Tune Your Fox Float Air Shock

Effortlessly Fine-Tune Your Fox Float Air Shock's Performance

Are you looking to optimise the performance of your Fox Float air shock? Whether you're a seasoned downhill rider seeking a more progressive feel or a cross-country enthusiast wanting to prevent bottoming out on aggressive descents, adjusting the spring rate is a key way to achieve your desired ride characteristics. Thankfully, with the innovative Fox Float Volume Spacer kits, this process is surprisingly straightforward and can be accomplished in mere minutes. By subtly altering the air chamber's volume, you can significantly influence how your suspension behaves, allowing for a more customisable and enjoyable riding experience. This article will guide you through the process, explaining the benefits and detailing how to implement this effective upgrade.

Understanding Spring Rate and Air Volume

In the world of mountain bike suspension, the 'spring rate' dictates how much force is required to compress the shock. For air shocks like the Fox Float, this spring rate isn't a physical coil but is generated by the air pressure within the shock's chamber. The higher the air pressure, the stiffer the spring. However, simply increasing air pressure can lead to a harsh ride and reduced small bump sensitivity. This is where the concept of air volume comes into play. The volume of the air chamber directly influences how the air pressure changes as the shock compresses. A larger air volume means the air can expand more, leading to a more linear spring curve. Conversely, a smaller air volume causes the air pressure to ramp up much more quickly as it's compressed, resulting in a more progressive spring curve.

The Magic of Volume Spacers

Fox's Float Volume Spacer kits are ingeniously designed to reduce the internal air volume of your Float air shock. These spacers, typically small plastic tokens, are inserted into the air can of your shock. By occupying space, they effectively decrease the total volume of the air chamber. The immediate consequence of this reduction in volume is a more rapid increase in air pressure as the shock is compressed. This 'ramp-up' effect means that even with a lower initial air pressure (which provides better small bump compliance and sag), the shock will resist bottoming out more effectively during larger impacts or drops. It's akin to having a more supportive and controlled suspension feel without sacrificing initial sensitivity. This is particularly beneficial for riders who find their current setup bottoms out too easily, or those who want a more predictable and poppy feel from their rear suspension.

Benefits of Adjusting Your Spring Rate with Volume Spacers

• Improved Bottom-Out Resistance: The primary benefit is a significant reduction in the likelihood of harsh bottom-outs, even with lower sag settings.
• Enhanced Progression: Achieve a more 'bottomless' feel, where the suspension feels supportive throughout its travel.
• Customisable Ride Feel: Tailor your shock's response to your riding style and the terrain you frequent.
• Increased Small Bump Sensitivity: By allowing for lower initial air pressure, you can maintain excellent sensitivity to minor trail imperfections.
• Optimised for Specific Riding Disciplines: Downhill and enduro riders often benefit from increased progression, while cross-country riders might use them to prevent harsh impacts on descents.

Which Fox Float Shock Can You Upgrade?

Fox offers these volume spacer kits for a range of their popular Float air shocks. It's crucial to identify your specific shock model to ensure compatibility. Common models that utilise these spacers include:

Always double-check your shock's specific model and year to purchase the correct kit. The part numbers provided are common, but Fox occasionally updates its product lines.

Installation Guide: A Step-by-Step Approach

Installing Fox Float Volume Spacers is a relatively simple process that requires a few basic tools. While it's always recommended to consult the official Fox installation instructions specific to your shock model, here's a general overview:

Tools You'll Likely Need:

• Shock pump
• Allen keys (typically 4mm or 5mm)
• Seal press or a suitable tool to re-install the air can (a plastic bottle or specialised tool can work)
• Rag or shop towel
• Optional: Shock oil (a small amount for lubrication)

Installation Steps:

1. Deflate the Shock: Ensure all air is released from the shock using your shock pump.
2. Remove the Air Can: This is often the trickiest part. You'll need to unscrew the air can from the main shock body. Some shocks require you to depress the air valve slightly while unscrewing, or there might be a specific tool or method to release pressure. Refer to your shock's manual.
3. Locate the Air Volume Spacer Position: Once the air can is off, you'll see the air piston. Volume spacers typically attach to this piston.
4. Install the Spacer: Select the desired volume spacer from your kit. It will usually clip or screw onto the air piston. If you're using multiple spacers, stack them according to the instructions. Start with one or two spacers and test before adding more.
5. Lubricate (Optional but Recommended): Apply a very small amount of suspension-specific oil to the air can's threads and the main shock body threads to aid reassembly and ensure a good seal.
6. Re-install the Air Can: Carefully screw the air can back onto the shock body. Ensure it threads on smoothly. You may need to use a seal press or a suitable tool to gently seat the air can and its seals.
7. Inflate the Shock: Using your shock pump, inflate the shock to your desired pressure.
8. Test and Adjust: Take your bike for a short ride and assess the performance. If you feel it's still too linear or bottoms out, you can deflate the shock, remove the air can, and add another spacer. Conversely, if it feels too stiff or ramps up too quickly, remove a spacer.

Tips for Fine-Tuning

The key to successful volume spacer installation is iterative testing. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of spacers. A good starting point is to add one or two spacers and then test the shock on your usual trails. Pay attention to:

• Sag: Ensure you can still achieve your desired sag percentage (typically 25-30% for most trail riding).
• Bottoming Out: Do you still experience harsh bottom-outs on larger impacts?
• Overall Feel: Does the suspension feel supportive and controlled, or is it too stiff and harsh?

The goal is to find a balance that provides excellent small bump compliance while offering ample support and ramp-up to prevent bottoming out on bigger hits. Many riders find that even one or two spacers can make a significant difference.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How many volume spacers can I install?

A: The number of spacers you can install depends on your specific Fox Float shock model and the intended use. Fox typically provides kits with multiple sizes. Always refer to the maximum recommended number of spacers for your shock model, which can usually be found in the shock's manual or on Fox's website.

Q: Will adding volume spacers make my shock feel harsher?

A: If you add too many spacers, or if your initial air pressure is too high, it can feel harsher. However, the primary benefit is to allow you to run a lower initial air pressure for better small bump sensitivity while still preventing bottoming out. The goal is a more progressive, not necessarily a harsher, feel.

Q: Do I need to service my shock after installing spacers?

A: While not strictly necessary immediately after installing spacers, it's good practice to service your shock periodically. Cleaning and lubricating the air can seals during the spacer installation process can contribute to better overall shock health.

Q: What is the difference between volume spacers and air pressure?

A: Air pressure directly controls the initial spring rate and sag. Volume spacers alter the progression of the spring rate – how quickly it ramps up as it compresses. You can think of air pressure as setting the starting point, and volume spacers as tuning the curve.

Q: Can I use spacers from other brands?

A: It is strongly recommended to use only genuine Fox volume spacers designed for your specific Fox Float shock model. Using incompatible spacers could damage your shock or lead to improper performance.

Conclusion

By understanding the principles of air volume and progression, and by utilising the simple yet effective Fox Float Volume Spacer kits, you can significantly enhance your mountain bike's rear suspension performance. This small upgrade allows for a more customisable ride, improving comfort, control, and confidence on the trail. Take the time to experiment and fine-tune your setup, and you'll be rewarded with a more responsive and capable bike.

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