11 Best Mountain Bike Shock Pumps (What Features They Should Have)


11 Best Mountain Bike Shock Pumps (What Features They Should Have)

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Shock pumps are very important to mountain bike enthusiasts, as they provide a pressure that is needed to consistently make the bike function properly. Shock pumps are also very important for riding a mountain bike, as they are used to ensure that the suspension of the bike is working properly. If the suspension is not working properly, this can result in a number of issues, such as sore muscles when the bike is ridden, as well as knee pain and stress, which can lead to injury.

Shock pumps are the best way to inflate mountain bike tires with air, and, therefore, are the best way to select the perfect shock pump for your needs. Today, I’ll be reviewing the “Air Boss” from Mountain Bike Basics , and, although it’s an exceptional pump, it’s not perfect. That’s why the “Air Boss” earns its 4th place ranking in my “Best mountain bike shock pumps” guide.

My two favorite mountain biking products are shock pump kits (the ones that come with the pumps to inflate your bike’s tires) and, more recently, shock pumps. It used to be that all the mountain bike shock pumps were of similar design, but that is no longer the case. Today, there are many different styles of mountain bike shock pumps on the market and many have different features. I’ve been researching the different types of mountain bike shock pumps for quite a while, and I wanted to share with you the “best” mountain bike shock pumps that are out there.

It’s essential to have your suspension set up correctly if you want to get the most out of your bike’s performance potential. Obtaining an accurate sag number is an important step in this process. Most contemporary mountain bike shocks need changing the air pressure inside the spring, which requires the use of a shock pump. Most shock pumps are intended to achieve up to 300psi without straining a muscle or breaking a seal, as opposed to a conventional tyre pump.

Shock pumps are usually included with the purchase of a full-suspension mountain bike or an aftermarket suspension system. However, we’ve lately seen a trend in which motorcycles no longer include them as part of the deal, so we decided to investigate which is the best.

Below, we look at 11 pumps to see what choices are available. Keep in mind that several of these pumps are made by the same company, and many of them have striking similarities — as shown by the main dimensions.

The overall use, comfort, and build quality of each pump were evaluated. In addition, we hired Brady Kappius to custom-build a high-accuracy inline gauge so that our testing would be reproducible. Our benchmark digital gauge has a 1 percent confirmed accuracy with this. Scroll down to our buyer’s guide for additional information on how a shock pump works and what features to look for.

Digital Shock Pump Syncros SP1.0

Syncros SP1.0 Digital shock pump

The Syncros SP1.0 Digital shock pump is the finest on the market. Regrettably, it’s also the most costly David. Immediate Media/Rome

The SP1.0 is the most costly of the bunch, but it’s also the best on test. The digital gauge is precise, and the angled shape makes it easy to handle.

Because the pump’s head uses a pin-drive system similar to the Topeak DXG (see below), threading on the valve and releasing the pressure pin takes two steps.

Bleeding pressure was also the best of the group, thanks to a dial that could be adjusted to your liking. Although the pump is very small, it is not light to bike with.

  • 120 strokes to 160 psi
  • Pressure gauge (at 160 psi actual): 160 psi
  • Weight: 274g
  • 231mm folded length
  • 195mm hose length
  • Price: £70 (US$110/AU$150).

High-pressure digital shock pump from RockShox

High Pressure Digital shock pump

The RockShox High Pressure Digital shock pump is somewhat less expensive but almost as excellent. Immediate Media/David Rome

This device, which is identical in design as Fox’s new digital pump, checks all the boxes for anybody looking for a bit more accuracy in their suspension setup.

The gauge proved to be comparable to the Syncros, but the price is lower due to a simpler and more familiar design.

Given that the Fox digital pump is identical, we suggest going with the one with the more appealing branding. Finally, the greatest news is that the batteries are changeable (unlike the old Fox digital pump).

  • 123 strokes to 160 psi
  • Pressure gauge (at 160 psi actual): 160 psi
  • Weight: 216g
  • 289mm folded length
  • 255mm hose length
  • The price is £50 / $70 / AU$120.

Shock pump by Birzman Zacoo Macht

mountain bike shock pump

The Birzman Zacoo Macht shock pump has us impressed for those looking for a pump to travel with and/or bike with. Immediate Media/David Rome

The Macht was designed to be a smaller, more travel-friendly version of Birzman’s Zacoo Salut. It’s the lightest on the test, weighing just 84g, which was an apparent trade-off while inflating shocks from the ground up. The hose length is the smallest on the test, at 70mm, so reaching certain rear shocks may be difficult.

The 1in gauge is surprisingly precise, and the countersunk bleed button hidden beneath it is a wonderful touch for such a little pump.

This one isn’t suitable for workshop usage, but it’s a fantastic choice for travel and riding.

  • 208 strokes to 160 psi
  • 155 psi gauge pressure (at 160 psi real)
  • Weight: 82g
  • 232mm folded length
  • 70mm hose length
  • The cost is £35 / $50 / AU$75.

DXG Topeak PocketShock

mountain bike shock pump

Digital isn’t your thing? Our next pick is the Topeak PocketShock DXG. Immediate Media/David Rome

The Topeak PocketShock DXG is obviously different from the more basic alternatives since it is lighter and has more functions. The Topeak utilizes a ‘Pressure-Rite’ connection for independent valve attachment and needle engagement, which may have been imitated by Syncros.

The PocketShock DXG is our first choice dial-gauge shock pump on test, weighing just 176g and featuring an easily read gauge that is near to perfect accuracy. The location of the bleed valve, which may be accidentally utilized, is our only significant complaint.

  • 131 strokes to 160 psi
  • 154 psi gauge pressure (at 160 psi real)
  • Weight: 176g
  • 206mm folded length
  • 145mm hose length
  • £28.00 / $46.00 / AU$70.00

Shock Drive by Lezyne

mountain bike shock pump

The Lezyne Shock Drive is a small travel/ride alternative that is only let down by its inline gauge, which is difficult to read properly. Immediate Media/David Rome

The Lezyne Shock Drive has been designed as a small and lightweight travel/ride shock pump, with a gleaming alloy structure. The most remarkable feature is its efficient inflation; nevertheless, the inline gauge may be difficult to read accurately, therefore we prefer the Birzman’s conventional dial gauge.

It’s just slightly heavier than the Birzman Zacoo Macht at 92g. This pump has obvious build quality and design consideration, even down to the hose that threads back into the handle to shut the pump when not in use.

  • 113 strokes to 160 psi
  • 150 psi gauge pressure (at 160 psi real)
  • Weight: 92g
  • 210mm folded length
  • 117mm hose length
  • Price: £28 (about $55 / AU$60).

600psi RockShox High Pressure

mountain bike shock pump

When the 300psi isn’t enough, the RockShox High Pressure 600psi is available. Just be aware that at lower pressures, the gauge may be difficult to read. Immediate Media/David Rome

This pump, designed to service the internals of RockShox rear shocks and inflate the newest Boxxer forks, has double the maximum pressure of the others we tested. We found it to be remarkably excellent at lower pressures, despite the fact that doubling the numbers in the same gauge space necessarily results in a loss of accuracy.

Although its 340mm folded length makes it one best left in the workshop, it clearly serves a function for those dealing with particular requirements.

  • Strokes to a pressure of 160 psi: 99
  • Pressure gauge (at 160 psi actual): 160 psi
  • Weight: 252g
  • 340mm folded length
  • 210mm hose length
  • The cost is £35 / $50 / AU$75.

Shock ‘n Roll Topeak

mountain bike shock pump

The Topeak Shock ‘n Roll is unusual in that it works as both a shock and a tyre pump. David Rome/Immediate Media

The Shock ‘n Roll is without a doubt a one-of-a-kind device, since it is the only dual-purpose shock and tyre pump on the market. The Presta-Schrader valve is less obvious, but twisting between the two-labeled positions is easy.

It’s an amazing combination of two pumps at 284g and 250mm length, particularly considering how many small tyre pumps don’t have a gauge. If you’re looking for two pumps in one, this is the only option. It’s also the only pump on the list with an under-bottle-cage mount, in case you want to bury it in muck.

However, most other shock pumps are more pleasant to operate at pressure, and if you don’t require the shock function, there are more efficient standalone tyre micro pumps out there for a lot less money.

  • 144 strokes to 160 psi
  • Actual pressure (at 160 psi): 158 psi
  • Weight: 284g
  • 250mm folded length
  • 215mm hose length
  • AU$120 / £60 / $90 / £60

RockShox High-Pressure Shock Pump (300psi)

mountain bike shock pump

The RockShox High Pressure 300psi shock pump is fairly basic, but it gets the job done. Immediate Media/David Rome

This RockShox High Pressure is a safe option if you’re looking for basic functionality. It’s just a newer, slightly updated version of the previous pumps. It proved to be effective in terms of inflation, as well as being precise and easy to use.

This one’s look is unmistakably similar to that of other branded choices, but that’s not always a negative thing if you can get it for a reasonable price.

  • 121 strokes to 160 psi
  • 157 psi gauge pressure (at 160 psi real)
  • Weight: 208g
  • 222mm folded length
  • 210mm hose length
  • £27.00 / $40.00 / AU$60.00

Shock pump by Birzman Zacoo Salut

mountain bike shock pump

The Birzman Zacoo Salut shock pump started off as one of our favorites, but a hose problem hampered it. Immediate Media/David Rome

This is one of the nicest-looking pumps on the test because of the polished metal structure. A big gauge is simple to read and has shown to be quite accurate.

It’s simple to utilize a unique zero-loss head, and the countersunk bleed valve prevents inadvertent usage. Following the digital pumps, this was a close second to the Topeak PocketShock DXG as our favorite, however our sample developed a stuck valve head that wouldn’t spin freely. Birzman would cover the fault under warranty, but we didn’t have the same issue with the others.

  • 136 strokes to 160 psi
  • 155 psi gauge pressure (at 160 psi real)
  • 184g in weight
  • 230mm folded length
  • 180mm hose length
  • Price: £40 (US$65) / AU$89 (UK).

Shock pump by DT Swiss

mountain bike shock pump

The DT Swiss shock pump’s head has several innovative features, but it wasn’t as easy to operate as others. Immediate Media/David Rome

From afar, this pump seems to be generic, yet it has a few characteristics that set it apart. The rubber-padded gauge may be removed with a simple twist, reducing the pump’s weight from 218g to 154g, making it more portable and compact.

The head also has a ‘Anti Air-Loss Coupler,’ but we had trouble getting it to function consistently.

It seems to be perfect for both workshop and travel usage, with such characteristics. However, we prefer a portable pump with a gauge, and this one is just mediocre in this format.

  • 126 strokes to 160 psi
  • Pressure gauge (at 160 psi actual): 160 psi
  • 218g in weight (154 without gauge)
  • 229mm folded length
  • 210mm hose length
  • The price is £40 / $50 / AU$55.

Shock pump by Fox (old)

mountain bike shock pump

Many people have used our old standby, the Fox shock pump. Just keep in mind that the gauges’ accuracy does deteriorate with age. Immediate Media/David Rome

This is a real classic, and one that many riders will recognize. We put one to the test out of curiosity, and discovered that as it gets older, the gauge accuracy drifts, which is consistent with what Josh Poertner says occurs over time.

Otherwise, it keeps pumping as it should, and many of its features haven’t altered in recent releases.

  • 132 strokes to 160 psi
  • 167 psi gauge pressure (at 160 psi real)
  • Weight: 208g
  • 240mm folded length
  • 190mm hose length
  • £17.00 / $25.00 / AU$34.00

Conclusion

Reduce your options to digital options for the most precise suspension inflation. The Syncros SP1.0 is our favorite, but it’s also the most costly. In light of this, the RockShox Digital or Fox Digital are excellent choices.

If you’re searching for a pump to keep in your riding pack, you should choose the Lezyne Shock Drive or the Birzman Zacoo Macht. We favor the Birzman because of its more accurate gauge, but the better-sealed Lezyne is preferable for starting from scratch when adjusting pressure.

If you’re simply looking for a general shock pump to achieve a close suspension setup, our testing has shown that the generic-appearing basic pumps from any of the major manufacturers are hard to go wrong with — they’re all the same. However, if we had to choose one, the Topeak Pocket Shock DXG performs flawlessly.

A shock pump’s components

Gauge

This is one of the most essential features of a shock pump since you’ll need to know how much pressure you’re applying to establish a baseline for adjustment. Of course, using the sag measurement – how much the suspension compresses with just your bodyweight on the bike – to set up your shocks is critical at first, but knowing how much air you’ll need to get there makes the process much more consistent.

Small gauges fall short in this situation because they are difficult to read, and the general size of the needle and print may result in an inaccuracy in required pressure. According to Brady Kappius, president of Kappius Components, “there will always be some variety in how the gauge is read from person to person.” “A digital gauge improves accuracy in this regard.”

The gauges on shock pumps are supposed to be accurate to within 3-5 percent, therefore it’s preferable to use the same shock pump every time for consistent results.

chock pump pressure gauge

How do you know whether the number on the gauge is 100? Immediate Media/David Rome

We spoke with Josh Poertner, the CEO of pump maker Silca, to discover more about the problems with gauge accuracy and precision.

He adds, “There is a highly non-linear connection between accuracy, precision, and cost.” “Accuracy and precision are not the same thing.

“I compare it to shooting darts: accuracy is how near you are to hitting the bullseye, so how close is 100psi to 100psi for a gauge? Precision refers to how consistent your darts are. If you always hit the 20 but can neatly cluster your darts, you’re not just inept, but also exact. Similarly, if you hit the target on the left, the bullseye on the right, and the bullseye on the left, your average accuracy would be excellent, but your precision would be poor.”

To avoid such problems, Poertner recommends using anything you purchase as a reference. “If it’s a shock pump, store one in a box and use it to adjust pressure every time,” he advises. “If you have a different shock pump with you on the trail, use it. Remember that all gauges, even digital ones, are susceptible to shock, vibration, and moisture damage, so keep your reference safe, clean, and dry.”

Body

The pump would be useless if it didn’t have a body. Look for a pump that has a pleasant grip and is made of a long-lasting substance. For weight, strength, and corrosion resistance, aluminum is a common option.

Handle

You’ll require a comfortable handle with such high pressures. Some pumps include a fold-out handle, while others have little to grip.

Hose

A flexible high-pressure hose is included with almost every shock pump. However, some frames have more restricted clearance than others, so a longer hose may be necessary.

Head of the valve

A Schrader valve is used in all of the shock pumps we evaluated (car valve). When the pump is removed, some people argue if air is released from the suspension or whether it’s simply air escaping from the pump. Pumps from Birzman, Syncros, Topeak, and DT Swiss, for example, have unique “no loss” valves, while others claim to have no air loss but don’t.

shock pump pressure gauge

We enlisted Kappius Components to custom-build an inline digital gauge to properly test these pumps. This one has a +/- 1% accuracy and reads 0-200psi. Immediate Media/David Rome

Bleeding device

If there’s too much air in your suspension, a bleed valve is essential for fine-tuning it. The Syncros takes a different approach than the rest of the pumps here, which include a simple button that lets you discharge bursts of air. The bleed valve’s location may be a pain, and some pumps have had their bleed valves accidentally released.

We used our inline gauge to inflate the identical Fox rear shock to 160psi (from completely compressed). We counted the number of strokes it took the pump to achieve this pressure. We also checked the pressure readout on each pump to that of our certified gauge many times. We’ve included pictures of each analogue gauge since there’s some variation in how they may be read.

Except for one, all of the pumps tested are rated for a maximum pressure of 300 psi (20 bar).

There are various types of mountain bike shocks, among them is the airless shock. The shock uses sealed air to compress the air inside the reservoir, then the air is used to inflate the airless. It is a kind of the airless shock that uses airless air. Read more about syncros sp1.0 digital shock pump and let us know what you think.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best mountain bike shock pump?

The best mountain bike shock pump is the Park Tool MT-2.

How do I choose a shock pump?

Shock pumps are used to inflate and deflate the tires on a bicycle. They come in different sizes and shapes, so it is important to find one that fits your bikes tire size.

Who makes the best MTB shocks?

The best MTB shocks are the ones that you can afford.

Related Tags

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  • best mountain bike shock pump
  • best shock pump 2017
  • best shock pump 2018
  • best mountain bike shock pump 2018
  • shock pump reviews

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