Presenting the Smashpot - a fork coil spring conversion system for single crown enduro forks, featuring externally adjustable hydraulic anti-bottoming technology to deliver precisely the amount of bottoming resistance you need. The benefits of coil are clear: if your first priority for your fork is outright performance and grip, get yourself a Smashpot.
• Catering to rider weights from 45kg (100lbs) to 125kg (275lbs) with 11 coil spring rates
• Allows lighter riders to get the most use out of their forks, and heavier riders the support they need without excessive air pressures
• Only coil conversion system on the market allowing 180mm travel
• Easily adjust your travel with internal spacers (please note the minimum & maximum travel of your fork as determined by manufacturer)
• Unique Hydraulic Bottom-out System reduces harshness
• Can be transferred between different forks with minimal parts /cost (a purchase of a new top cap or foot stud)
• Reliable and low maintenance, set and forget. User installable and serviceable
•Weight increase of approximately 250-450g (dependent on spring rate and fork's existing spring system)
Now available for Fox 38 & Rockshox Zeb
It took a little longer than planned, but the Smashpot is now available for the Fox 38 and Rockshox Zeb!
For those of you with an existing Smashpot kit we have made top cap kits available for purchase. You can find them on the Smashpot spare parts. Top cap kits come with a new top cap, a PVC sleeve to reduce spring noise, tapered spacers to retain the sleeve, and a new circlip for the Zeb (38 circlips can be reused) that replaces the air spring seal head snap ring. Please see the updated Smashpot installation manual for instructions on how to install the Smashpot in the 38 and Zeb.
Please note that travel is still limited to 180mm with the Smashpot, 190mm is not possible with the Zeb.
SMOOTH & CONSISTENT
Air springs have improved substantially over the years - and we've been at the forefront of air spring development for years, so we've got no bridges to sell you. Yeah, coils are heavier than air, and for some riders that alone is a dealbreaker - fair enough. The advantages of coil springs, however, are clear:
Zero stiction or friction in a coil spring. And no moving seals in the spring system to wear out, cause friction or leak.
Zero spring rate variation allowing more mid-stroke support and consistency.
More oil in the fork - lubrication and service life are improved.
In short, improvements in sensitivity, grip, compliance, mid-stroke support and consistency, with reductions in harshness and hand pain.
BOTTOM OUT RESISTANCE
Low weight aside, air springs outperform coil springs in one critical area: bottoming resistance. The hydraulic bottoming control valve addresses this with a speed sensitive shimmed valve which engages progressively and seamlessly in the last 50mm of travel, bringing the fork to a smooth and controlled stop at the end of the travel. High energy and low energy inputs are effectively managed without harshness. Easy tool-free external adjustment ensures you get as much or as little bottoming resistance as you need at the turn of a dial. Increased stability as energy is dissipated, rather than stored and thrown back at you.
| Compatible | Not Compatibl | |
| Fox 36 | 2015-2021 | Rockshox Pike (35mm) 26" or any other 26" forks |
| Fox 36 e-bike (note: only spring rates below 65lbs/in) | 2018-2021 | Rockshox 35 Gold / Silver |
| Fox 36 Rhythm | 2018-2021 | Any 32mm stanchion forks |
| Fox 38 | 2021+ | Any 34mm stanchion forks |
| Marzocchi Z1 | 2019 + | |
| Rockshox Lyrik (35mm) | 2016 + | |
| Rockshox Yari (35mm) | 2016 + | |
| Rockshox Pike (35mm) 27.5" Boost | 2014 + | DO NOT configure the Smashpot to exceed manufacturer-specified max travel. If in doubt, call the original fork manufacturer to determine maximum permissible travel. |
| Rockshox Pike (35mm) 27.5" Non-Boost | 2014 + | |
| Rockshox Pike (35mm) 29" Boost | 2014 + | Other applications are under development. Got a fork you want to see it made for? Contact us and let us know. |
| Rockshox Pike (35mm) 29" Non-Boost | 2014 + | |
| Rockshox Revelation (35mm) | 2018 + | |
| Rockshox Zeb (180mm max travel) | 2021 + | |
| DVO Onyx SC | 2019 + | |
Add 15lbs / 7kg to total rider weight for E-bikes.
| How much weight does it add? | It's heavier than your air spring by between 250-450g, depending on spring rate (firmer springs are generally heavier) and the fork's original spring system (TALAS/DPA are typically heavier than Float/Solo Air). If the weight bothers you, you may be more interested in a Luftkappe. |
| Can I convert my fork back to air afterwards? | Going back to air, should you wish to, may not be an option - spring rub may score the inside of your stanchion, so the the air piston may not seal again. The spring is both isolated and guided to minimise stanchion knock and rub, however there are no guarantees an air spring will seal again after riding with a spring installed. We'd be pretty surprised if anyone actually wanted to do this after riding the Smashpot though. |
| Does it void the fork's warranty? | As with any aftermarket modifications, it should be expected to void the fork manufacturer's warranty. |
| Do I need any extra parts to change the travel? | All spacers required are included with the kit. The only thing you may want is more heat shrink for the cartridge tube, as it's installed after travel is set internally. |
| Typical fork maximum permissible travels: | Rockshox: Fox: 36 Float/Talas 29" - 170mm OR 160mm - call Fox with your serial number to check max travel prior to setting Smashpot to more than 160mm travel. Marzocchi: |
| I'm changing travel and I want to source heat shrink myself. What size do I need? | Spring: Outer tube: |
Simply put, the Tractive Tune is centred around our proprietary valving calculation software that achieves a customised damper characteristic based on rider weight, frame geometry, terrain and riding style.
• Improved support, compliance, traction.
• Superior stability and predictability
• Upgraded compression base valve assembly with triple circuit technology
• More usable 3-position compression adjuster with evenly spaced settings
• Pressure-balanced valving to provide sensitivity and support without cavitation
• Low friction Acetal IFP to replace the stock metal IFP which scores the reservoir bore
• Custom Tractive Valve Tuning System tune selection for each rider based on frame, weight, terrain, aggression and preference
• Customised rebound valving to replace the stock rebound shim stack (which is non-functional in the Monarch Plus)
• Nitrogen charged via low-profile reservoir end cap
• Internal alterations to reduce the typical knocking during direction changes
• Recommendations on spring pressure and volume spacer alterations if necessary.
In 2011, before the company even officially existed, Vorsprung founder Steve Mathews had begun work on what went on to become the Tractive Valve Tuning System. Rather than being a single physical part or mechanism, Tractive encompasses the single most comprehensive and consistent method of damper tuning ever seen in the mountain bike world. Working with engineers from one of the world's foremost mathematical computing companies, we have developed a truly one-of-a-kind system - and this particular kit is only the beginning. Big claims, we know. What sets Tractive apart?
It has been evolving since it was started in 2011, with an ever growing datatbase to analyse and summarise feedback over time. With Tractive, you directly benefit not just from Vorsprung's knowledge, but from the collective experience of all of our partners around the world. The combined experience of your local suspension tuner and Vorsprung's own expertise can be leveraged to get you the best out of your shock.
C J Suspension has access to Vorsprungs' proprietary, cloud-based Tractive Valve Tuning System calculation software. This software lets the tuner observe the true response at the wheel when considering the rider's weight, the bike's leverage rate and the damper curve generated by a specific tune.
• Direct comparisons can be visualised between any riders, on any bikes, with suitable benchmarks established and repeatably matched - an industry first.
• Our ever-growing database and the ability to directly compare two scenarios like this gives us an unparalleled ability to analyse and summarise feedback over time.
• Benchmarks are able to shift locally to reflect the different terrain demands in different parts of the world
• The combined experience of your Elite Tuning Partners and Vorsprung's own expertise can be leveraged to get you the best out of your shock
With Tractive, you directly benefit not just from Vorsprung's knowledge, but from the collective experience of all of our partners around the world.
Tractive Valve Tuning Systems are built with the following approach:
| Compatible | |
| Monarch Plus R | No |
| Monarch Plus RC3 | 2014+ |
| Super Deluxe Air / Coil R | No |
| Super Deluxe Air /Coil RC/RC3/RCT/RTR | Yes |
| When should I consider getting a revalve? | If rider weight varies by more than 10kg (20lbs) or the shock is moved to another frame, then consider a revalve. Revalves will be performed by us at the cost of a standard service. |
| Can my shock be serviced by my LBS after tuning? | Your LBS will require a vacuum bleeder for Monarch Plus shocks, and a nitrogen charging system with a hypodermic needle fitting for both Monarch Plus and Super Deluxe shocks. If your LBS has these, they can email us (service@vorsprungsuspension. |
Vorsprung created an air spring with a truly better spring rate, everywhere in the travel, than a coil. The Secus upgrade delivers the first and only air spring system to really come indistinguishably close to the linear spring rate of a coil fork for the entire first 2/3rds of its travel, with the advantage of a gentle end stroke progression to prevent bottoming without the “wall of force” harshness that excessively progressive springs create.
Three Stages of Control
By independently optimising the beginning, middle and end portions of the stroke, the Secus gives you the linear-to-progressive spring rate that coil springs and traditional air springs alike wish they had.
Initial stroke - enlarged negative air spring chamber delivers a soft, supple initial stroke for ultimate small bump compliance.
End stroke - enlarged lower leg volume reduces overall progression even at higher pressures and allows for a wider range of end-stroke ramp options to be utilised with standard fork volume spacers.
| Fork | Year & Specification | Secus Variant |
| Fox 32 | 2018+ (unless footnut on spring side is recessed) | Fox A1 |
| Fox 34 | 2018+ (unless footnut on spring side is recessed) | Fox A1 |
| Fox 36 | 2018+ | Fox A1 |
| Fox 38 | 2021+ | Fox A2 |
| Fox 40 | 2018+ (Note: Installation tool sold here, air spring is difficult to disassemble) | Fox A3 |
| Fox 32 StepCast | Not Compatible | |
| Fox 34 StepCast | Not Compatible | |
| Marzocchi Z1 | 2019+ | Fox A1 |
| Rockshox Pike / Revelation (2014-2018) | Requires 2019-20 (B1/B2) Debonair Airshaft update to be directly compatible, or you may use the (2021) C1 Debonair Airshaft and replace the sealhead. The BIP (Bananas in Pyjamas) B1/B2 sealheads can be included in the kit by selecting the dropdown option in 'Tools Required', and may also be purchased separately here. Secus is not compatible if air side footbolt is recessed in the lowers (some 2018 forks). | Rockshox A2 |
| Rockshox Pike / Revelation (2019-2020) | Compatible unless footbolt on spring side is recessed. No replacement sealhead needed if using stock air shaft (B1/B2). | Rockshox A2 |
| Rockshox Pike / Revelation (2021+) | Requires 2019-20 (B1/B2) Debonair Airshaft update to be directly compatible, or you may use the (2021) C1 Debonair Airshaft and replace the sealhead with the BIP (B1/B2) sealheads. The BIP (Bananas in Pyjamas) B1/B2 sealheads can be included in the kit by selecting the dropdown option in 'Tools Required', and may also be purchased separately here. | Rockshox A2 |
| Rockshox Lyrik / Yari (2016-2018) | Requires 2019-20 (B1/B2) Debonair Airshaft update to be directly compatible, or you may use the (2021) C1 Debonair Airshaft and replace the sealhead with the BIP (B1/B2) sealheads. The BIP (Bananas in Pyjamas) B1/B2 sealheads can be included in the kit by selecting the dropdown option in 'Tools Required', and may also be purchased separately here. | Rockshox A2 |
| Rockshox Lyrik / Yari (2019-2021) | Compatible. No replacement sealhead needed. | Rockshox A2 |
| Rockshox Zeb (2021+) | Compatible. No replacement sealhead needed. | Rockshox A2 |
| Rockshox Boxxer (2019+) | Compatible. No replacement sealhead needed. | Rockshox A2 |
| Any year forks with C1 (2021+ style) air shaft kit installed | Requires Bananas In Pyjamas (BIP) Sealhead to be installed. The BIP (Bananas in Pyjamas) B1/B2 sealheads can be included in the kit by selecting the dropdown option in 'Tools Required', and may also be purchased separately here. | |
Note: Rockshox A2 fitment kit replaces the previous Rockshox A1 kit. It is the same footstud part, so it is compatible with all forks that the A1 kit was compatible with, but the A2 kit also includes spacer shims to allow for fitment on forks that the A1 kit did not fit.
| Is the Secus suited to lightweight riders? | Yes, absolutely - by significantly reducing the ramp-up effect that comes from compressing air within the lower legs of the fork (which generates the same force for all riders regardless of size, ie proportionally far more for lighter riders), we can make the fork work much more effectively for light riders. |
| Is the Secus suited to heavy riders? | Yes - the scalability of the whole air spring is improved. Heavy and light riders alike will now find the spring system performs much the same for either of them. However, manufacturer maximum pressure ratings need to be accounted for - typically with the Secus you’ll run about 20% higher pressure than with a stock air spring, so check your fork’s maximum rated pressure and ensure that you’re ~20% lower than that with your current air pressure before purchasing. While the Secus itself is fine at any realistic operating pressure you’re likely to encounter, we cannot guarantee that the rest of the air spring will hold up if manufacturer pressure ratings are exceeded. |
| It sticks out the bottom of my fork - what if I hit it on something? | It’s true, you do now have an additional part outside your fork that you could potentially hit and damage. We’ve designed it to be as low profile as possible, able to flex out of the way for vertical impacts until it’s supported by the lowers, and able to rotate out of the way for lateral impacts until it contacts the brake caliper. It protrudes about 15mm (sideways) beyond the lower legs of a Fox 36. However occasionally somebody’s going to get unlucky and damage it in a crash, just like any other bike part. To that end, we offer a 12 month crash replacement guarantee - if you damage it in a crash in the first 12 months of owning it, we’ll send you the replacement parts you need, free of charge - just email us a photo of what’s damaged and your proof of purchase and we’ll do the rest. (Wouldn’t it be nice if someone offered that for brake rotors or derailleurs?) However, it goes without saying that you do need to use some common sense and be a bit more careful when taking the front wheel off and sitting the fork on the ground, flying with the bike in a bag/box, or throwing it over a tailgate pad, because even better than a crash replacement guarantee is not having to use it. |
| How hard is it to install? Do I need any special tools? | You’ll need a torque wrench with a crowsfoot adaptor, and 10mm shaft clamps (select the Secus + 10mm shaft clamp option in the drop down menu). Beyond those, nothing special is required - if you’ve serviced your fork’s air spring before, you can install this easily enough. |
| Does it make it harder to service my fork once it’s installed? | Not really. You need to depressurise slowly whilst holding the MSV charge button, but other than having to slide the Secus off/on the footstud and realign it when torquing the footnut, the process is much the same. Air spring services can be carried out as per normal using OEM factory parts. Lower leg services can be carried out as per normal using OEM factory parts. The o-rings on the footstud need to be inspected every service - if they’re dirty or damaged they’ll need replacement. Each Secus kit includes spare footstud o-rings to make sure you’re covered for this when the time comes. |
| Does it add any friction to the fork’s movement? | No - while there is an additional floating piston, it’s not directly connected to any of the moving parts of the fork. It only moves once pneumatic pressure in the lowers is enough to overcome the seal friction. All the other moving seals are the factory seals from Fox or Rockshox. |
| How hard is it to service the Secus itself? | No special tools are required to service the Midstroke Support Valve or the IFP. Service procedures can be viewed on our website. |
| How often does the Secus itself need service? | We recommend servicing the Secus (cleaning and regreasing the MSV and IFP) every 200hrs, or approximately every 4 lower leg services if you’re keeping on top of your service intervals. |
| Where do I get seals for the Secus if I need them? | Seal kits are available on our webstore or from our dealers. We also publish specifications for all the o-rings it uses in case it’s easier for you to buy them locally. Spare footstud o-rings are included in the kit because these are the ones you’re likely to need first. |
| Is the Secus transferable from one fork to another? | Yes - you may need another footstud however, there are several variants. |
| Is the Secus installation process reversible - can I go back to stock if I want to? | Yes - no issues here. |
| Does the Secus alter the damping? | No - the spring and damper are physically and functionally separate components. This has no direct effect on the damper, so whatever damping characteristics you had before, you’ll still have after the Secus is installed. |
| Do I need to alter my damping settings or valving if I install the Secus? | Not necessarily - the average spring rate will actually be roughly the same as before, but the proportions change between early/mid/late travel. As a result, you’ll still need comparable amounts of rebound damping, and compression damping is largely based on personal preference regardless of spring curve. You may find you prefer slightly different damper settings with the Secus, but it doesn’trequire drastically different damping settings (unless your existing settings weren’t well suited for you anyway). |
| Should I also upgrade my damper to XYZ cartridge if I install the Secus? | You may prefer the performance of a better damper cartridge as well - however whether you upgrade your damper cartridge or not is actually a fairly separate concern to whether you install the Secus. |
| The Secus seems to fit a lot of different forks - does it have the same effect on all forks? | Yes, it has a similar effect on all forks - the extent to which it changes the spring characteristic decreases slightly as the fork’s internal volumes increase. Without overcomplicating things, this means it has a slightly larger effect on singlecrown forks (eg 32/34/36/Lyrik/Pike) than it does on dual crown forks such as the Boxxer or 40, however the improvement is marked even on dual crown forks. |
| Why don’t you publish graphs for all the forks the Secus can be fitted to? | Because there are simply too many variations to provide them for - even for one model of fork there are different travels, lower leg volumes by wheel size/year, volume spacer configurations, stanchion lengths, air spring shaft specifications, and then air spring pressure all affect the resulting spring curve slightly. However, the modern Fox and Rockshox forks are generally so similar in their spring characteristics that differentiating between them is basically splitting hairs. |
| Does the Secus work with MY2021 (C1) Rockshox Debonair updates? | No. The C1 sealhead effectively shortens the air shaft and reduces/eliminates the pneumatic topout control present in the B1/B2 air shaft assemblies. While the Secus can be physically attached to a C1 Debonair air shaft assembly, it will reduce your travel and may top out noticeably loudly. We strongly recommend replacing the C1 sealhead with a B1 sealhead. |
| Can I install a Luftkappe with this? | On Rockshox forks no. On Luftkappe-compatible Fox forks it's physically possible but it will not perform well. Use the stock air piston with the Secus instead. |
| Will this work with a Smashpot? | No |
| Do the lower leg bleed buttons continue to work? | Yes, continue to use the bleed buttons as per normal. |
| Do I want/need the Secus? | It’s an upgrade kit for performance-minded riders who want the best from their bike - you don’tneedit to go ride your bike and have fun, but it will improve your ride quality. |
| Will I even be able to tell the difference if I’m not very sensitive to suspension setup/behaviour? | You can feel a big difference just pushing on the fork in the parking lot. It’s not a subtle difference. |
| What is the Bananas in Pyjamas (BIP) sealhead? | The BIP sealhead is a replacement sealhead for Rockshox Debonair C1 type air shafts in the 35mm forks (Pike and Lyrik), it is the same as the B1/B2 type sealhead but better because it's black instead of red. Why is it called Bananas In Pyjamas? Here's why. |
Make a Good Fork a Great Fork
Introducing the Luftkappe air piston kit for:
- Fox 34, 36 & 38
- Rockshox Pike, Yari and Lyrik Solo Air forks
(compatibility below)
- Rockshox Zeb
Rockshox Pike, Yari and Lyrik Solo Air forks.
Taking everything we learned with the Corset air sleeves, the Luftkappe is a new air piston assembly for Rockshox's current generation Solo Air Pike, Yari and Lyrik forks. User installable and simple to set up, the Luftkappe transforms a good fork into a great fork.
Lower initial spring rate increasing sensitivity
Improved mid stroke support & control
Compatible with stock bottomless tokens
Superior bump compliance and traction
Reduced hand fatigue
Reduces required compression damping
Optional 10mm shaft clamps available for self-install
34 Evol: Upgrade low friction air piston assembly.
34 NA2: Upgrade low friction air piston assembly & upgrade low friction, low profile sealhead
36 Evol: Upgrade low friction air piston assembly.
36 NA: Upgrade low friction air piston assembly & upgrade topout spacer ring
| Dual Position Air (DPA) forks of any year | Not Compatible |
| Rockshox Pike / Revelation < 2014 | Not Compatible |
| Rockshox Pike / Revelation 2014 (Solo Air) all wheel sizes | LK - A1 |
| Rockshox Pike / Revelation 2015 (Solo Air) all wheel sizes | LK - A1 |
| Rockshox Pike / Revelation 2016 (Solo Air) all wheel sizes | LK - A1 |
| Rockshox Pike / Revelation 2017 (Solo Air) all wheel sizes | LK - A1 |
| Rockshox Pike / Revelation 2018 - Debonair ONLY - all wheel sizes | LK - A2 |
| Rockshox Pike / Revelation 2019 + (Debonair) all wheel sizes | In order to fit a Luftkappe to a MY2019+ Pike / Revelation, you will need to remove the MY2019+ air shaft assembly and retrofit the previous generation Solo Air spring shaft (available separately - not through our web store). Rockshox part numbers are as follows: For 2019+ Pike/Revelation of ANY wheel size, use Luftkappe A2 variant with: 11.4018.026.030 - Air Shaft Solo Air - PIKE B1/Revelation A1 (120mm 29/27) OR use Luftkappe A1 variant with: 11.4018.026.011 - Air Shaft Solo Air - PIKE (120mm 27.5) |
| Rockshox Lyrik / Yari < 2015 | Not Compatible |
| Rockshox Lyrik / Yari 2016 (Solo Air) all wheel sizes | LK - A1 |
| Rockshox Lyrik / Yari 2017 (Solo Air) all wheel sizes | LK - A1 |
| Rockshox Lyrik / Yari 2018 - Solo Air & Debonair - all wheel sizes | LK - A1 |
| Rockshox Lyrik / Yari 2019+ (Debonair) all wheel sizes | LK - A1 + Airshaft (Solo Air) In order to fit a Luftkappe to a MY2019+ fork, you will need to remove the MY2019+ air shaft assembly and retrofit the previous generation Solo Air spring shaft (available separately - not through our web store). Rockshox part numbers are as follows: 11.4018.026.001 - Air Shaft Solo Air - Lyrik/Yari(150mm) |
| Rockshox Boxxer | Not Compatible |
| Fox Talas forks | Not Compatible |
| Fox 32 | Not Compatible |
| Fox 34 <2016 | Not Compatible |
| Fox 34 2016 (Float NA2) - Performance & Factory Series - 120mm & lower | Need 2018 EVOL airshaft, use LK-34/38EVOL |
| Fox 34 2016 (Float NA2) - Performance & Factory Series - More than 130mm | LK-34NA |
| Fox 34 2017 (Float NA2) - Performance & Factory Series - More than 130mm | LK-34NA |
| Fox 34 2018+ (Float NA2 Evol) - Performance & Factory Series - 27.5" (all travels) and 29" (140mm and lower only) | LK-34/38EVOL |
| Fox 34 2018+ (Float NA2 Evol) - Performance & Factory Series - 29" (150mm and higher) | Not Compatible |
| Fox 36 <2015 | Not Compatible |
| Fox 36 2015 (Float NA) - Performance & Factory Series | LK-36NA |
| Fox 36 2016 (Float NA) - Performance & Factory Series | LK-36NA |
| Fox 36 2017 (Float NA) - Performance & Factory Series | LK-36NA |
| Fox 36 2018+ (Float NA2 Evol) - Performance & Factory Series | LK-36EVOL Note: If your MY2018 36 Evol tops out noticeably, you will need to replace your air shaft assembly before purchasing the Luftkappe. For 2019 onwards, Fox have updated this part due to the topout issues that many of the 2018 36 Evol forks had. 34 forks do not have this issue. Relevant Fox part numbers for the new air shaft assemblies, by travel: If your fork does not have noticeable top-out issues, you don't need to replace the shaft before installing the Luftkappe. |
| Fox 36 (Float NA2 Evol) E-bike Specific [SPD-PED-ELEC] | Note that this fork usually requires the 34 Float NA2 Evol Luftkappe due to its thicker stanchions having a smaller ID. |
| Fox 40 | Not Compatible |
| Fox Rhythm Series forks | Not Compatible |
| Marzocchi Z1 | Not Compatible |
| Fox 34 Stepcast (2019+) | LK-34/38EVOL |
| Fox 38 (2021+) | LK-34/38EVOL |
| Rockshox Zeb | LK-ZEB |
| How does it actually work? | It enlarges the negative air chamber to reduce the initial spring rate. This lets you run higher air pressure for more support in the middle and end of the stroke with improved sensitivity in the start of the stroke. |
| Does it work with MRP's Ramp Control cartridge? | ROCKSHOX FOX |
| Shouldn't I just buy a new fork instead? | Um, if you want, they're about the same price as the Luftkappe... give or take a factor of 10! |
| What parts does it actually replace in the air spring? | ROCKSHOX - It replaces only the plastic piston itself, and the foam topout bumper is removed but not replaced. You reuse your air shaft and seal head, as well as the piston bolt (except for 2018 Pikes, in which the piston bolt is replaced). The kit includes new seals for everything you may want to replace on that assembly (piston dynamic seals, piston bolt o-ring, dynamic shaft o-ring, seal head outer o-ring). FOX - It replaces the plastic piston itself, and the rubber topout bumper in the 34s is removed but not replaced (36 topout assembly is unchanged). You reuse your air shaft, though the 34NA2 kit comes with a replacement low friction, low profile sealhead comparable in size to the stock 2018 Evol sealhead. This is also why the NA2 kit is more expensive than the other two - it's basically a 2018 Factory update on top of a Luftkappe. |
| What about 2018 Debonair? Does that make the Luftkappe redundant? | For 2018, the Pike's Solo Air spring was updated to be more similar to the Lyrik/Yari, which had a larger negative chamber than the Pike. Lyrik/Yari were essentially unchanged except the shape of the topout bumper. All of them were given the "Debonair" name even though only one of them changed substantially. 2018 Pikes, Lyriks and Yaris benefit every bit as much from the Luftkappe as the previous generations. |
| What about 2019+ and 2021+ Debonair? Does that make the Luftkappe redundant? | For 2019, Rockshox introduced a second (B1) Debonair version, with an enlarged negative chamber. For 2021, they introduced a third (C1) Debonair version, with a smaller negative chamber. Neither of these had as large of a negative chamber as the Luftkappe, and neither of them are compatible with the Luftkappe - see the Compatibility tab for information. The B1 Debonair air shafts do work well with the Secus however! |
| Who is this NOT suited for? | The Luftkappe is outright superior to the stock air spring for nearly everyone, however there are a few cases where it might not be for you: |
Pinkbike:
"The Luftkappe's change to the feel of the Lyrik was immediately noticeable on the trail. Traction was increased across chatter and the fork remained higher in its travel and more stable, improving the dynamic ride height without sacrificing the top end. My confidence soared when hitting sections with a lot of chatter and mid to large-sized hits, and the result meant more comfort and speed through such sections."
"I just wanted to follow up and let you know the Luftkappe and Fractive tune on the fork are incredible. I have 3 rides on it now and have the settings almost all dialed. Things I’m noticing so far:
I’m a very happy customer! Thanks for the awesome service."
Steven Wiebe
"Just wanted to drop you a line to let you know how stoked I am about the Luftkappe. The improvement to my Pike RC 160mm has far exceeded my expectation. I was always stuffing around with air pressure and found too little psi gave reasonable small bump but to much dive and to much psi was just harsh everywhere. Now it's awesome!
Every mass-manufactured fork damper out there compromises on performance. Not because the engineers building them are incompetent (they aren't), but because they don't know you - the rider - and what your personal requirements are, so the fork has to cater to everybody.
With our exclusive Fractive Tuning Systems, you can send us your Fox fork and have us valve your Fit4 damper for exactly what you need. Or, you can access our expertise to allow you to install and tune our Fractive Fork Tuning Systems yourself.
• High performance compression piston for Fit4 dampers
• Vorsprung-exclusive Online Tune Calculator (below) to determine custom compression valving tailored to your preferences & requirements
• 3 position switch becomes true high speed compression (HSC) adjuster with little low-speed impact
• Low speed compression adjuster more usable than before - works in all HSC modes
• Support where you need it, compliance where you don't
• Allows for linear valving to improve support and adjustability without harshness
• Available for user-install
• Compatible with our Luftkappe air spring upgrade kits.
The calculator is for our Fractive kit for Fit4 dampers, with the 3 position mode selector and LSC adjuster as shown above. It will help you select from one of five compression damping tunes based on your requirements, and help you to truly understand exactly what the different valving configurations do to the fork.
Instructions:
1. Input your weight, ability level, and compliance preference.
2. The blue line will show you the recommended median setting for your fork.
3. By selecting the valving that most closely matches the red line with the blue line, you can be sure that you're maximising the useful adjustment range for yourself, and not having to run far too much or far too little low-speed bleed, that results in a dive-prone or overly harsh/dead feeling fork in order to get the level of support and compliance that you need.
Access the Vorsprung Suspension Tune Calculator by clicking the button
Compatible Fit4 3pos adjuster for reference.
| Compatible | Not Compatible | ||
| 32 Factory Series Fit4 forks, from 2016-19 |
| ||
| 34 Factory Series Fit4 forks, from 2016-19 | Any StepCast forks (32 or 34) | ||
| 36 Factory Series & Performance Elite Fit4 forks, from 2016-19 | 32, 34 or 36 Performance Series (P-S) forks with only the 3-position adjuster (no black low speed compression dial). | ||
| 40 Performance Series Elite Fit4 forks, from 2016-18 | Any Fit Grip or Grip2 forks | ||
| Any spring system in any of the above forks (Talas, Float or the 40 VAN) works fine as the spring system is in the left leg, this part is going in the right leg. | Any RC2-damped forks (36 or 40) with high and low speed compression dials | ||
| . | Any Rhythm forks | ||
| . | Any 2020+ Fit4 forks - these use a smaller damper shaft & a different compression piston. |
| Who it is for? | Riders who want improved support, compliance, grip and control from their Fit4-damped fork, without harshness or the blowing-through feel Riders who prioritise HSC adjustment and usable compression damping over lockouts and platform systems Riders serious about performance |
| Who is it not for? | If you want a lockout or a "pedal mode", this is not for you. The mode selector now becomes a high speed compression (HSC) adjuster and does NOT make a perceptible difference at low speed (ie bouncing on the fork) as its effect is very much separated from the LSC adjuster. It does however make a substantial difference at high speeds. If that would bother you, keep your stock damper. This will not turn your 100mm travel XC race bike into a 200mm DH bike. Sorry. |
10mm Shaft Clamps:
10mm Bullet Tool:
Roll Pin Press:
Fox NA2 luftkappe kit requires the:
Fox Evol 34mm and 36mm luftkappe kit requires the:
Rockshox Lyrik, Pike and Yari luftkappe kit requires the:
Vorsprung Secus requires the:
Things break, parts wear out, you want to change things up. In that case you need spare and replacement parts
Smashpot Springs:
Smashpot Topcaps and Spares:
Smashpot Foot Stud Nuts:
Secus Spare Parts:
We have more spare parts available for Vorsprung. Please click the 'Shop Vorsprung Spare Parts' button above to view.
