Can I use a normal pump for forks?

carrera_vulcan

Hi,

I was wondering if I could use a normal pump that still shows the pressure instead of a shock pump?

Thanks

wordnumb

What pressure does the gauge on this normal pump go up to?

Raymondavalon

MTFU and invest in a shock pump, they are the right part for the job, small and portable so you can lug it along on the trail if need be
I recommend the Topeak unit, excellent quality for the price

TuckerUK

For low pressure shocks, yes. Might need an adapter/extender to be able to fit your normal pump though.

Clark3y

Can be done yeah, not the best tool for the job though as you will find out if and when you try it.

ride_whenever

I've got a brand new rockshox one from my revelations (i've got two or three now, so can part with one) pm me if you're interested.

Bar Shaker

You are never going to get the best out of your fork with a tyre pump.

Find or borrow £30 and set the fork up properly.

dan shard

Personally Id sayl no. The valve has a thread on it so getting it to seal will be tough, you normally have to put in the region of 100psi into it. Maybe tough with a normal pump designed for circa 30 psi ( I know road tyres are much higher before I get the comment) Particularly to get an accurate pressure

Try it, if it dont work theres our answer

carrera_vulcan

Thanks a lot to everyone!

cooldad

Shocks need high pressure but very low volumes. A track pump will easily do the pressure, but never be sensitive enough - shock pumps also have a release valve to let out small amounts of air.
£30 is crazy. Decent pumps around £15.

Rindle

I think most manufacturers advise against it because the volume is too big and you risk blowing the seals on the cartridge. Especially if you were to use a track pump.

Shock pumps aren't that expensive and you'll have it forever usefull thing to add to your tool kit and your gong to use it more than once or twice.

Shaggy_Dog

No

tri-sexual

cooldad wrote:

Shocks need high pressure but very low volumes. A track pump will easily do the pressure, but never be sensitive enough - shock pumps also have a release valve to let out small amounts of air.
£30 is crazy. Decent pumps around £15.

+1
use the right tool for the job
valve screws into place giving proper seal
lightweight and portable, flexible hose makes inflation easy, track pumps and other pumps dont really work, forks and rear shocks in particular require very high pressures.
not many pumps can do the pressure and they tend to have too much volume which can damage your fork/shock

getonyourbike

tri-sexual wrote:

cooldad wrote:

Shocks need high pressure but very low volumes. A track pump will easily do the pressure, but never be sensitive enough - shock pumps also have a release valve to let out small amounts of air.
£30 is crazy. Decent pumps around £15.

+1
use the right tool for the job
valve screws into place giving proper seal
lightweight and portable, flexible hose makes inflation easy, track pumps and other pumps dont really work, forks and rear shocks in particular require very high pressures.
not many pumps can do the pressure and they tend to have too much volume which can damage your fork/shock

even halfords make something that works well for £20

Philcho

This is the one i have although i now have two because of a recent fork purchase, haven't used the other yet but this topeak one is great for the price...
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/topeak-pocket-s ... ith-gauge/

Bar Shaker

Philco, that's the one I have.

It's perfect and when I took it out on my first rides for fine tuning, I didn't even notice it in my pocket.

hounslow

getonyourbike wrote:

tri-sexual wrote:

cooldad wrote:

Shocks need high pressure but very low volumes. A track pump will easily do the pressure, but never be sensitive enough - shock pumps also have a release valve to let out small amounts of air.
£30 is crazy. Decent pumps around £15.

+1
use the right tool for the job
valve screws into place giving proper seal
lightweight and portable, flexible hose makes inflation easy, track pumps and other pumps dont really work, forks and rear shocks in particular require very high pressures.
not many pumps can do the pressure and they tend to have too much volume which can damage your fork/shock

even halfords make something that works well for £20

that's because it's the same generic one that loads of companies rebrand.

dan shard

Ive got the halfords one. Works fine