[electrik]

Not knowing much about it, many riders are terrorized by this bit of kit. Sometimes those shocks explode other times they won't. A little knowledge would help some people to feel less at the mercy of this expensive part. So.. what is the mystery.

Why don't all air shocks just bounce off a bottom-out bumper like a good ol' spring shock?

Any information about the general conditions required for shock explosion would be educational. :thumbsup:

 

[derby]

I've never heard of an air shock that literally exploded.

When someone says their shock, air or coil, "blew up", it is referring to a seal coming loose or wearing out and leaking oil. Air seals will eventually leak air and loose pressure during a ride, due to lack of maintenance.

 

[jeffscott]

Not knowing much about it, many riders are terrorized by this bit of kit. Sometimes those shocks explode other times they won't. A little knowledge would help some people to feel less at the mercy of this expensive part. So.. what is the mystery.

Why don't all air shocks just bounce off a bottom-out bumper like a good ol' spring shock?

Any information about the general conditions required for shock explosion would be educational. :thumbsup:

They leak they don't explode.

 

[keen]

Not knowing much about it, many riders are terrorized by this bit of kit.

You do fall into this small group - I never heard of a mtb air shock exploding,

 

[TNC]

All you MTB guys are uninformed. The dreaded exploding shock syndrome has been know for many years in the motorcycle world. Here's pictorial proof of the devastation that can be caused by an exploding shock. This shows why it's important to wear a cup and ballistic nylon pants when riding at all times.:lol:

 

[trailville]

Now if you mix an air shock/fork, with a carbon fiber frame, and a ghetto tubeless tire setup, your chances of exploding are so great that the dept of homeland security puts you on a watch list. If you also happen to be the drummer from Spinal Tap or a postal worker, your chances increase ten fold.

 

[d-bug]

An even bigger problem is when people "blow up" when pushing too hard on a climb.
What a mess.

 

[subliminalshiver]

Generally, as cyclists have unstable GI systems from eating either too much synthetic food, or too much cheap food, all restrooms within a .5 mile radius of cycling events get "blown up" pretty bad.

 

[mtnbiker72]

We did used to "blow up" Mag 10/20/21 forks by removing the c-clip and putting about 150 psi in them and put them in a bomb proof container (garbage can). That was how you could get them apart without the Rock Shox tool. :thuimbsup:

 

[Mtn-Rider]

You really shouldn't pump shocks and forks with propane.

 

[the-one1]

Fill it with a little diesel, pump it up as high as you can go, then compress it as hard and fast as you can.

 

[electrik]

:lol:

Yes, i meant, why do these things happen? Radicalism of the seals? Fundamentalist pressures inside the various chambers?

If it's only seals leaking... I guess this answers the question, however what would then be the easiest way to prevent a leak or "explosive" leak? Are particles getting in and ruining the sealing? Will the shock inevitably blow-out no matter how much regular maintenance?

I will not use propane or any other volatile hydrocarbon in the shock, promise. I learned my lesson lighting a chain on fire to help it dry faster..

 

[00sable]

An even bigger problem is when people "blow up" when pushing too hard on a climb.
What a mess.

I blew up on a steep 2.5 mile section of fire road 2 weeks ago. People are still having to hold their breath through that area. Come on rain.

 

[mtnbiker72]

You really shouldn't pump shocks and forks with propane.

Hydrogen...weight weenies love that stuff!

 

[TNC]

Hydrogen...weight weenies love that stuff!

Hydrogen!...OH Baby!:eekster: