Can you use a bike pump for shocks?

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.

What’s the difference between a shock pump and tire pump?

A special shock pump is needed for properly adjusting an air shock. They inject a tiny amount of air into the chamber of a shock and increase the pressure to very high levels. A regular tire pump cannot complete this task. It will be inaccurate and will prevent you from adjusting the shock properly.

How do you inflate a shock without 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.

Can I use a tire pump for shocks?

Adapters aside, using a tire pump on your shocks can simply damage them – the goal of a pump that’s made for inflating tires is to move a lot of air with little pressure, while shock pumps do so the other way around.

Can you use a TYRE pump for shocks?

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.

What is shock 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.

Can I use TYRE pump for shocks?

Do you need a special pump for bike suspension?

Getting your suspension set up properly is vital to getting the most from your bike’s performance potential. One vital step in that is getting a correct sag figure. For most modern mountain bike shocks, that means adjusting the air pressure inside the spring – and to do that you’ll need a shock pump.