air travel and suspension

tugger

Hi guys,

I am off to Spain in a few weeks and wondered if anyone has any experience as to whether it is necessary to let out air of suspension and shocks?

I am getting the impression that it isnt really but some people do to be on the safe side...?

Anyone with any knowledge greatly appreciated

nicklouse

totally unnecessary.

nferrar

Yeah not needed and I don't for tyres although I must confess I did for my shocks last time - more just slight peace of mind (although holds are pressurised they won't be identical to sea level) I figured it was much easier to inflate the shocks again at the destination rather than find replacement shocks. If I'd forgotten to though I wouldn't have panicked...

WhipIt

Passenger aircraft typically cruise at 30~40k feet, but the cargo holds are pressurised to an equivalent altitude of <8k feet (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabin_pressurization).

The pressure drop at 8k feet is ~3.8 PSI (http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/air-a ... d_462.html). This is like adding 3.8 PSI to your fork/tyres. Even at 40k feet it's only ~12 PSI.

3.8 PSI is not going to blow tyres or suspension unless they're already over-inflated!

The Rookie

Even if the hold was a perfect vacuum (going to the moon?) it would only add 14.7 psi to the guage pressure in suspension and tyres.

chez_m356

The Beginner wrote:

Even if the hold was a perfect vacuum (going to the moon?) it would only add 14.7 psi to the guage pressure in suspension and tyres.

has anyone else ever wondered, how he knows so much ?

Levi_501

We have talked this many a time.

Whilst I tend to agree with the above, I always drain the air out of tubes and suspension.

The Rookie

Thanks Chez.... I think!

Levi - stop being a wuss!