6 Best Shock Spacers For Fine Tuning Travel For Mountain Bikes

Nothing beats the feeling of a mountain bike suspension setup that tracks perfectly through rock gardens and pops off trail features with confidence. Many riders spend hours adjusting air pressure, only to find the bike still bottoms out on big hits or feels harsh on small chatter. Volume spacers serve as the secret weapon for fine-tuning that air spring curve to match specific terrain and riding styles.

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RockShox Bottomless Tokens: The Versatile Standard

RockShox Bottomless Tokens are the industry benchmark for a reason, offering a simple, threaded design that works across almost their entire suspension lineup. These plastic spacers screw directly into the top cap of the air spring, providing a predictable ramp-up in the final third of the stroke. They are the ideal choice for riders who want a reliable, no-fuss solution to prevent harsh bottom-outs without complicating the mid-stroke feel.

Because these tokens are inexpensive and widely available, they allow for rapid experimentation on the trail. If a ride involves a mix of flow trails and technical enduro tracks, having a few extra tokens in the pack can change the entire personality of the bike in under ten minutes. These are highly recommended for the rider who values consistency and needs a proven, durable solution that won’t break the bank.

Fox Volume Spacers: Color-Coded Fine Tuning

Fox utilizes a proprietary color-coded spacer system designed specifically for their Float series of shocks and forks. Each color represents a specific volume reduction, allowing for precise adjustments rather than guesswork. This system is particularly beneficial for riders who prefer a structured, scientific approach to suspension tuning where specific volume changes are documented and repeatable.

These spacers provide a significant amount of support, making them perfect for aggressive riders who push their bikes hard into corners and deep into high-speed compressions. If the bike feels like it is blowing through its travel too quickly, Fox spacers will offer that essential progressive support. Choose these if the priority is maximizing performance through high-quality, manufacturer-specific engineering that integrates perfectly with existing Fox hardware.

MRP Ramp Control: The Ultimate On-Trail Upgrade

The MRP Ramp Control cartridge represents a radical shift from standard plastic spacers, replacing them with a tool-free, adjustable knob. Instead of stopping to remove the air spring cap and physically swapping tokens, riders can dial in the bottom-out resistance on the fly. This is the ultimate tool for riders who encounter changing trail conditions, such as transitioning from smooth, jump-heavy park days to steep, technical backcountry descents.

While the upfront cost is higher than traditional spacers, the trade-off is unmatched convenience and precision. It effectively allows for an infinite range of progression, meaning the suspension can be optimized for the exact weight and terrain of the day. This upgrade is essential for the serious enthusiast who wants to eliminate the friction of constant maintenance and prefers high-end, adaptable hardware.

Cane Creek Spacer Kit: For Aggressive Riders

Cane Creek spacer kits are designed to work in harmony with their sophisticated DBair shocks, offering a tailored approach for riders who demand extreme tuning capabilities. These spacers are crafted to handle the intense pressures found in long-travel setups, ensuring that the air spring maintains integrity under heavy, repetitive impacts. They provide a refined, smooth ramp-up that keeps the bike feeling planted while still resisting harsh bottom-outs.

These spacers are best suited for riders who prioritize high-speed stability and deep-travel support over simplicity. Because Cane Creek shocks are highly adjustable, these spacers act as the foundation for a fully dialed setup that handles high-consequence terrain with ease. Invest in these if the primary goal is total control over every millimeter of the suspension stroke.

DVO Volume Spacers: Simple, Effective Tuning

DVO spacers maintain a minimalist design philosophy, focusing on ease of use and long-term durability. These spacers are designed for riders who appreciate a straightforward setup process and robust performance that stands up to the rigors of all-mountain riding. They provide a distinct, noticeable change in the ride character, making them an excellent choice for those who are new to suspension tuning and want to see immediate, tangible results.

These spacers effectively shorten the air chamber, providing a quick fix for riders who find themselves hitting the bottom of their shock on a regular basis. The installation process is exceptionally clean, minimizing the risk of air leaks or stripped threads. If the preference is for a “set it and forget it” component that works exactly as advertised, DVO volume spacers are a reliable choice.

Fox Float X2 Spacers: Taming Big-Hit Bottom Outs

Fox Float X2 spacers are specifically engineered for the high-volume air cans found on modern enduro and downhill shocks. These are designed to handle massive, high-speed compressions without fading or losing their structural integrity. They are thicker and more substantial than standard spacers, which makes them the go-to choice for riders who hit large drops and jumps that require a firm, supportive landing.

For the downhill or enduro-focused rider, these spacers are non-negotiable. They allow for running lower initial air pressure for better small-bump sensitivity while ensuring the shock doesn’t collapse during big hits. Choose these if the riding style involves serious air time and high-speed, technical terrain where support at the end of the stroke is critical.

What Do Volume Spacers Actually Do to Your Ride?

Volume spacers effectively change the size of the air chamber inside the shock. By reducing the volume, the air spring becomes “progressive,” meaning it takes significantly more force to compress the final portion of the stroke. This keeps the suspension from feeling “mushy” or “bottoming out” when hitting large obstacles or landing jumps.

Without spacers, an air shock often feels linear, which can lead to a harsh “clunk” at the end of the travel. By adding spacers, the shock becomes more supportive as it cycles, providing a platform to push against during cornering or trail pumping. It is not about making the bike stiffer, but about ensuring the suspension provides a responsive, engaging ride that matches the intensity of the terrain.

How to Know If You Need to Add or Remove Spacers

The easiest way to determine the need for a change is to check the travel indicator on the shock stanchion after a representative ride. If the indicator consistently reaches the end of the shaft even on moderate trails, it is time to add a spacer to increase bottom-out resistance. Conversely, if the shock feels like it is never using the full depth of travel despite aggressive riding, removing a spacer might be necessary to open up the stroke.

Listen to how the bike feels during technical sections or when pumping through rollers. If the bike feels “lazy” or sits too deep in its travel, a spacer can help it stay higher in the sweet spot of the suspension. Use this diagnostic process as a routine part of seasonal maintenance to ensure the bike is always set up for current fitness levels and local trail conditions.

A Quick Guide to Installing Your New Volume Spacers

Always begin by releasing all the air from the shock before attempting to unscrew the air can or the top cap. Clean the surrounding area meticulously with a rag to ensure that no dirt or debris enters the internal air chamber during the process. Once the cap is removed, simply snap or thread the new token into place according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Re-grease the air seal with a high-quality suspension lubricant before reassembling, which ensures a smooth stroke and a perfect air-tight seal. Tighten the cap to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specification—never overtighten, as this can damage the seals and lead to air loss. Once assembled, pump the shock back up to the desired pressure, cycle the suspension several times, and double-check the pressure gauge.

Air Pressure vs. Spacers: Finding Your Sweet Spot

It is a common mistake to use air pressure to compensate for poor suspension geometry or an incorrect spacer setup. While adding air pressure makes the bike feel stiffer throughout the entire stroke, it often leads to a harsh ride that fails to track small bumps effectively. Spacers, by contrast, only affect the end of the stroke, allowing the shock to remain supple at the beginning.

The goal is to find the lowest possible air pressure that still provides adequate support and prevents bottoming out. This maximizes traction and comfort, which are the two most important factors for riding confidently over long distances. View spacers as a way to tune the “feel” of the bike, while air pressure remains the primary tool for managing rider weight and sag.

Tuning suspension is an ongoing process of refinement that rewards the curious rider with a more capable and enjoyable mountain bike. Do not hesitate to experiment with different configurations to find what works best for your local trails and personal riding style. Once the setup is dialed, the focus shifts away from the gear and entirely back onto the trail.