Which VSS Do I Need?
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Which VSS Do I Need?
Short answer: don't guess. The configurator tells you exactly which one, and sends you straight to it.
You don't need to understand nozzle sizing, shaft speeds, or air spring volumes to buy the right VSS. I built a configurator that handles all of it — it's the same reasoning I'd walk you through if you called me, just written into a form. Answer a few questions about your fork and it gives you the exact VSS model, the exact nozzle size, and a direct link to that exact configuration in the shop.
How to find your VSS
- Open the VSS Configurator
- Choose Simple or Advanced mode (more on that below)
- Answer the questions about your fork and your riding
- Hit Calculate — you get your VSS model and nozzle size
- Click the button in the result to land on that exact product and variant
- The VSS model for your fork
- Your nozzle size (SZ1 to SZ12)
- The OEM token colour and part number, so you can double-check you got the right one when the fork is open
- Whether to remove all your tokens or keep a couple alongside the VSS
- Any notes specific to your setup — light riders, GRIP2 VVC dampers, long travel, and so on
Every kit ships with three nozzles: the recommended one, plus one size smaller and one size larger. So you order the size the configurator gives you, and you still have room to fine-tune later if you want.
Simple or Advanced — which one should I use?
Simple mode asks for your fork brand, model, travel, body weight and riding style. Thirty seconds, no nerdy stuff. There's an e-bike toggle that accounts for the extra mass and speed. Use it if you don't know your fork pressure off the top of your head.
Advanced mode asks for your actual fork pressure, how many tokens you're running, your high-speed compression setting, and other things. It's more precise, because pressure is by far the most useful thing I can know about your setup.
If you've got a shock pump handy in your backpack, use Advanced. If not, Simple will get you a good starting point — and you can always come back later.
Will it fit my fork?
FOX — 34, 36, 38 and 40. NA-2 air springs only (2016 and newer). Not compatible with NA, TALAS, or 2-position systems.
RockShox — Lyrik, ZEB and BoXXer. Solo Air, DebonAir and DebonAir+ only. Not compatible with Dual Position Air or travel-adjustable air springs.
Marzocchi — Bomber Z1, Bomber Z2, Super Z and Bomber 58.
Pike, Yari, Domain, Revelation, SID and Reba aren't supported yet. If that's what you're running, get in touch — I want to know there's demand for it.
⚠ Before you order
Get your FOX 36 sub-model right.
This is the one people get wrong most often, and the wrong one won't fit. Gold Kashima stanchions means Elite/Factory (NA-2). A fork stamped "Performance Elite" is also NA-2, same token. Rhythm uses a different air spring entirely. And if you're on an e-bike, look closely — e-bike forks are often stamped "36E" and use a token that's nothing like the others. Don't assume based on how it looks.
Know your BoXXer's model year.
2023 and earlier is 35 mm stanchions; 2024 and newer is 38 mm. The configurator asks for the year for this reason. BoXXer also has to go through Advanced mode — it runs unusually high pressures because of its small air piston, so body weight alone isn't reliable.
Check the token colour before you install.
The result screen tells you which colour and part number your fork should have. When you pop the top cap off, confirm it matches. If it doesn't, you've got a different air spring than you thought — stop and message me before going further.
Don't stack tokens on top unless the configurator says you can.
The VSS replaces your existing volume spacers. Some setups have room for a couple of tokens alongside it, but plenty don't, and over-restricting the air chamber can damage the fork. The result screen tells you which case you're in.
Still not sure?
If your fork isn't in the list, if you're not certain which air spring you have, or if the result doesn't look right to you — just ask. I'd rather spend two minutes on a message than have you order the wrong part.
Email info@shockwaveparts.com or reach out on Instagram at @shockwavebike.
That's the whole buying process. Run the configurator, order what it gives you, and the next step is installing it — which takes about as long as swapping a regular volume spacer.