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Shock pumps for bikesThe Lezyne Shock Drive put to the test

Stefan Frey

 · 16.12.2023

Lezyne's Shock Drive damper pump is also available in an analogue version
Photo: Stefan Frey

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Modern air suspension on MTBs requires precise tuning, which is not possible without a shock pump. But which pump really measures accurately? And are digital pumps better than analogue ones? In our test, we tested 13 current shock pumps and present them here one after the other. Today: the Lezyne Shock Drive.
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Lezyne Shock Drive - Equipment

Lezyne's analogue damper pump is very similar in design to the Digital Shock Drive. Elegant appearance, slim aluminium body, a hose wrapped in a protective braid and a cuddly aluminium handle into which the valve head is screwed for transport. The 36 mm pressure gauge is protected from impact by a plastic cover. The small pressure release button is less exposed in front of the pressure gauge. At just 170 grams, the Shock Drive is one of the lightest pumps in the test.

Lezyne's Shock Drive damper pump is also available in an analogue versionPhoto: Stefan FreyLezyne's Shock Drive damper pump is also available in an analogue version

Handling

We also liked the analogue damper pump a little better in terms of handling. It has a slightly larger knob that is easier to grip. The pressure gauge also serves as an abutment for the other hand when pumping.

The larger handle fits much better in the hand than the handle of the digital LezynePhoto: Stefan FreyThe larger handle fits much better in the hand than the handle of the digital Lezyne

The pressure release button is easy to adjust and is positioned in such a way that you can't just press it while pumping. The downside of the analogue Lezyne is the high operating forces at over 100 psi, the rather short valve head and the small pressure gauge. Because the scale goes up to 400 psi, the values between the 10 psi steps can hardly be read accurately.

With a diameter of 36 mm, the pressure gauge is somewhat small. The short valve head is identical to the digital pump and is not ideal for low-lying valves. Here too, the hose can be fixed to the handle.Photo: Stefan FreyWith a diameter of 36 mm, the pressure gauge is somewhat small. The short valve head is identical to the digital pump and is not ideal for low-lying valves. Here too, the hose can be fixed to the handle.
Everything you need to know about damper pumps, all the models we tested and a detailed explanation of our test procedure can be found in our overview article.

Measuring accuracy

Even if it is difficult to read intermediate values on the Lezyne, the values are still quite accurate in increments of ten. The deviation in our measurements is between 1 and 2 psi. We did not notice any loss of pressure when unscrewing the shock pump. When screwing it on, around 2 psi escapes into the pleasantly long hose of the Shock Drive.

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Lezyne Shock Drive - Details and price

  • Weight 170 g
  • Analogue display / 36 mm diameter
  • Pressure range 400 psi max.
  • Length / Length hose 260 mm / 173 mm
  • Equipment made entirely of aluminium; analogue display; hose lock on handle; 360 degree rotatable hose; drain valve
  • Price 54,95 Euro >> available here

Valuation at a glance

Deviation¹ 80 psi / psi per stroke 81.3 psi / 0.93 psi

Solid handling, but small and difficult to read pressure gaugePhoto: Stefan FreySolid handling, but small and difficult to read pressure gauge

Conclusion: The Lezyne Shock Drive in the test

Lezyne's analogue shock pump is very similar in design to the Digital Shock Drive. It is also completely CNC-machined and, apart from the hard plastic coating on the pressure gauge, is of very high quality. High-pressure shocks can also be filled with 400 psi. Even if the pressure gauge itself measures quite precisely, the small scale makes it difficult to read. With its significantly larger handle, the cheaper Lezyne is much easier to hold - the drain valve is also less exposed - but the pump still requires a lot of manual force from 100 psi.

Are you still looking for more clever tools? We have Swat tools and mini pumps tested and say which parts are worth the money.

¹ BIKE measured values; ²BIKE grade: The BIKE rating is based on the school grading system with grades 1 to 5

Stefan Frey

Stefan Frey is from Lower Bavaria and loves the mossy, loamy trails of the Bavarian Forest as much as the rugged rock of the Dolomites. For technical descents, he is prepared to tackle almost any ascent - under his own steam. As an accessories specialist, he is the first port of call for questions about equipment and add-on parts, while as head of copywriting he sweeps the language crumbs from the pages of the BIKE print editions.

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