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Need to get a bunch of stuff in the back of the car tonight to head north. Probably a stupid question, but will it be ok to compress my forks down and strap them in place so I can stick the bike in upright? Only thing I can think of is that if I strap it over the bridge that might not be up to a load like that for an extended period. Can't be bothered letting the air out and having to get them back up to the right pressure at the other end!
Would you be happy to strap them down for 1 minute (ie is it OK taking the instantaneous load?) If so, then it seems unlikely to be a problem doing so for hours - certainly none of the metal structural bits will have a problem and as far as the internals are concerned all you're doing is increasing the air pressure a bit.
Yeah, they're Fox 36s so fairly burly. I'm 99% happy to do it but thought I'd consult the hive mind to ease the little voice in the back of my head that second guesses everything I do 😆
Just let the air out...
^^^^^
What Daffy said.
Actually I agree, just let the air out - how much trouble is that really?
It's not so much the hassle as that feeling you get of something not quite being right with the bike when you know something has been changed! Only got time for a quick blast tomorrow so don't want to be fettling suspension because my brain is being picky...
It's probably the more sensible idea though!
Just take the wheel off?
FFS, just let the air out then pump them back up to the same pressure.
just let the air out then pump them back up to the same pressure.
It probably won't be the same pressure now as was when you last pumped them up. It will take a couple of minutes V potentially damaging your forks. Time V Cost = PITA if you damage your forks.
Technically you are supposed to check air spring pressures before each ride as they leak over time (I know no one actually does). Strapping them down with air in will have way higher PSI (300+) acting on the seals for an extended duration. This will probably leak a bit leaving your forks not quite feeling right, which is exactly what you were trying to avoid!
I once did something like this, the strap failed, and the bike got wedged in the car. Just let the air out.
It probably won't be the same pressure now as was when you last pumped them up.
Only if you are incapable of using a shock pump correctly.
Only if you are incapable of using a shock pump correctly.
Do you pump your tyres up once and leave them until they need replacing?
On reflection, I'll just let the air out! Discovered I still have the pressure I last set them to noted on my phone anyway so should be easy enough...