Shock Pumps

The threads on my ancient cheapo Fox shock pump wore out, so need a replacement and looking for recommendations. Are they all pretty much the same, or are there certain features to look for that makes some better than others? Did a little online research but can't really seem to tell much without actually using them. Thx in advance.

 

This is a pretty recent review article

http://www.bikeradar.com/us/mtb/gear/article/the-best-mountain-bike-shock-pumps-45707/

 

I prefer the pumps with the 2 stage valves. They seem to be way more accurate. I've had a lot of problems with the single stage valves bleeding off too much air when I go to unscrew them. Plus, when I did start having troubles with the 2 stage pump, I spent $2. at Osh on O-rings and rebuilt it myself.
http://www.jensonusa.com/Rav-X-Shock-X-Shock-Pump

 

I like the Bontrager dual-sided dial pump. Lets me be really accurate with the pressure.

On sale here: http://www.summitbicycles.com/product/bontrager-shock-pump-60638-1.htm

 

Cane creek zero loss pump was the best i have ever owned. Its soo good that my kids decided that its was better used as a ray gun and then lost it. But seriously, the ability to disengage the valve before disconnecting the pump was awesome. The hose is also high strength and braided and protected it from being pinched.

 

Only thing I have noticed that is important is a system that provides accurate psi measurement, and allows you to remove the pump after pumping up the fork that does not leak off the pressure in the fork.

 

I have the Leyzne digital shock floor pump. I love it, and does not lose air when you take off the valve.

 

Topeak DXG, no complaints...

 

I have a few of the generic Fox/Rockshox pumps. They all pump air...but all the gauges read different so I have no idea which one is accurate.

I just go by sag.

 

Thanks everyone. I thought all shock pump chucks had the design where the shrader valve was released/closed before completely unscrewing it, therefore there is no loss of air from the shock/fork. The pssst when unscrewing is from the compressed air in the pump hose releasing, not air from the shock/fork since the valve is already closed. That's the way my old one worked, hope that hasn't changed. But I guess a 2 stage or manual close off valve like some pointed out would make sure that was happening...

Thx Eric for the bikeradar article link, that helped understand some things to look for.

Danmtchl, that Leyzne looks great, but I just can't spend that much for a pump, too many bike parts to buy

The gauge accuracy... I've always set by sag or travel use, too, so it just has to be repeatable (that article called it precision, not necessarily accurate tho).... so I know what psi to pump it to next time using the same pump.

Anyone have experience with the Spindoctor (performance house brand) digital? Nice price and would be easy for my old eyes to see...

I think I've spent way too much time contemplating a shock pump, will pick one out tomorrow, after a ride I hope
Thx again

 

I haven't used it much in the last year or so, but I have the plain old vanilla Performance brand. It supposedly doesn't release air when disconnecting, and it's been reliable.

 

Not portable, but here's one to consider: http://www.jensonusa.com/Lezyne-Shock-Digital-Drive-Floor-Pump (basically a low volume floor pump)

Wonder how many bike shop wrenches don't know about this one. Can save a ton of time when it comes to shock inflation.

 

I have this pump and it is the best shock pump ever. I already mentioned it.

 

I had a manitou pump that gave away with my stumpy to the kid that got it from me as a gift, then got a fox pump.. but both are exactly the same, they even had the same quality control number/item number on the back of the gauge.... The guys at jensons told me they are generic the factory just changes the brand... Both works fine...they are under $30.

 

@knucklebuster I have a spare you can have. Either a Marzocchi or X-Fusion. The Marzocchi is nice 'cause it has a long chuck, that makes it much easier to put on and take off. Air bleed is minimal and predictable. Can't vouch for gauge accuracy, but it's all relative, once you have it where you want it.

 

Wow, thanks for the offer, but now I already got one

 

Just to close the loop, I ended up getting the Spindoctor Digital Aftershock (Performance bike house brand) ~$40. It's the same thing as the Fox and Rockshox digital with a different label. It works, and I can see the PSI easily
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1160450_-1___

 

Cool. How low does it go? Need a low PSI tire gauge that is accurate.

 

All the way to zero Well, pumping up an un-aired shock it starts at zero and goes up with every pump (in one half PSI increments to 100, then one PSI increments higher than that) but not sure of the accuracy at really low pressure, maybe as good as an analog? It is a schrader valve only, suppose you could use it with a presta adaptor...

 

So you can use a shock pump on both tires and shocks, but a basic floor pump only on tires??? Thank (insert favored deity) I have suspension only on my forks.

 

I guess you could use a shock pump to air up high volume tires. It might take you 2,547,489 pumps though. @scottay they make low pressure gauges for ATVs. Also motos. You want something with a 0-15/30 range for accuracy.

 

http://www.topeak.com/products/pumps/shocknroll

I bought this pump and its handy to keep around in your car or on the trail for emergencies, but I wouldn't buy it to use daily. Its sturdy , but it takes an ungodly amount of pumps to air up. Plus the switch between tire and shock can get loose and then vents pressure into the atmo.

 

I know the OP already got one, but thought I'd throw this one into the thread for others considering a shock pump:

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/ftb/pumps/floor-pumps/air-tool-uhp-floor-pump

Probably the last shock pump you'll need to buy to use at your home/shop.