Choosing the Best Shock Pump: The Most Powerful Buying Guide You Need to Read!
Shock pumps are small but powerful, air pumps designed to fill low volumes of space with high air pressures. Mountain bikers and motorcyclists are aware of the importance of maintaining an optimal level of air pressure in their suspension forks and shock absorbers to avoid the bone-jarring effects of riding on rough and bumpy terrain.
However, when it comes to choosing the best shock pump to keep those suspensions and shocks performing at peak levels, they find themselves spoilt for choice by the sheer number of brands available out there.
In this article, we talk about ten of the top shock pump brands from a plethora of options currently available on the market. It goes without saying that our selection is based on key criteria like portability, durability, gauge accuracy, and precision.
Best choice
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Top 10 Best Shock Pump
1. RockShox High-Pressure Bicycle Shock Pump, 300 PSI Max
Manufactured by RockShox Inc., this low-volume, high-pressure shock pump is a highly recommended tool for all you mountain bike enthusiasts out there.
2. Rockshox Digital High-Pressure Bicycle Fork/Shock Pump, 300 PSI Max
Other than the fact that this RockShox pump comes with a digital gauge and a slightly different handle, almost everything else is identical to the RockShox pump discussed above.
3. ALPHA MOTO Air Shock Dual Pump 0~300psi & 0~110psi Compatible
Whether you are eating up the highway miles on a Harley Davidson, or enjoying the adrenaline rush as you hurtle down a dirt road on your mountain bike, loss of air suspension pressure should be the least of your worries if you happen to be carrying the ALPHA MOTO Air Shock Dual Pump. Ideally suited for all motorcycles, bicycles, and mountain bikes with air shocks, the ALPHA MOTO Air Shock Dual Pump is a reliable and indispensable tool for motorcyclists and bikers alike.
4. Bike Shock Pump for Mountain, MTB, Road Bikes and Motorcycle
The Pro Bike Tool 300 is a high-performance shock pump with a great build quality and packs some really cool features that facilitate easy operation and handling. It can be used for mountain bikes, road bikes, and motorcycles.
5. Progressive Suspension GP3-100 '0-100 PSI' Mini Gauge Pump
The Progressive Suspension GP 3-100 Mini is somewhat of a misnomer when you consider that it is larger than a number of other models that don’t have the suffix “mini” against their names. It is a fair bit lighter, though. Developed by Progressive Suspension, the GP 3-100 Mini is a useful piece of equipment for managing air pressure in suspension forks and air shocks. It is compatible with ATVs, utility vehicles, both street, and off-road motorcycles, scooters, and even snowmobiles and personal watercraft.
6. Fox Racing Shox Shock Pump 027-00-007
The Fox Racing 027-00-007 is a modest, yet effective, air shock pump with a maximum capacity of 150 psi. It is designed for use with Fox Float/II AirShox and allows for easy spring rate adjustments on the air sleeve. It features a thick and durable connector, which is flexible enough for unhindered maneuvering. It is also equipped with an air-pressure release valve to check the pressure build-up inside air-shocks and prevent it from going too far beyond the design limit of 150psi. With package dimensions measuring 10 x 2.8 x 2 inches, and weight as low as 3.2 ounces, the Fox Racing 027-00-007 offers a much sought after portability.
7. Venzo Bike Bicycle High Pressure Shock Pump -300 PSI Max
Equipped with a hi-tech LCD panel, the Venzo Mini can give digital readouts in psi, bars, and KG/CM². Its 6063 aluminium body, stainless steel head, and scratch-proof rubber sealing give it a decent enough build quality. It has a foldable hose and boasts a micro-adjustable 2-3psi air-bleeder. It tops out at 300 psi.
8. Beto High Pressure Shock Pump - (400 PSI Max) MTB Bike
The Beto 2 in 1 is a dual-purpose mini pump, equally suitable for pumping air into your suspension when in the 400psi high-pressure mode, as well as inflating your tire tube in the high volume mode. Some of the other features include an easy to maneuver swivel hose, a sturdy 24mm-diameter alloy barrel, an accurate industrial gauge with a 1-inch-diameter face, and a fine-tune air-bleeder button to ease out excess air from overfilling. The Beto 2-in-1 ships with a frame mount and a valve attachment that works with both Presta and Schrader valves.
9. GIYO High Pressure Shock Pump - 300 PSI Max
The GIYO high pressure is a pocket-friendly shock pump, with a maximum air pressure of 300psi. A whole metal body gives it a sturdy build quality and longevity. It is Schrader-compatible and comes with a scratch-proof sealed rubber system on the pump head. It is ideally suited for motorcycles and bicycles.
10. Syncros SP1.0 Digital Bicycle Shock Pump - 238612
The Syncros SP1.0 comes with an aluminium barrel and an ergonomically designed digital gauge, also encased in aluminium. It affords a maximum air pressure of 300psi. It packs a dual-step Schrader valve head, which is absolutely leak-proof. A 360-degree swivel hose allows for easy maneuverability, while it is composite handle offers a snug grip. A large digit display makes it easy to read.
What are the qualities you should look for in a shock pump if you want to buy the best there is?
In our quest to identify the top shock pump currently available on the market, we have managed to narrow down our search to ten pumps that deserve to be on the top ten list.
It’s time, now, to narrow it down some more, so that we can identify that one single pump that stands head and shoulders above the rest.
We shall base our decision on the following criteria.
Gauge Accuracy:
The smaller the gauge size, the less accurate it tends to be. In fact, gauge accuracy is dependent on a number of factors, such as design, quality of the internals, and calibration.
Air Hose:
Air hose quality is the second most important feature to look for in a best shock pump, as it is the conduit between the siphon and the air stun.
An air hose should ideally have good maneuverability to be able to siphon from different angles and should be long enough, as well, for easy siphoning.
The Head
The more adaptable the head the better the performance. A 360-degree swivel head is easier to connect to the valve than using one with lesser adaptability.
The Handle
A good handle is one that is well-padded, reasonable-sized, and made from a material that offers good friction between the hand and the handle.
Quality Of Material Used In Manufacturing
The best air shock pumps are made from aluminum, which provides the needed strength without adding too much weight.
Bleed Valve
An efficient bleed-valve is necessary to release extra pressure that comes from over-filling.
Top 10 Best Shock Pump Reviews
1. RockShox High-Pressure Bicycle Shock Pump (Industrial Gauge)
Let’s take a look at some of the main features of this RockShox product:
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#2. RockShox High-Pressure Bicycle Shock Pump (Digital Gauge)
Here they are again, along with the two changes:
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#3. ALPHA MOTO Air Shock Dual Pump
So, let’s take a look at what it has to offer you in terms of features and specs.
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#4. Pro Bike Tool 300
Here are some of its key features and specifications.
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#5. Progressive Suspension GP 3-100 Mini
Key features and specifications:
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#6. Fox Racing 027-00-007
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#7. Venzo Mini
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#8. Beto 2 in 1 Mini Pump
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#9. GIYO High Pressure
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#10. Syncros SP1.0 Digital Bicycle Shock Pump - 238612
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Some tips about the best Shock Pump that you have to know
You have bought a brand-new mountain bike, and you can't wait to take it out for a ride. But before you hop on to it, make sure that the shocks are adjusted as per your weight. Pressure-adjusted shocks make for a smoother and hence more enjoyable ride. In case of uneven terrain, they prevent fatal falls and accidents.
To adjust air pressure in bicycle shocks, you need a good shock pump. There are different types of shock pumps available out there and these are the factors you must before buying one:
Gauge
This tool's main task is to pump the required amount of pressure into the bicycle shocks, and you won't know the required amount unless you have a gauge to measure it. Here, small gauges will do you know good and hence, the right option is to get a shock pump with a large gauge.
Body
You cannot have a shock pump without a body. What you must look for in a shock pump's body is grip and material. Ensure that the shock pump's body offers a good grip and is not slippery in sweaty hands. As for material, it must be durable.
Tip: Choose a shock pump with an aluminum body as the material is durable without adding weight to the product, and it is corrosion-resistant.
Handle
You need a comfortable handle with any pump to operate it properly. A shock pump should be no different. Ultimately, what handle will be comfortable for you depends on your palm size, but there are certain basic characteristics that all comfortable handle must-have. The handle should have a "T" grip, and the length must belong. A short length handle makes it difficult to pump and the absence of a "T" grip makes it almost impossible to perform the pumping action. Additionally, if the handle has ergonomic grooves for a firm and comfortable grip, then all the better.
Hose
A hose in a shock pump is used to channel the air pressure into the bicycle shocks. A good hose will be flexible and made of good quality material. The flexibility ensures that you can pump air from any angle. You need good quality-built materials to make sure that the hose does not burst under pressure or that there is no leakage.
Note: You can get a shock pump hose separately and attach it to your shock pump. All shock pumps come with a hose, but if you are satisfied by its quality and flexibility, you can buy a separate one and use it with the shock pump.
Head
The head is the tool at the end of a hose that secures the pump to the bicycle's shock value. The perfect head of a shock pump must have two parts; the first part must fix the hose firmly into the bicycle shocks' valve, and the second part must seal it so that no air pressure escapes. There are different types of bicycle shock valves available and corresponding shock pump heads. Determine what type of shock valve your bicycle has before you buy a best shock pump.
Bleed valve
A bleed valve is a button usually located beside the gauge meter and it is used to release excess pressure. In pumping air pressure, you could pump more than necessary and the bleed valve releases this excess. The bleed valve, together with the pump, adjusts the air pressure in the bicycle shocks.
A bleed valve button must not be too firm or too sensitive. A firm bleed valve button is hard to press, causing discomfort, and you cannot control the air pressure release. A sensitive button can release too much pressure at the slightest touch.
Display
There are two types of display in a shock pump; an analog display and a digital display. Analog display is traditional. It is a dial, needle and the calibrations are in PSI or BAR. The needle moves and rests on a particular calibration mark to show the pressure measurement. A digital display is fairly new. It is battery operated and consists of a screen that shows the pressure measurement in PSI or BAR.
Tip: Opt for a shock pump that has a digital display as it is more accurate. There is a chance of human error while reading from an analog display, an error that is absent in digital display.
Frequently Asked Questions by Buyers
Most buyers confuse shock pumps with regular tire pumps. The confusion is understandable as both the type of pumps looks almost similar in design and function. Most of the buyers' questions stand on this confusion. The following answers will help to alleviate that doubt.
Q. Do I need a shock pump?
A. Yes, definitely. Shock pumps fine-tune your bicycle according to your weight for a smoother ride experience. And if you are into mountain biking, then it is a must-have tool for you. Riding a bike on mountain trails without adjusting your bicycle shocks makes you more susceptible to accidents.
Q. What is the difference between a shock pump and a tire pump?
A. A shock pump and a tire pump are two different tools for two different purposes. A tire pump aims to inflate tires, while a shock pump is used to inject air pressure in bicycle shocks to reduce jerk while riding.
Q. Can you use a tire pump in place of a shock pump and vice versa?
A. No. Using a tire pump to inject air pressure in a bicycle shock will simply damage it, and a shock pump will take ages to inflate a tire. A tire pump moves a lot of air with less pressure, while a shock pump moves less air with a lot of pressure. They are two fundamentally different tools for two very different fixes.
Q. Are all shock pumps the same?
A. No. There are differences among shock pumps based on gauge, display and type of head. Some shock pumps have less gauge range, while others have a wide gauge range. Some have analog display, while others have digital display. There are different types of shock valves in bicycles and consequently, different types of heads in shock pumps fit into those valves.
Conclusion
AND THE WINNER OF THE BEST SHOCK PUMP CROWN IS…. the ALPHA MOTO Air Shock Dual Pump, as it came closest to meeting all the prerequisites discussed above. If you want to know more about shock pump, click the link.
We have a article about the Best Lift Pump For Duramax, if you are in interest, read it.
