Mountain Biking - Air shock pumps ?

Well, my new Stumpjumper is in, and I plan to pick it up either Monday or Tuesday. This is my first bike with an air shock and i'm wondering if there are any specific shock pumps I should look at, or are they all basically the same?

Do the shocks need to be aired up before each ride, or do they maintain pressure pretty well? Also, should I expect to see some oil leakage at the fork seals, or should it stay completely dry there?

Thanks!

Anybody with air shock experience?

You shouldn't need to air the shock every ride. Air suspension does need to be checked up on every so often since some will slowly leak or so you will know if the air seals need to be replaced.

I've only had to check the pressure in my Headshox once in 3 years of use, while the Fox at the back of my bike I check every few weeks since it sometimes will be 10 psi off, so it is dependant on the shock you own.

Air shock low pressure pumps like those ny Fox, Marz,etc.. are basically the same. Get one that you get a good deal on and goes up 200 psi+

Air shock low pressure pumps like those ny Fox, Marz,etc.. are basically the same. Get one that you get a good deal on and goes up 200 psi+

Agreed, the only mistake you can make is to get a pump that doesn't cover the pressure range of your shock.

Air shock low pressure pumps

Aren't they actually low volume high pressure pumps??

Mine is actually a cane creek pump. I would agree that any brand is sufficient.

I can only speak for my fox float 80 but I check it about twice a month and it holds pressure fine. The only time I really use the air pump is to change up the pressure occasionally.

Aren't they actually low volume high pressure pumps??

Yup they are.


Mine is actually a cane creek pump. I would agree that any brand is sufficient.

I would have to agree as well. I currently have a RockShox pump that I picked up for about 30 bucks a year or two ago. Has several inches of hose on the end for hard to reach valves (good for rear suspension) and a nice little bleed off button for really dialing in the pressure.

I believe the Stumpy comes with the Fox Float 80RL. Do you have any oil leakage during aggresive rides at the seal area? I rode an Epic last weekend and noticed some oil leaking out of the right side? I was surprised to see leaking on basicallu a brand new bike?

I have an Epic with the Fox Float 80 rl

Never had a problem with leakage.

Mine's hard to get off the valve w/o losing some of the pressure.... But it's a nice one that goes to 220lbs. I think.

Aren't they actually low volume high pressure pumps??
Yup

Mine is actually a cane creek pump. I would agree that any brand is sufficient.
My Schwinn Airdriver and I agree with you

I can only speak for my fox float 80 but I check it about twice a month and it holds pressure fine. The only time I really use the air pump is to change up the pressure occasionally.I've never had an issue with my current Fox Float rear either (previous one had bad seals and was not representative of the brand)

Mine's hard to get off the valve w/o losing some of the pressure.... But it's a nice one that goes to 220lbs. I think.I learned that mine loses 20 PSI when I remove the nozzle so over shoot my goal by that amount. Mine goes to 300PSI

I'm not sure about your guys' pumps, but my pump (Cane Creek) doesn't lose any pressure upon removal...the schrader valve on the shock closes before the fitting on the pump comes unthreaded. The sound of escaping air is only that which was trapped in the hose part of the pump.

However, when you refit the pump, the shock shows a pressure loss because the filling of the hose increases the volume of the system. But I'm sure you both knew that anyway.

Gastro, you musta paid more for your pump than mine cost me ($14). I do like Raiyn stated, and over inflate mine so it will "fall" into the right range....

i checked and my pump loses almost nothing when i remove it from the valve. And if your talking about oil leakage from your fork wiper seals (things that the stanchion tubes slide against), if they are really leaking oil then they are seals in need of a replacement. I recommend Enduro Fork seals

Gastro, you musta paid more for your pump than mine cost me ($14). I do like Raiyn stated, and over inflate mine so it will "fall" into the right range....

The pump isn't really the important part...that info came out of the Progressive 5th Element owners' manual.

My 'Zocchi Z-150 SL's are 100% air forks. No oil, nor coils.... 1½ lbs. lighter....