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Shock pumps for bikesThe SKS SAM Suspension Pump put to the test

Stefan Frey

 · 24.12.2023

The SAM is the compact shock pump from the German manufacturer SKS
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. Modern MTB air suspension requires precise tuning with a shock pump. We tested 13 models. Today: the SKS SAM.
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SKS SAM Damper pump - Equipment

The cheaper SKS pump is also made in Germany and has a robust metal cylinder, a pressure release wheel and the high-quality steel flex hose. Although the hose can be rotated 360 degrees compared to the USP, it is just as short at 105 millimetres. The hose is stored in the plastic handle for transport.

Compact but still quite heavy - the SAM is the touring alternative among the SKS pumpsPhoto: Stefan FreyCompact but still quite heavy - the SAM is the touring alternative among the SKS pumps

At 40 millimetres, the pressure gauge is also somewhat small. In addition, the psi display is also on the inside of the scale and has to be converted by a factor of 10 - cumbersome. The valve head of the SKS shock pump is long enough for lower valves and is equipped with a decoupler. At 278 grams, the SAM to the heavy pumps in the test. Like its big sister - the SKS USP (click here for the test) - it is also made in Germany.

The classic SKS Rennkompressor pump, also manufactured in Germany, is now available in a modernised version. Here you can find all the details about the reissued classic.

Handling

Although the knobbly plastic handle of the SAM is comfortable, it is difficult to find a good position with the other hand. This is due to the large cover over the hose connection, which gets in the way.

Unnecessary and always in the way: the cover over the hose interferes with the handlePhoto: Stefan FreyUnnecessary and always in the way: the cover over the hose interferes with the handle

The short steel flex hose does not make things any easier. If you forget to uncouple the valve head, the air shoots out of the fork or shock. The Sam has a large volume, which means that the suspension elements are filled quickly, but the manual force also rises sharply with increasing pressure. The easy-to-adjust release wheel of the shock pump is a positive feature. The hose holder in the handle is also cleverly designed. However, due to its size and weight, the SAM is more at home in the workshop than on tour.

The psi values on the tiny scale must be multiplied by 10. The release wheel works perfectly. When unscrewing the solid valve head, the decoupling should not be forgottenPhoto: Stefan FreyThe psi values on the tiny scale must be multiplied by 10. The release wheel works perfectly. When unscrewing the solid valve head, the decoupling should not be forgotten
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

In our measurements, the SAM is only about 2 psi off on average. However, due to its small pressure gauge, which also wastes a lot of space on the scale, the values are difficult to read accurately. The fact that the psi values for a damper pump are on the inside of the scale is also irritating.

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SKS SAM shock pump - details and price

  • Weight g 278
  • Display analogue / 40 mm diameter
  • Print area max. 360 psi
  • Pump / hose length 270 mm / 105 mm
  • Equipment Metal cylinder; plastic handle; steel flex hose; pressure loss protection; pressure release valve; hose lock
  • Price 44,95 Euro >> available here

Valuation at a glance

Deviation¹ 80 psi / psi per stroke 82 psi / 1.16 psi

The measuring accuracy is OK, but the readability of the manometer is poorPhoto: Stefan FreyThe measuring accuracy is OK, but the readability of the manometer is poor

Conclusion: SKS SAM shock pump

The cuddly handle of the inexpensive SKS fits well in the hand, but it's difficult to get a good grip on the front of the pressure gauge - the cover of the much too short, inflexible steel flex hose is in the way. In our measurement, the SAM is only 2 psi off, but the tiny scale is almost impossible to judge. In addition, the psi values are placed on the inside - unfavourable. The finely adjustable air release wheel and the large volume are good features. This means you can quickly reach the desired pressure. Don't forget to close the decoupling before unscrewing!

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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