Bicycle Mechanics - air shocks - how do i inflate them?

so i got this jamis dakar 29 with rock shox tora air. Don't have a shock pump and i've tried to use compressors at gas stations to fill in the shocks at the recommended pressure - 150PSI. Gas station compressors don't deliver this kind of pressure and none of the hand pumps i have tried worked either. I am currently in mozambique and have ordered a shock pump from the states but that will take a while. Two questions meanwhile:

1. If i don't mind the extra beating in my hands is it safe to ride with the shocks locked at all times? and by safe i mean safe for the shocks - i am just worried that if i go downhill on a trail and hit a few rocks the shocks will be ruined....

2. Is there any way i can improvise and get some air in the shocks with basic tools - regular pumps, compressors etc?

thanks,
c

Sorry, dude. You are really kind of stuck needing a shock pump. Gonna have to pony up and get one.

right - thought so. but how about riding with teh shocks locked all the times - that ok or should i just not touch the bike until i get the pump?

Don't ride with the shocks locked out. Most new shocks are designed with a blow-off valve so that if you hit a bump while its locked out the lockout will open up and allow the shock to move again. In which case you may bottom out your shock.

My floor pump can do 150psi. If there's anyone near you with one, perhaps you could borrow it.

Here are the specs for the 2007 Tora Solo Air:


Rider weight Shock PSI
<140 lbs 80-100
140-160 100-120
160-180 120-140
180-200 140-160
200 + 180+

A floor pump will not work. It has nothing to do with how much air it will push, altho the small psiton of a shock pump makes pushing high pressure easier. The head of a shock pump is made to release the valve of the shock with out leaking pressure in the process.