MTB Pumps: Floor Pump & Shock Pump

MTB pumps: which pump for what?

For mountain biking, you usually need two pumps: a floor pump for the tyres and a shock pump for the fork and shock. At MTB-Raceshop, you will find floor pumps, a booster pump for tubeless installation, and shock pumps from Topeak and Öhlins.

Floor pump, booster, or shock pump?

Floor pump

For tyres at home. The Topeak JoeBlow Sport IIIpumps up to 11 bar, fits Presta, Schrader, and Dunlop valves with its pump head, and features a large 3-inch pressure gauge.

Booster for tubeless

The JoeBlow Boosterfirst fills a 1-litre pressure chamber and then releases the air in one go. This makes a tubeless tyre snap into the rim bead. After that, you pump it like a normal floor pump.

Shock pump

For forks and shocks: high pressure, low volume, precise gauge. The Topeak PocketShock Digitaland the Öhlins Factory Racing Pumpgo up to 300 psi.

Mini pump and CO2

For on the go: A mini pump is lightweight but requires many strokes. A CO2 cartridge fills the tyre in seconds but is empty after one use – for long rides, take both with you.

Valves and air pressure: what to look out for

• Presta (Sclaverand) is standard on MTBs, including tubeless valves. Forks and shocks have Schrader valves (car valves).
• You can find the permitted tyre pressure on the tyre sidewall. For fine-tuning, a digital pressure gauge like the Topeak SmartGauge D2Xis helpful.
• You should set your fork and shock according to sag and the manufacturer's table, always using the shock pump.
• You can find more pump tips on the Topeak brand page.

We can clarify which pressure and setup suit you best in our setup coaching in Dällikon.

Go to setup coaching

Frequently asked questions about MTB pumps

Which pump do I need for tubeless tyres?

Any floor pump is sufficient for topping up pressure. During installation, a tubeless tyre often requires a powerful blast of air to snap into the rim bead and seal. A booster pump like the Topeak JoeBlow Boosteris perfect for this. You can find rim tape, valves, and sealant under Tubeless.

Can I inflate forks and shocks with a floor pump?

That is not recommended. Suspension forks and shocks have a small air volume and require high pressures; even a few psi can change the handling. A shock pump with a precise gauge and a bleed button allows you to set the pressure accurately.

How much air pressure should I put in my MTB tyres?

That depends on rider weight, tyre width, rim, tubeless or tube, and terrain. Stay within the range printed on the tyre sidewall and experiment in small increments. A pressure gauge helps to hit the right pressure every time.

CO2 or mini pump for on the go?

CO2 is fast and lightweight, but the cartridge only lasts for one filling. A mini pump takes longer but can be used as often as needed. Many riders take both: CO2 for a quick tyre change, and the mini pump as a backup.