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Deflate shock for traveling?


jog5000

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Hi all.

 

I'm flying out of the country tomorrow, should I deflate my rear shock for the flight?

 

Scott Genius TC rear shock

 

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Interesting question. I have taken my bike on a plane on a number of occasions without deflating the shocks without any problems that I know of.

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Hmm, that sock runs at a very high pressure if I am not mistaken don't think you need to deflate but new personally I would just to be sure you don't end up with an explosion.

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Your rear shock experiences much higher pressure forces created during every day riding than those created in a non pressurised aircraft hold so its highly unlikely you will have any issues.

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Your shock is inflated to upwards of 10 bar relative to atmospheric pressure, and can go up to 22 - and that's just static load, nevermind when you're riding. Even in a total vacuum, that 10 bar would only increase to 11, so you'll be fine. Same with tyres.

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Yip, no need to deflate, unless the size of the box is the problem. Depending on who or what you fly with, the inside of the planes are kept at a constant "altitude" of between 2000-3000m. So no need at all. And plenty of riding at a similar altitude can be done at the same pressure in your shock.

 

I deflate my tires slightly, but that is only to be able to fit them in the Evoc bag. If you are running tubeless you don't want to end up with a mess on the other side with sealant on everything, so keep them above 1 bar at least to keep them seated

 

Just remember to squeeze your shampoo bottle before :D.

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Ya not l;ike paintball CF bottles ... 207bar/4500psi .. have to be empty on flights.

 

The altitude still won't make a difference. Those bottles are tested to about 3x working pressure, and even in a total vacuum the relative pressure will only increase by 1 bar.

 

However, if one of them is faulty and does explode for any other reason (terrorists, nutters or people with pointy sticks) there may be a small problem.

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Guest Omega Man

 

I deflate my tires slightly, but that is only to be able to fit them in the Evoc bag. If you are running tubeless you don't want to end up with a mess on the other side with sealant on everything, so keep them above 1 bar at least to keep them seated

 

Good tip that. You forgot the bit about taking less time to pump your tires when you get to the other side so you can get out on the trails quicker.

 

@ the OP. No you don't need to let the air out of your shock. And if you are taking co2 bombs don't have them in your carry on. And for the love of god don't call them bombs.

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I have flown over seas with Air rifles and no need to empty the air cyclinder in the rifle. those cylinders also run at 200Bar.

if it makes you feel better you could drop the preassure but i would not empty it out.

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Thanks guys for the replies.... I'm probably a bit more worried that when they scan my suitcase (frame has been stuffed into a suitcase, rear triangle removed) they'll see a big shock that will show up looking somewhat like a bomb, with cables coming off it!

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The altitude still won't make a difference. Those bottles are tested to about 3x working pressure, and even in a total vacuum the relative pressure will only increase by 1 bar.

 

However, if one of them is faulty and does explode for any other reason (terrorists, nutters or people with pointy sticks) there may be a small problem.

HAha,.. ye all i know is if they see it they ask you to empty it,and when i enquired why they said because of the high pressure.They gave me a choice of empty, leave bottle behind or no fly . ^_^

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HAha,.. ye all i know is if they see it they ask you to empty it,and when i enquired why they said because of the high pressure.They gave me a choice of empty, leave bottle behind or no fly . ^_^

eg;

 

Sub-Zero

 

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Old March 30th, 2013, 12:00 AM

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I know this might appear to be a complete necro, but this is very relevant in terms of today's national air travel standards.

 

I flew up to Durban last Friday using Mango Airlines.

At the check in, the young lady asked me if I was carrying any dangerous weapons in my check in luggage.

Obviously, since paintball markers are no longer classed as dangerous weapons, I said no.

I then looked at my wife, and asked her if I should declare my paintball equipment.... she nodded.

 

Ok, so I told the young lady at check in, that I was carrying a sporting goods item, called a paintball marker. She seemed to acknowledge that she understood what it was, and I assured her that I was not in possession of an air tank, because that can be a problem. Since I was intending on visiting Ryan (PoweredbyInk), and knew he had a spare tank for me to borrow.... I decided to leave my two tank at home.

She said it's fine, and that was the last of it.

Landed in Durban, played paintball, and enjoyed a holiday for a week.

 

Time to leave, and once again, get to check in.

Once again, Mango Airlines.

At the counter, I was asked if I had any dangerous goods in my luggage.

"No, but I have a paintball marker".

BIG F***ING MISTAKE

I had to explain to the check in girl that the marker is inert, and cannot harm anyone without its air source.

There was no air source, and therefore the marker is harmless.

No.... not buying it!

Supervisor comes along.

Same song and dance..... explaining how I cannot even access the marker, since it will be in the cargo hold, away from the passengers, and out of reach, and also, without a frickin air source!

How can this be dangerous?

 

Well, apparently, even plastic toy guns are not allowed in any part of the plane!

Seriously..... a plastic toy gun??

This includes anything that remotely resembles a gun.

So, items like a water pistol will not be allowed in your main luggage!

 

I explained and argued with them at check in for 20 minutes, until they decided we could try the "oversized luggage" section, where dodgy items are cleared for boarding.

 

Once again... the head of security there is a textbook case of autocracy.

No problem, I fully respect people obeying rules, but seriously, this is not a dangerous weapon, and honestly, does not look like a real firearm!

These monkeys though that it might.... and these monkeys are the same ones who would be scanning it via the X-Ray machine.

 

I asked for the security supervisor.... who was on leave.

Amazingly, the stand in security head phoned the supervisor, and I spoke to them while they were at home! LOL.

 

By this point, I was done arguing, and simply looking for a solution.

The supervisor said I could check it in as a firearm, and retireve it at my destination.... only problem is that only BA and SAA have firearm clearance as cargo, and SAA no longer fly from Durban to Cape Town.

"Send it via courier" they said....."NO.... I need it this Sunday! Team training for a tournament!".

 

Eventually, the supervisor said that the final decision rests on the shoulders of the airline you are flying with.... if they say its OK, then you can fly with it.

I go to Mango Airlines Guest Services counter, only to be met with the very same supervisor who told me that I could not fly with it in the first place.

This time, however, she seemed to have a totally different tune, and agreed to sign off that I could fly with it.

 

Singed a register, and they eventually allowed it on the plane in the main luggage.

Seriously??

 

For all of you flying with your paintball gear, you have three choices:

 

1: Take a chance, and simply don't declare it.... hopefully you will get away with it.

 

2: Make heavy prior arrangements!

 

3: Learn to make a strong case, and argue it like a criminal defense lawyer... like I did.... you may win your case.

 

Happy trails!

 

This could bode well for us in Cape Town, if the hot JHB teams try to fly down for a tourney, and have their kit confiscated... then we win by default!

LOL

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but ya that just markers

Edited by 2Nutz
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And for the love of god don't call them bombs.

 

Ya, that might land you in just a small amount of poo...

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