Keeping Your Airbag in Good Shape

Anyone who loves mountain biking knows how important it is to keep your eyes on what matters, and that goes for your gear as well.

Keeping your stunt airbag in good shape is important for many reasons. Not only does ongoing maintenance help you spot and prevent damage, but it can also help prevent personal injuries due to wear and tear.

SIMPLE MAINTENANCE TIPS

EYES ON THE PRIZE – BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER SESSIONS

Gravity is the product of an aerospace expert, which means we understand the importance of frequent, thorough safety checks before takeoff and landing. Before you start each session and after you call it a day and wrap things up, give the bag a quick look-over. Pay special attention to areas such as seams, zippers, inflation ports, worn spots, and small tears.

LOOK FOR SMALL REPAIRS AND FIX THEM FAST

For minor issues, such as small punctures or tears, use the included repair kit to make immediate repairs. Prompt attention to minor damage helps prevent more extensive issues and prolongs the airbag's lifespan.

Our airbags are built to last, but a little ongoing care helps make a good thing even better for longer.

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR STUNT GEAR

At Gravity, we recommend cleaning your stunt airbag or ramp after each day of use. Muddy day? Dust everywhere? Go ahead and wipe off your ramp between jumps, and save the fun in the dirt for the trails themselves.

STEP 1: DEFLATE

Deflate the bag and then lay it flat.

STEP 2: REMOVE DEBRIS

Sweep off dirt and debris with a soft broom or brush.

STEP 3: WIPE-DOWN

Wipe it down with mild soap, water, and a soft cloth or sponge.

STEP 4: RINSE

Rinse it off. Focus on the spots that get hit the most, especially the landing area.

STEP 5: DRY

Once rinsed off, inflate the bag to help it dry faster. Let it stay up until it is actually dry, not mostly dry. Moisture hangs around in seams and folds longer, and it’s easy to miss it.

BEWARE OF MOLD!

Keeping your airbag or ramp fully dry before and during storage is crucial. If your inflatable stunt gear is improperly dried, you risk mold forming. Mold is bad for a number of reasons. Not only is it bad for your personal health, but it also risks damaging both the ramp and spreading beyond to your storage area.

Prevention is everything, but even if you discover mold, you might still have time to address it as long as you act promptly. Here are some simple steps to address a mold problem:

STEP 1: CLEAN THE AFFECTED AREA

Wipe down the area with a cleaning solution – a vinegar mix works well here: one part white vinegar, four parts water.

STEP 2: LET IT SIT & RINSE

First, let the solution sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Then rinse it off.

STEP 3: DRY AGAIN

Thoroughly dry the bag. This can be as simple as inflating the bag and put it in the sun to completely dry.

STEP 4: PROPERLY STORE

Cool, dry storage is vital. If your regional climate is more humid, check the bag a little more often and clean it regularly. Better yet, keep it in an air-conditioned space.

FAQs

Why does the top sheet matter?

One of the ingenious parts of Gravity airbags and ramps is our replaceable top sheet. We’ve designed our gear with this feature because we know it’s the most likely to take a beating. By making this part easily detachable and replaceable, you can continue to enjoy your bag for a much longer time, without a costly full replacement.

What is the bag made from?

Gravity uses professional-grade PVC, including a 0.55mm main bag body and a 0.9mm top sheet. That material setup is a big part of why our products feel sturdy session after session. It’s another reason that our bags are designed to last and why we encourage proper maintenance so much: busy backyard bikers deserve fun, durable equipment that lasts!

What other important things should I consider when choosing an airbag?

Our care and maintenance recommendations are the same for all airbag sizes, including custom builds. That said, knowing which one is right for you and your experience level can help you make the most of each session – even if that means more cleaning!

I actually need to fix my ramp, not just maintain it. … Help?

Even with the best care for something made from the best materials, life happens! Click here for more information about common maintenance issues and how to fix them. If you still have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out and enjoy our responsive customer service.