Run over EVERYTHING.
Experience phenomenal grip, control and sensitivity that you didn't know mountain bikes could even have, with the Smashpot - the bottomless fork coil spring conversion system for single crown enduro forks.
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. If you do not have the original parts, you may also need 'Travel Adjust Kit'. You will want more heat shrink for the cartridge tube, as it's installed after travel is set internally. CLICK HERE FOR SPARE PARTS.
More info can be found here: https://www.vorsprungsuspension.com/blogs/news/transfer-your-smashpot-to-another-fork-parts-required
Typical fork maximum permissible travels:
Rockshox:
Lyrik/Yari 27.5"/29" - 180mm
Pike/Revelation 27.5/29" - 160mm
Fox:
36 Float/Talas 27.5" - 180mm OR 160mm - call Fox with your serial number to check max travel prior to setting Smashpot to more than 160mm travel.
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:
Z1 2019+ 27.5" - 180mm
Z1 2019+ 29" - 170mm
I'm changing travel and I want to source heat shrink myself. What size do I need?
Spring:
2:1 singlewall polyolefin non-adhesive, with an initial (non-shrunk) diameter of 1.25" (32mm).
1.5" (38mm) initial diameter will also work.
Outer tube:
2:1 singlewall polyolefin non-adhesive, with an intital (non-shrunk) diameter of 3/4" (19.1mm)
I'm moving the Smashpot over to an entirely new fork - what parts do I need?
See this: https://www.vorsprungsuspension.com/blogs/news/transfer-your-smashpot-to-another-fork-parts-required
WARNING: VORSPRUNG products should be installed and serviced by a trained bicycle service technician, in accordance with both VORSPRUNG and original manufacturers' specifications. If you have any doubt whether or not you can properly service your suspension product, or you have not performed this kind of work before, then please DO NOT attempt it. Improperly serviced products can fail, causing the rider to lose control resulting in SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. That's not a joke. Don't mess around with it if you don't know what you're doing, because the best case scenario is usually that you damage something in the process. Do not perform any kind of service on your suspension whilst drunk, high or stupid. We accept no responsibility nor liability for component damage or failure of any description in the case of self-installed units.
INSTALLATION MANUAL - Fox / Marzocchi / Rockshox - DOWNLOAD PDF
Key Features
- Phenomenal sensitivity & bump-eating performance
- Consistent, predictable spring rate in all conditions
- Cuts fork friction roughly in half compared to an air fork
- Adjustable hydraulic bottom out control for the big hits
- Caters to rider weights from 45kg (100lbs) to 125kg (275lbs) with 10 coil spring rates
- Allows lighter riders to get the most use out of their forks
- Allows heavier riders the support they need without the harshness that comes with excessive air pressures
- Only coil conversion system on the market allowing up to 180mm travel (fork max travel permitting)
- Easily adjust your travel with internal spacers - no new parts required
- Unique Hydraulic Bottom-out System prevents harsh bottoming
- Can be transferred between different forks with minimal parts /cost
- Reliable and low maintenance, set and forget.
- Easy to install and easily serviceable
![](http://b2b.vorsprungsuspension.com/cdn/shop/files/0322_Vorsprung_RobPerry04_cropped.jpg?v=1689890718&width=1080)
![](http://b2b.vorsprungsuspension.com/cdn/shop/files/SP3.png?v=1645662903&width=1080)
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![](http://b2b.vorsprungsuspension.com/cdn/shop/files/coils.jpg?v=1615319716&width=1080)
Why Coil?
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.
Adjustable Hydraulic Bottom Out Control
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.
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Compatibility Checker
What's My Spring Rate
It is important to consider where/what you ride the majority of the time for the best recommendation. Each input is explained below.
Rider Weight: This is your weight fully kitted (including gear & pack). An approximation is fine. Use the toggle to switch between units.
Bike Weight: If you know roughly, great! If not, 33lbs/15kg for a regular bike, 50lbs/23kg for an e-bike. Use the toggle to switch between units.
Terrain Speed: This is a measure of the speeds naturally inherent to the terrain you ride. A moderate downslope with open corners will favour high speeds. Low angle, undulating terrain with a lot of pedalling, or persistent steeps, promotes low speeds.
Rider Level & Aggression: Your ability to attack any given trail, including corners, rough and slippery terrain, and steep sections at speed.
Strength to Weight Factor: We're not all Olympic athletes. Will an unexpected hard compression throw you off the bike? Can you handle a sustained beating down a 5 minute trail without taking a break?
Jump Size: Consider the size of the jumps you like to ride. Some comparisons:
Small - jumps up to a bike length long, drops up to 2ft.
Medium - Most table tops, small gaps, and less-than-head height drops. Think Crank It Up to A-Line.
Rampage - Big gaps, huge step downs, stuff that looks like it should be done on a moto. Red Bull Rampage, FEST Series events, Crabapple Hits, Dreamline, etc.
Preferred Feel: A compliant setup will give better bump sensitivity and be easier on the rider. A stiff setup will favour support but will be a bit more physically demanding on the rider.
Reviews
★★★★★Right now my bike is coil sprung front and rear and it's incredible. It’s heavy, for sure, but I prefer the gob-loads of traction, composure, and lack of faffing. And while the front weighs more than before, it actually strikes a more level balance...
Full review:
https://nsmb.com/articles/vorsprung-smashpot-coil-conversion-fox-36-reviewed/
AJ Barlas![]()
NSMB
★★★★★I am a huge fan of coil sprung forks due to their incredible ability to smooth out the chunk on the trail and the phenomenal front wheel traction they provide, and the Smashpot is no different.
Read the full article here:
Jared Erickson![]()
Worldwide Cyclery
![](http://b2b.vorsprungsuspension.com/cdn/shop/files/photo-by-_mattsylvestr-_7.jpg?v=1626205866&width=4800)
Learn
Smashpot or Secus? Let's compare...
Most mountain bike forks these days are air sprung, likely due to being easily adjustable and light, however the performance benefits of coil springsare clear, so why one and not the other- ‘Should I go for the Smashpot or the Secus?’
Heavier Riders & Fork Performance
While there are no exact definitions or thresholds to identify a ‘heavier rider’, riders weighing more than 90kg (200 pounds) are likely to suffer from underdamped compression, initial harshness, insufficient support through the mid/late travel, and/or excessive, sudden end-stroke ramp with standard air spring designs.
The Limitations of Air Springs
Most forks that come on mountain bikes these days are air sprung, likely due to being lighter and more adjustable when compared to a coil sprung fork. Air spring designs have improved over the years, however there are still compromises on their performance which we will cover below.