It’s new bike day, either you’re waiting for it to turn up, or you have it in your front room.

Whether you’re a seasoned rider wanting a reminder or a new cyclist who needs some help, we are here to support you. In that vein, we’ve written a few guides to get you started. It’s not meant to be a comprehensive guide, just to get you moving and comfortable on your new bike.

As always if we’ve missed something or if you need any further help, give us a call or an email on the contact form which you can find here and one of our team will be happy to help.

Continuing from our New Bike Guide, which you can find here. In these articles, we’re going to take a deep dive into some of the more important topics.

To adjust the pressure in your suspension forks or shock, you’ll need a shock pump—a specialized tool designed for high pressure and low volume. Unlike a regular bike pump, these can hit 300PSI with precision, usually accurate within a couple of percent.
Most come with an analogue gauge and a bleed valve for fine-tuning, while premium models feature digital readouts for extra accuracy. Our top picks? The ones with a two-stage valve prevent pressure loss when disconnecting, so you get the exact setting you dialed in.

Tried and tested to destruction in our Canterbury workshop, here are our top picks.

RockShox Shock Pump

If you walk into our shop this is the pump you'll likely leave with. The RockShox Shock Pump makes it easy. With a 300psi max pressure, accurate gauge, and bleed valve for micro-adjustments, you’ll get dialled-in performance without the guesswork. Sturdy, reliable, and built for RockShox air forks and shocks—because good suspension deserves better than a random puff of air.

Why should you buy it?

The best value shock pump that we do. It's a reliable pump, there are no frills and it'll keep you going for a long time. It's not the most accurate pump so some estimating is needed to fine tune.

Check out the Rockshox Shock Pump Here

Fox High-Pressure Fork & Shock Pump – 350psi

Some shocks need serious pressure. The Fox High-Pressure Pump delivers up to 350psi, perfect for modern air forks and shocks. The industrial-grade gauge and micro-bleed valve give you pinpoint accuracy, while the solid build means it won’t quit before your next big ride.

Why should you buy it?

Like the RockShox pump, this is Fox's more budget offering, it'll go up to 350psi so you can use it for your seat post. The ball end head is super easy to get around weird shock mounting.

Check out the Fox High Pressure Pump Here

Birzman Salut Shock Pump

If you like precision tuning, the Birzman Salut Shock Pump is your best mate. Built from CNC-machined alloy, it hits 300psi with a leak-proof Air-Lock valve and bleed button for small tweaks. Tough, lightweight, and always accurate—because suspension setup isn’t a guessing game.

Why should you buy it?

It looks good, works well and it'll look good in your tool kit. Birzman products are built to last and will look after you for a long time.

Check Out The Birzman Salut Shock Pump Here

RockShox Digital High-Pressure Fork/Shock Pump

Say goodbye to dodgy pressure readings. The RockShox Digital Shock Pump gives you pinpoint accuracy with a high-precision digital gauge and bleed valve for micro-adjustments. Built to handle 300psi, it’s the upgrade your suspension (and patience) will thank you for.

Why should you buy it?

Do you want to know exactly how much air is in your shock? Get a digital gauge. For the finest of fine-tuning. 

Check out the RockShox Digital High-Pressure Fork/Shock Pump Here

Topeak Pocket Shock Digital Pump

Compact but mighty, the Topeak Pocket Shock Digital Pump is perfect for trail-side tweaks and garage tuning. The digital gauge gives precise 300psi readings, the air-release button lets you fine-tune pressure, and the flexible hose makes valve access easy. Featuring the Pressure-Rite connector makes sure you don't lose any air when you're going high pressure.

Why should you buy it?

This is the pump we currently use in the workshop, the lock-off valve stops you from losing air when removing hoses which is particularly useful when topping up dropper posts.

It's got a nice clear digital display and the braided hose stops it from getting twisted and splitting. 

Check Out the Topeak Pocket Shock Digital Pump Here

These are the shock pumps we trust and use ourselves. Sure, there are cheaper options out there, but they’re rarely worth the hassle. Invest in a quality pump once, and you’ll never have to second-guess your suspension setup.