the fork without changing the air pressure. By reducing the volume of the air chamber, riders can make their forks feel more progressive, which means the fork will resist bottoming out under heavy loads or hard impacts.
Another advantage of volume spacers is the ability to fine-tune the fork’s sensitivity and small-bump compliance. By adding or removing spacers, riders can make the fork more responsive to small bumps while still maintaining a firm and supportive feel on bigger hits.
Volume spacers also provide a valuable tool for riders to tailor their fork’s performance to their own preferences and riding style. Different riders have different preferences when it comes to fork setup, and volume spacers allow them to optimize the fork’s performance based on their specific needs.
It is worth noting that while some forks come with volume spacers as standard, others may require them to be purchased separately. It is always recommended to consult the manufacturer’s specifications and instructions to ensure proper installation and usage of volume spacers.
In conclusion, volume spacers are integral components of forks that allow riders to customize and optimize the fork’s performance. Whether it is adjusting the spring rate, fine-tuning small-bump compliance, or tailoring the fork to individual preferences, volume spacers play a vital role in enhancing the capabilities of fork suspensions.
Do Fox Forks Include Volume Spacers?
When it comes to Fox forks, volume spacers are not included as standard. Volume spacers are small plastic or rubber rings that can be added or removed from the air spring assembly of a suspension fork to adjust the volume of the air chamber.
These spacers are used to fine-tune the spring rate and progressiveness of the fork, allowing riders to customize the fork’s performance to their liking. By adding or removing volume spacers, riders can make the fork feel more linear or more progressive, depending on their preferences and the terrain they ride on.
While other fork manufacturers may include volume spacers with their forks as a standard accessory, Fox does not. However, Fox does offer volume spacer kits that can be purchased separately. These kits typically include a set of volume spacers of different sizes, allowing riders to experiment and find the optimal setup for their riding style and preferences.
Installing volume spacers in a Fox fork is a relatively simple process and can usually be done with basic tools. However, if you are not familiar with working on suspension forks, it is recommended to have it done by a professional bike mechanic to ensure proper installation and setup.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Allows riders to fine-tune the fork’s performance | Not included as standard |
| Customizable to individual preferences | Separate purchase required |
| Available in different sizes for experimentation | Requires proper installation and setup |
In conclusion, while Fox forks do not come with volume spacers as standard, they offer the flexibility to customize the fork’s performance by purchasing and installing volume spacers separately. This allows riders to fine-tune the fork’s spring rate and progressiveness to suit their individual preferences and riding style.
Benefits of Using Volume Spacers
Volume spacers are a crucial component of Fox forks that can greatly enhance the performance and customization of your suspension. Here are some of the key benefits of using volume spacers:
- Tailored Suspension Feel: Volume spacers allow you to fine-tune the air spring progression of your Fox fork, giving you the ability to adjust the suspension to your specific riding style and terrain. By adding or removing volume spacers, you can alter the fork’s responsiveness and feel, making it more supple or more progressive, depending on your preferences.
- Improved Small Bump Compliance: By adding volume spacers, you can increase the fork’s sensitivity to small bumps and improve its ability to track the ground. This can lead to a more comfortable and controlled ride, especially on rough and technical trails.
- Prevention of Bottom-Out: Volume spacers also help prevent harsh bottom-outs by reducing the amount of air chamber volume available. This can be particularly useful for aggressive riders who frequently encounter big hits and want to avoid a harsh bottom-out that can damage the fork or cause loss of control.
- Customizable Progression: With volume spacers, you have the flexibility to adjust the fork’s progression characteristics. More volume spacers create a more progressive spring curve, providing additional support in the mid and end-stroke of the fork’s travel. On the other hand, fewer spacers result in a more linear feel, suited for riders who prefer a more plush and linear suspension response.
Overall, volume spacers are a valuable tool for riders looking to optimize the performance and feel of their Fox forks. They offer increased customization options and allow you to tailor your suspension to your specific needs, providing a more comfortable and controlled ride on a variety of terrains.
How to Determine if Volume Spacers are Included
If you are considering purchasing a Fox fork and are wondering whether it comes with volume spacers as standard, there are a few ways to determine if they are included:
1. Check the Specifications
Before making a purchase, it is always a good idea to check the specifications provided by the manufacturer. This can usually be found on their website or in the product manual. Look for any mention of volume spacers or tokens in the list of included items or under the features section. If they are listed, you can be confident that the fork comes with the necessary spacers.
2. Contact the Seller
If you cannot find the information you need in the specifications, reach out to the seller or customer support of the retailer where you plan to make the purchase. They should be able to provide you with the necessary information regarding the inclusion of volume spacers with the fork.
Note: Some sellers may offer the option to customize the fork when making a purchase. In such cases, you may be able to select whether you want volume spacers included or not.
By checking the specifications or contacting the seller, you can ensure that you have all the necessary information needed to make an informed decision about purchasing a Fox fork with or without volume spacers included.
Adding Volume Spacers to Fox Forks
Fox forks are well-known for their high performance and superior damping capabilities. However, in some cases, riders may find that their forks are not providing the desired level of progression or bottom-out resistance. This is where volume spacers come in handy.
What are Volume Spacers?
Volume spacers, also known as air volume tokens, are small, plastic inserts that are placed inside the air spring chamber of a Fox fork. These spacers help to reduce the overall volume available in the air spring, which in turn increases the fork’s progression. By adding volume spacers, riders can make their forks more resistant to bottoming-out and have a more controlled feel on larger impacts.
How to Add Volume Spacers
Adding volume spacers to a Fox fork is a relatively straightforward process. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
- First, you’ll need to remove the air spring assembly from the fork. This typically involves removing the air cap and unscrewing the top cap.
- Once the air spring assembly is removed, you can access the air piston. Carefully remove the retaining clip or top cap to expose the piston.
- Now, you can add or remove volume spacers as desired. Fox forks usually come with a specific number of volume spacers as standard, but you can add or remove them to fine-tune the fork’s performance. A higher number of spacers will make the fork more progressive, while fewer spacers will make it more linear.
- After adding or removing the desired number of spacers, reassemble the fork by following the reverse order of disassembly. Make sure everything is properly tightened and secured.
- Finally, reinstall the fork onto your bike and set the sag and rebound according to your preferences.
Conclusion
Adding volume spacers to your Fox fork can be a great way to tailor its performance to your riding style and preferences. Whether you’re looking for more bottom-out resistance or a more progressive feel, volume spacers provide a simple and effective solution. Be sure to check your specific model’s manual for the recommended number of spacers and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to install | May require trial and error to find the optimal number of spacers |
| Allows for fine-tuning of fork’s performance | May affect the fork’s small bump sensitivity |
| Increases bottom-out resistance |
