Condensed Answer: A floor pump cannot be used effectively for pumping up shocks because it operates with a high volume/low-pressure cylinder and many models cannot even reach the high PSI needed by shocks. The result is inaccuracy and ineffective control of the air in the shock.
Can you pump up a shock with a tire pump?
A tire pump is designed to fill a large volume of air, to relatively low pressures, pretty quickly. You can technically fill a schrader valve tube using a shock pump , but because the volume of air for each repetition of the pump will be so low, it might take a week to fill the tire.
Can you use a normal pump for shocks?
A regular pump completely prevents the rider from accurately setting a shock because it transfers a lot of air and doesn’t have the bleed valve found on shock pumps. The bleed valve allows users to fine-tune the shock’s settings by incrementally removing air.
What can I use instead of a shock pump?
Hold the cap inverted on the valve stem and tap it with a finger to release pressure in small spurts . Use an Allen key to tap the valve stem if your air cap won’t do. Give your fork or shock a shove every so often to check for the correct pressure and stop when it feels close.
How do I pump my bike shocks?
How do I pump up my rear suspension?
Is shock pump different than tire pump?
A shock pump makes a seal with the valve stem before it actually opens the valve . This prevents air loss when you remove it. Due to the small volume of the air chamber in forks and shocks, the amount of air loss a normal tire pump would allow would be unacceptable.
How often should you use a shock pump?
Similar to tyre pressure, air sprung suspension pressures can diminish over time, so it’s best to give your forks and shocks a re-visit every 25-35 hours of ride time .
How do you inflate a mountain bike shock?
Can you use an air compressor to pump bike tires?
You can use an air compressor to fill a bike tire much faster than you can with a manual pump , but there are a few things you have to watch out for – especially if you are trying to air up the tires of your mountain bike at the gas station.
Do I need a special pump for rear shock?
cooldad wrote: Shocks need high pressure but very low volumes. A track pump will easily do the pressure, but never be sensitive enough – shock pumps also have a release valve to let out small amounts of air.
Do you need a shock pump MTB?
Getting the correct ‘sag figure’ is a vital step to set up your mountain bike suspension. For most modern mountain bike shocks (our mountain bike rear suspension systems guide sets out the differences) that means adjusting the air pressure inside the spring – and to do that you’ll need a shock pump .
How do you add air to shocks?
What PSI should my mountain bike shocks be?
What PSI should rear shocks be?
The exact PSI you end up with depends on how plush/firm you want the rear shock to be, but a good starting point is 1 psi for 1 lbs in weight of the rider (including riding gear).
Can you use a track pump for suspension?
Track pumps will do 100psi+ btw, as long as you’re heavy enough to push the pump . But to the OP, get a shock pump, or at least borrow one for initial set up. I imagine you’ll want to tweak the pressure when you’re going out at first though, so just using one at the LBS (for example) might not be enough.
How can I make my bike suspension softer?
What PSI should my bike suspension be?
Sag should be set to 15 – 20% of total fork travel
To achieve the best performance from your FOX suspension, adjust the air pressure to attain your proper sag setting. Sag is the amount your suspension compresses under your weight and riding gear. Sag range should be set to 15–20% of total fork travel.
How can I make my air suspension softer?
Soften dampers, especially in bump. Increase spring volume – add extra volume that works with spring. Interconnect springs (e.g. at the front, or at the back) Raise ride height to ensure bump stops not being impacted.
Do air shocks lose air?
The only way you can lose air from the system is if the shock pump seal or shock valve pin is damaged . Hair, dirt or damage to the pump head seal will allow air to creep out between the valve and pump head and lose pressure.
