shock pumps

Then all you need is a bit of sensitivity – and a good shock pump with a built-in pressure gauge. Accessories manufacturers such as Topeak, Cube/RFR and SKS offer models in different price ranges. So that you can easily access the valves on the fork and shock, the pumps are usually equipped with a flexible hose. The valve can be put on or taken off without air escaping from the chamber. The valves fit all common models, be they Rock Shox, Fox or Cane Creek. From simple standard devices to high-quality, ultra-light designer pumps with an elegant look, there is a variety of different models on the market. Most can be used up to a maximum pressure between 20 bar (290 PSI) and 22 bar (320 PSI). While you are pumping, you can precisely monitor the pressure development on the pressure gauge.

In addition to pressure gauges with analog dials, there are also devices with digital displays. A pressure reducing valve can be used to let out too much air in a well-dosed manner.

You can also take a small, lightweight pump with you on tours, possibly with an attachment option to the frame or a suitable protective cover. On particularly demanding routes, it sometimes makes sense to adjust the damper pressure to the surface beforehand. Because your weight is just one of the variables that you use as a guide when adjusting your fork and shock. For the home workshop it can also be a slightly larger, more robust model. For example, the professional shock pump from the German manufacturer SKS, which comes with various attachments, hoses and spare parts in a pretty storage box.

Your body, your backpack, your hydration system - part of the suspension travel is used to accommodate this extra weight. For the rest it depends on whether you are more in marathon mode or are racing downhill over hill and dale. Too much pressure is just as bad as too little - in one case your bike will jump and lose its grip, in the other it will shake you uncomfortably. Change the air pressure, rebound or compression stage carefully and in small steps until you have achieved the optimal driving experience for you. Rule of thumb: the less air you have in the chamber, the softer your suspension reacts.

A little tip: Make a note of the settings and measurements that you may have laboriously worked out to be suitable for different trails. You'll have even more fun driving here next time without having to try it out for a long time!

Two air pumps in your luggage may seem superfluous at first. And of course you can also try to inflate your tires with a normal shock pump. It's possible - but you'd better not plan anything else for the day. The small-volume special devices are designed for the fine adjustment of the spring elements, not for the large amounts of air in a bicycle tube. Most shock pumps are therefore not very suitable for filling your tires.

Exceptions are special combination pumps, for example the Shock'n Roll from Topeak. By simply turning the piston, you can switch between high and low air pressure, depending on where you need air. The sensitive pressure gauge provides exact information in both cases. There is also a pressure release button. At less than 300 grams, the pump on your MTB is hardly significant. For demanding riders, for example in competitions, we can clearly recommend the light and extremely elegant Shock'n Roll made of shiny aluminum.